Mediterranean Balsamic Roasted Cranberry and Brie Crostini
This festive appetizer combines the tangy brightness of balsamic-roasted cranberries with the creamy richness of brie, all on a crisp, buttery crostini. It’s elegant enough for holiday gatherings yet simple enough for a casual dinner party. Sweet, tart, savory, and herbaceous flavors come together in every bite, making this crostini a Mediterranean-inspired crowd-pleaser.
Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 French baguette, sliced thinly
12 ounces fresh cranberries
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
4 ounces triple cream brie, sliced
Fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat oven: Set to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare crostini: Brush baguette slices with melted butter and olive oil. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until lightly golden and crisp.
Roast cranberries: On another baking sheet, toss cranberries with balsamic vinegar, sugar, and rosemary. Roast for 15–20 minutes, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens into a jammy consistency.
Assemble crostini: Place a slice of brie on each toasted baguette. Spoon roasted cranberry mixture on top.
Garnish & serve: Sprinkle with fresh thyme (if using) and serve warm.
Tips
Keep bread crispy: Toast the baguette just until golden. If it gets too hard, the crostini will be tough to bite into.
Assemble last minute: Add the brie and cranberries right before serving so the bread doesn’t get soggy.
Balance sweetness: If your cranberries taste too tart, stir in an extra teaspoon of sugar or drizzle a touch of honey over the top before serving.
Serve warm: Brie softens beautifully when slightly warm, so you can pop the assembled crostini back in the oven for 2–3 minutes to melt it slightly.
Variations
Cheese swaps: Use goat cheese, cream cheese, or manchego instead of brie for different flavor profiles.
Nutty crunch: Sprinkle with toasted pecans, walnuts, or pistachios for added texture.
Herbal twist: Replace rosemary with fresh sage or thyme for a different aromatic touch.
Fruity upgrade: Add a few pomegranate seeds or orange zest on top for extra color and brightness.
Make it savory: Skip the sugar when roasting cranberries and add a little balsamic glaze for a deeper, less sweet flavor.
Mini version: Use small crackers instead of baguette slices for bite-sized party appetizers.
Q&A
Q: Can I make the cranberry topping ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can roast the cranberries a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Reheat gently before assembling the crostini.
Q: What if I can’t find fresh cranberries?
A: You can use frozen cranberries without thawing—just add 2–3 extra minutes of roasting time.
Q: How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
A: Toast the bread until crisp and assemble just before serving. You can also spread a thin layer of brie first, which helps create a barrier against the cranberry topping.
Q: Can I serve this cold?
A: Yes, but it tastes best when the bread is crisp and the brie is slightly softened from the warm cranberry topping.
Q: What can I serve alongside this appetizer?
A: It pairs well with sparkling wine, Prosecco, or light Mediterranean salads for a festive spread.
Nutrition Facts
(per serving, based on ~12 crostini)
Calories: ~145
Protein: 3g
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 135mg
(Values will vary depending on bread thickness, cheese amount, and sugar adjustment.)
Final Conclusion
Mediterranean Balsamic Roasted Cranberry and Brie Crostini is a simple yet elegant appetizer that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. The crisp crostini base holds creamy brie and a jammy cranberry topping with fragrant rosemary and balsamic depth. It’s festive, easy to prepare, and customizable with toppings like nuts, herbs, or citrus zest. Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or when you want a beautiful appetizer that feels gourmet with minimal effort.