Ever wondered how to elevate your christmas appetizers game without sweating bullets in the kitchen? I hear you. I still remember last year’s frantic prep, juggling a stack of Christmas Party Food Appetizers, Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties and still hitting a wall. That’s when I stumbled on this simple, show-stopping crostini—cuz who doesn’t love a combo of gooey brie, tart cranberry, and crisp bread? FYI, this one will be a hit, IMO. 🙂
In this post, I’ll walk you through my go-to Holiday Party Appetizers pick: Festive Brie and Cranberry Crostini. I’ll share my secret hacks, talk about why these are the perfect Xmas Appetizers, and sprinkle in a few epic flavor-boosting tips. Whether you need last-minute Christmas Eve Appetizers or a standout dish for Christmas Dinner Appetizers, I’ve got your back. No snobby chef jargon here—just a friendly chat with a cup of cocoa in hand. Ready to make some magic? Let’s get to it!
Honestly, I love how these little toasts fit right into any Christmas Charcuterie Board spread, adding a pop of color and flavor. They fall under that sweet spot between Holiday Appetizers Easy and impressive, so you don’t look like you *didn’t* try, but you also didn’t spend days prepping. Can you relate? Sometimes I just want something quick but fancy—like luxe with minimal fuss.
These crostini also tick all the boxes for Christmas Appetizers Finger Foods or quick Christmas Snacks For Party guests to munch on while sipping mulled wine. Oh, and yes—it works if you’re on an all-star menu roll or just squeezing in one more treat. You’ll thank me later when everyone’s elbowing their way to your table for round two. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get you set up for a crowd-pleaser ride.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 8 ounces brie cheese, rind removed, sliced
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (fresh or jarred)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped walnuts or pomegranate seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so crostini don’t turn into a sticky mess.
- Arrange the baguette slices on the sheet. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper for extra crunch.
- Bake the slices for 8–10 minutes, or until golden-brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them—they burn faster than your holiday shopping budget.
- While the crostini cool for a minute, slice the brie into thin pieces. I remove a smidge of the rind, but you do you.
- Spread about 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce on each crostini. If you want a flavor twist, use homemade sauce with orange zest.
- Top each piece with a slice of brie. Pop them back in the oven for 3–4 minutes, just until the cheese starts to ooze.
- Drizzle honey over the warm crostini and sprinkle chopped rosemary (and walnuts or pomegranate seeds if you’re feeling extra fancy).
Variations
Mix things up by turning your crostini into an epic part of your Christmas Dinner Appetizers lineup. Swap brie for creamy goat cheese or a mild camembert for a tangy twist—I still get msgs asking for the camembert batch I made! You can even play with blue cheese if you dare. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes delivers a subtle heat that complements the tart cranberries perfectly.
If you crave more sweetness, add a dusting of cinnamon sugar or spread a spoonful of fig jam beneath your cheese. For an ultra-savory spin, top with prosciutto slivers, a sprinkle of fresh thyme, or crushed pistachios—ideal for Christmas Appetizers Finger Foods that stand out. Experimenting with flavors feels like a mini holiday adventure, and you’ll impress everyone at your party. No one will call these Holiday Appetizers Easy basic.
Serving & Tips
These Festive Brie and Cranberry Crostini shine on a Christmas Charcuterie Board spread. I like to arrange them in a circular pattern on a wooden board with clusters of grapes, nuts, and cured meats. The visual pop from the bright red cranberries and fresh rosemary makes your table look like a holiday postcard. Plus, guests can pick and choose from a full spectrum of Christmas Party Food Appetizers.
Wondering what to drink? Pair these crostini with a chilled glass of Prosecco or a warm mug of spiced cider. I once served these alongside mulled wine, and that combo made for instant holiday magic. The bubbles cut through the richness of the cheese, while the warm cider echoes the sweetness of the cranberries—truly a match made in winter wonderland.
Planning ahead? I got your back. You can slice and toast the baguette up to a day in advance—store them in an airtight container to preserve that crunch. Prep your cranberry sauce, honey drizzle, and chopped rosemary in small bowls the night before. When party time rolls around, you’ll just assemble and bake, saving precious minutes to mingle instead of slaving over the oven. Now that’s Holiday Appetizers Easy at its best.
Need to take these to a friend’s potluck or host at someone else’s place? Pack crostini and toppings separately. Re-heat the toasted bread for a minute in the oven, then assemble on-site—no soggy regrets. If your cranberry sauce thickens in the fridge, give it a quick stir and maybe a splash of orange juice, and you’re all set. Pro tip: bring extra rosemary for garnish touches once you arrive. Trust me, it makes a difference.
Final Thoughts
I keep coming back to these Festive Brie and Cranberry Crostini because they remind me of the first snowy Christmas I hosted. I was juggling so many dishes, yet these little toasts stole the show. Every time someone asked, “Where’d you get these?” I felt like a holiday superhero (cape not included). That memory alone keeps me on repeat with this recipe year after year.
If you love fuss-free recipes with max flavor—like a one-and-done Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties—this is your jam. I genuinely believe that the best party appetizers blend simple ingredients with big taste. These bites hit that sweet spot: no stress, no weird ingredients, just pure, festive yum.
So next time you plan your menu—be it a casual get-together or a formal Christmas Eve Appetizers soirée—add these Festive Brie and Cranberry Crostini to the lineup. Your guests will rave, and you’ll get to enjoy the party instead of hiding in the kitchen. Happy holidays and happy snacking!
Festive Brie and Cranberry Crostini
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Brush each baguette slice lightly with olive oil and sprinkle a dash of sea salt.
- Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until golden and crisp. Monitor them to avoid over‑browning.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan combine the cranberries, sugar, water, orange liqueur (if using) and half the orange zest. Simmer over medium heat for about 8 minutes until the cranberries burst and mixture thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and let the cranberry compote rest for 5 minutes so it thickens further and will cling better to the Brie.
- Place a slice of Brie on each toasted baguette round. Then spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cranberry topping onto each slice.
- Sprinkle the remaining orange zest over each crostini and finish with a pinch of chopped rosemary. Serve warm, or at room temperature if needed.
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQs
Can I make Festive Brie and Cranberry Crostini ahead of time?
You can prep most elements a day in advance: toast the baguette slices, mix the cranberry sauce, and chop herbs. Keep each component in separate airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready, assemble and bake just before serving. This method saves time, keeps crostini crisp, and gives you more moments to chat with guests instead of juggling pans.
How long will leftover crostini stay good?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Before enjoying, reheat in a 350°F oven for 3–5 minutes to revive the crisp texture and warm the cheese. Avoid microwaving, as it often makes the bread soggy and the cheese rubbery (and nobody wants that). Reheating oven-style preserves the original crunch and flavor.
Can I make these crostini vegan or dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap brie for a dairy-free alternative like cashew-based or almond-based “cheese” that melts well. Use pure cranberry preserves and vegan honey substitutes (like agave syrup) for that sticky-sweet finish. The rest of the ingredients are plant-based, so you’ll still nail a show-stopping dish without dairy. Vegan guests will appreciate the thought, and you get to keep the festive vibes rolling.
What’s the best drink pairing for these crostini?
I recommend bubbly beverages to balance the richness. Try Prosecco, Champagne, or a crisp Cava. For no-alcohol options, serve sparkling apple cider or ginger beer. The bubbles cut through the creamy cheese and complement the tart cranberries. If you prefer wine, a light-bodied Pinot Noir or a Gewürztraminer also works wonders, delivering fruity notes that highlight the holiday flavors.
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