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- 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch thick pieces - 200g Brie cheese, sliced into thin rounds - 1 cup fresh cranberries, rinsed - 1 medium tart apple, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith) - ½ cup granulated sugar - ¼ cup water - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish) - Olive oil, for drizzling - Salt and black pepper, to taste - Baking sheet - Medium saucepan - Knife and cutting board - Spoon for stirring - Measuring cups and spoons Each crostini contains approximately: - Calories: 120 - Protein: 4g - Fat: 7g - Carbohydrates: 12g - Fiber: 1g - Sugar: 3g These crostini offer a mix of flavors and textures. The creamy Brie pairs well with tart cranberries and sweet apples. Each bite is a burst of joy! Enjoy sharing this dish at your next gathering. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for toasting your crostini perfectly. A hot oven helps the bread turn golden and crisp. Next, grab your sliced baguette. Lay the pieces flat on a large baking sheet. Drizzle each slice with olive oil. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper for taste. Bake them in the oven for 10-12 minutes. Watch for them to turn golden brown and crispy. Now, let’s make the compote. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed cranberries, granulated sugar, water, and fresh lemon juice. Stir it occasionally over medium heat. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes. You want the cranberries to burst and thicken into a syrup. Once done, remove it from heat and mix in the diced apple and chopped rosemary. Let this cool a bit. Take your toasted crostini from the oven. Place a slice of Brie cheese on each piece. Pop the baking sheet back into the oven. Bake for another 3-5 minutes. Watch closely; you want the Brie to melt but not run off completely. Once the Brie melts, take the crostini out of the oven. Spoon the warm cranberry apple mixture over each piece of Brie. Let some of it spill over the sides for a nice look. To finish, sprinkle some extra chopped rosemary on top of each crostini. Serve them warm for a tasty, vibrant treat. These bites are sure to impress your guests with their flavor and color! To get the best crostini, start with a fresh baguette. Slice it into ½-inch thick pieces. This thickness ensures they get crispy but stay sturdy. Drizzle olive oil on each slice. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper. Toast them at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. A perfect crostini is crunchy on the outside and soft inside. You can mix things up by adding more herbs. Try thyme or sage for an earthy flavor. Just chop them finely and mix them into the cranberry apple compote. This adds depth and freshness. You can also sprinkle herbs on top of the finished crostini for extra color and flavor. Rosemary is a great choice since it pairs well with both Brie and apples. Pair these crostini with a nice white wine. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc works well. The acidity balances the rich Brie and sweet compote. If you prefer red wine, a light Pinot Noir is a good match. It complements the tartness of cranberries. Serve the wine chilled to enhance the flavors of your snack. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for the freshest cranberries and apples to enhance the flavors of your crostini. Fresh produce contributes to a brighter taste and better texture. Adjust Sweetness: Taste the cranberry apple compote before assembling. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, feel free to add more sugar gradually until it reaches your desired sweetness. Perfectly Melted Brie: Keep an eye on the Brie while it melts. You want it to be soft and slightly gooey, but not completely melted, to maintain structure on the crostini. Garnish for Flair: Enhance presentation by using additional rosemary or even some candied pecans on top. This not only adds visual appeal but also provides extra texture and flavor. {{image_4}} You can switch up the cheese for a new flavor. Try goat cheese for a tangy kick. Cream cheese gives a smooth texture, while sharp cheddar adds a nice bite. Each cheese brings its own charm to the crostini. Nuts or seeds can add crunch to your crostini. Chopped walnuts or pecans work well. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are great for a nut-free option. Just sprinkle them on top of the cranberry apple mix for extra texture. You can change the fruit with the seasons. In summer, use fresh peaches or strawberries. In fall, pears can add a sweet twist. Each fruit gives a different taste and keeps the crostini exciting throughout the year. To store leftover crostini, place them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. The bread may lose some crispness, but the flavors will still shine. If you want to keep the toppings separate, store the compote in a different container. This helps maintain the texture of the crostini. You can freeze the crostini for later use. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour until firm. Next, put the frozen crostini in a freezer bag or airtight container. They can last for up to three months. To enjoy, just reheat them in the oven. When you are ready to eat your crostini, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the crostini on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy. If you stored the compote, warm it in a small pot over low heat. Once everything is hot, assemble your crostini again, adding the compote on top. Enjoy the delicious flavors all over again! Yes, you can make the compote ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. This saves you time when preparing for your gathering. Just reheat it gently before serving. You can use Camembert or cream cheese as a substitute for Brie. These cheeses melt well and offer a creamy texture. If you want a stronger flavor, try goat cheese. Each option will add a unique taste to your crostini. Yes, you can use vegan cheese or cashew cheese as a substitute for Brie. Look for a brand that melts well. You can also make a cashew cream by blending soaked cashews with a bit of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free baguette slices. Many stores offer gluten-free bread options. Ensure that all other ingredients, like sugar and spices, are certified gluten-free to keep your dish safe for everyone. This blog covered all you need for tasty crostini. You learned about key ingredients, tools, and nutrition. I provided clear steps for making your dish, from preheating the oven to garnishing. Tips helped you perfect texture and flavor. Variations offered fun ideas to change things up. Finally, I shared helpful storage info and answered common questions. Enjoy making this dish! With these tips, you’ll impress any guest.

Cranberry Apple Brie Crostini

A delightful appetizer featuring toasted baguette topped with melted Brie cheese and a sweet-tart cranberry apple compote.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 baguette sliced into ½-inch thick pieces
  • 200 g Brie cheese, sliced into thin rounds
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries, rinsed
  • 1 medium tart apple, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith)
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.25 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • to taste Olive oil, for drizzling
  • to taste Salt and black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for toasting the crostini.
  • Toast the Baguette Slices: Arrange the sliced baguette pieces in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Drizzle each piece lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and toast for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the crostini are golden brown and crispy.
  • Prepare the Cranberry Apple Compote: In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine the rinsed cranberries, granulated sugar, water, and lemon juice. Stir the mixture occasionally as it comes to a simmer. Continue cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens to a syrupy consistency. Once ready, remove from heat and gently stir in the diced apple and chopped rosemary. Allow the compote to cool slightly while you prepare the next step.
  • Melt the Brie: Take the toasted crostini from the oven and place a slice of Brie cheese on top of each piece. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or just until the Brie begins to soften and melt, but is not completely runny.
  • Assemble the Crostini: Once the Brie is melted, remove the crostini from the oven. Carefully spoon a generous amount of the cranberry apple mixture over each piece of Brie, allowing some to cascade down the sides.
  • Garnish and Serve: Finish each crostini by garnishing with a sprinkle of additional chopped rosemary. Serve these delightful treats warm and enjoy the burst of flavors!

Notes

Arrange the crostini on a wooden or decorative platter, with a small bowl of the remaining cranberry apple mixture on the side for guests to top their own.
Keyword appetizer, apple, Brie, cranberry, crostini