Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Food & Drink

This easy cranberry crostini recipe makes the perfect holiday appetizer

No one has to know how simple these are to make

By

Cranberry brie crostini
Lindsay Parrill / The Manual

The season of entertaining is upon us. It’s that time of year when invitations are sent out in the spirit of excited merriment and good intentions. We deck the halls and smile, thinking of how much fun that future event will be, friends and family, sparkling cocktails in hand, gushing over the gorgeous spread of delicious foods before them, each one a homemade testament to our superior hosting abilities.

Recommended Videos

But then the day arrives, and we find ourselves frantically googling “easy recipes for a crowd,” cursing ourselves for our naive optimism at having forgotten the stress that holiday entertaining can bring. That’s why we’re thankful for recipes like this one. Recipes that come together quickly and simply, and will impress everyone at your holiday party.

Related

This easy holiday appetizer combines deliciously creamy brie with the beautifully tart taste of fresh cranberries. The two flavors are fused together with a sweet vinegar punch, and topped on individual toasts, making for the perfect party dish. Not only is its flavor sinfully delicious, but it looks absolutely beautiful on a table, and comes together in just a few minutes with only a handful of ingredients.

This dish also works for any number of holiday gatherings, from an upscale Champagne brunch to a friendly neighborhood potluck and the fanciest of Thanksgiving tables. It’s delicious when served both warm and at room temperature, so there’s no need to worry about oven space or meticulous timing. Just set these little beauties out on the table and wait for them to disappear (but don’t forget to get one for yourself first!).

Cranberry brie crostini
Lindsay Parrill / The Manual

Cranberry crostini recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 French baguette, sliced 
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 4 ounces triple cream brie
  • Salt to taste

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the butter and olive oil.
  3. Brush both sides of the baguette slices with the butter mixture and arrange on one baking sheet in a single layer, seasoning with salt.
  4. In a medium-sized bowl, stir together the cranberries, vinegar, sugar, and rosemary. Pour the mixture onto the second baking sheet, spreading into a single layer.
  5. Bake both the cranberry mixture and the baguette slices for 7 to 10 minutes, until the cranberries have burst and the baguette slices are golden brown.
  6. While the baguette slices are still hot, spread the brie onto each piece, and top with the warm cranberry mixture.
  7. Top the crostini with lemon zest and serve warm.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Lindsay Parrill
Lindsay Parrill
Contributor
Lindsay is a graduate of California Culinary Academy, Le Cordon Bleu, San Francisco, from where she holds a degree in…
Chow down on these 10 crowd-pleasing Super Bowl recipes
Need an excuse to fire up the grill? Well, the Super Bowl and these corresponding recipes are pretty good reason to
Turkey neck gumbo.

The Super Bowl is mere days away, meaning if you don't have your snack and drinks game starling lineups, it's time to put them together. With the big game happening in New Orleans this year, we thought we'd go Bayou with some choice recipes. And firing up the grill is never a bad way to feed a hungry crowd, so we threw in some great BBQ options as well.

We've assembled a list of ten spectacular recipes that will please every member of the party. From dips to full-on dishes, it's all there. Better, we've hit up James Beard Award-winning pros for the recipes.

Read more
How to make the perfect iced Americano every time
Tips for the perfect iced americano
iced americano

The iced Americano is one of my go-to drink orders, especially when looking for an espresso to enjoy black. Made with just ice, cold water, and espresso, the iced Americano is a drink for true espresso lovers. While you can jazz it up with cream or sugar, it's strong, delicious, and bold.

But don't let the simple nature of this drink fool you into thinking the drink is easy to make. Although the steps are simple, the taste of your iced Americano depends entirely on the quality of your espresso shot. Here's what you need to know to make the best iced Americano.
How to make an iced Americano

Read more
7 classic tequila cocktail recipes that prove it’s more than just a party shot
Mixing a drink with tequila as the star? Here are the recipes you ought to make
Classic margarita cocktail with salty rim on wooden table with limes and drink utensils

To me, tequila always -- first and foremost -- calls to mind slammers. When I think about this spirit. I can almost taste the tequila, salt, lime, and regret. However, tequila needn't be only a party shot. In fact, it's a wonderful tool for any home bartender, as it can be mixed into a range of fruity, sour, or even savory drinks. My personal favorite is the Michelada, a savory tomato and beer-based cocktail that was a revelation the first time I tried it. It's like a funky, sharp, spicy version of a Bloody Mary, and it's an absolute pleasure to enjoy with tacos or other Mexican food.

But that's just the tip of the tequila cocktail iceberg. There are tons of beloved tequila drinks, from a classic margarita to a refreshing Paloma. Tequila goes well with sharp citrus fruits like lemon and lime and can be lengthened with fruit juices or sodas to be more sippable and less heavily boozy than in its shot form. It can also go well with more bitter flavors, if you're looking for something darker and moodier, such as a Negroni variation.

Read more