Cranberry Brie Crostini with Thyme

Elevate your appetizer game with these irresistible Cranberry Brie Crostini with Thyme – a perfect symphony of flavors and textures that feels utterly luxurious yet comes together in a flash. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant party bite, featuring crispy toasted baguette rounds topped with warm, gooey brie, bright and tangy cranberry sauce, and a fragrant whisper of fresh thyme. It’s the ultimate combination of sweet, savory, and creamy, making it an ideal choice for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or a sophisticated snack. Prepare to impress your guests with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness!

Detailed Ingredients

For the Crostini Base:

• 1 French baguette: Sliced into ½-inch thick rounds (yields approximately 20-24 slices).
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter: For brushing the baguette slices.

For the Topping:

• 8 ounces (225g) brie cheese: Good quality brie, rind left on, sliced into pieces appropriate for the baguette rounds.
• ½ cup cranberry sauce: Homemade or good quality store-bought (whole berry or jellied, depending on preference).
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves: Plus extra sprigs or leaves for garnish.

Optional Enhancements:

• Drizzle of honey: For added sweetness and a beautiful sheen.
• Drizzle of balsamic glaze: For a tangy, sophisticated finish.

Equipment:

• Baking sheet
• Pastry brush (optional, for oil/butter)
• Small spoon (for cranberry sauce)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Toast the Crostini:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
   • Lightly brush the top of each baguette slice with olive oil or melted butter.
   • Bake for 6-8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the bread is crisp. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
   • Remove the baking sheet from the oven.
2. Add the Brie:
   • Place one slice of brie cheese on top of each toasted baguette round.
   • Return the baking sheet to the oven for an additional 3-4 minutes, or just until the brie cheese begins to soften and melt, becoming warm and gooey. You don’t want it to completely melt off the crostini.
   • Remove from the oven.
3. Top & Garnish:
   • Immediately after removing from the oven, spoon a small amount of cranberry sauce (about ½ to 1 teaspoon) onto the melted brie on each crostini.
   • Sprinkle generously with fresh thyme leaves.
   • If desired, finish with a delicate drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness, or a balsamic glaze for a tangy, sophisticated note.
4. Serve Immediately:
   • Arrange the finished Cranberry Brie Crostini on a serving platter.
   • Enjoy warm, while the cheese is still perfectly melted and the crostini are crisp.

Tips, Variations, and Storage

• Bread Freshness: Use a fresh baguette for the best results. Stale bread can be too hard once toasted.
• Cheese Alternatives: Camembert or even a creamy goat cheese (chevre) could be lovely alternatives to brie.
• Cranberry Sauce: If using store-bought, a whole berry cranberry sauce often provides a nicer texture than smooth jellied. You can also quickly warm homemade cranberry sauce for easier spooning.
• Herb Swaps: Rosemary or finely chopped sage could be used instead of thyme, offering different aromatic profiles.
• Sweet Touch: A tiny sprinkle of brown sugar over the brie before melting can add another layer of caramelized sweetness.
• Nutty Crunch: A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top would add a wonderful textural contrast.
• Make Ahead (Partial): You can slice and toast the baguette rounds a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The cranberry sauce can also be prepared or portioned ahead. Assemble and bake just before serving for optimal warmth and crispness.
• Storage: Crostini are best enjoyed fresh. Leftovers will lose their crispness and the cheese may harden.

Pairings

• Wine: A crisp Prosecco, a light-bodied Pinot Noir, or a dry rosé would complement these appetizers beautifully.
• Cocktails: Pair with a sparkling cocktail like a French 75 or a cranberry-infused spritzer.
• Other Appetizers: Serve alongside other festive bites such as a cheese board, charcuterie, or a simple green olive tapenade.

Quick Info

Cuisine: French / American (Appetizer)

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

Total Time: 20-22 minutes

Makes: Approximately 20 crostini