Festive Brie and Cranberry Crostini: Delightful Christmas Appetizers for Your Holiday Spread

If you’re hunting for show-stopping christmas appetizers this season, you just hit the jackpot. I whipped up these Festive Brie and Cranberry Crostini last Christmas Eve when my friends demanded something fancier than plain chips and dip. Trust me, they practically vanished off the platter before I could say “Christmas Party Food Appetizers.”

Ever wondered why crostini always steal the spotlight at holiday gatherings? They pack all those rich, tangy flavors of Brie and cranberry into a perfect little bite—no messy forks, no awkward balancing acts. Plus, they fit right on a Christmas Charcuterie Board alongside meats, cheeses, and olives. FYI, these beauties double as excellent Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties and even make tasty Christmas Dinner Appetizers if you’re feeling extra fancy.

IMO, the best part about these crostini is how insanely easy they are—totally counts as Holiday Appetizers Easy. Whether you call them Xmas Appetizers or simply Holiday Party Appetizers, they scream festive without drowning you in last-minute prep stress. Ready to impress? Let’s get this party started! 🙂

Ingredients

Gather these simple, fresh ingredients to build your mini masterpieces. This list covers everything you need for about 24 crostini—just the right amount for small to medium gatherings.

• 1 French baguette, sliced into 24 thin rounds
• 8 ounces Brie cheese, rind removed and sliced
• 1 cup fresh or thawed cranberries
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons orange liqueur (optional but awesome)
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• Olive oil for brushing
• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Heat your 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.
2. Toast the Crostini: Arrange the slices in a single layer. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until golden and crisp. Keep an eye on them—nobody likes charred Christmas Snacks For Party by accident.
3. Make the Cranberry Topping: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, orange liqueur, and half the orange zest. Simmer on medium heat for 8 minutes until the berries burst and thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Cool Slightly: Let the cranberry mixture rest for 5 minutes. This step helps the sauce cling to the Brie instead of sliding right off.
5. Assemble the Crostini: Place a slice of Brie on each toasted baguette round. Spoon about a teaspoon of cranberry compote on top.
6. Add Fresh Zest: Sprinkle the remaining orange zest over each crostini for a bright citrus kick. This little touch makes them pop on any Christmas Eve Appetizers spread.
7. Garnish: Finish with a pinch of chopped rosemary. It adds a festive flair and an herby aroma that cheers up your taste buds.
8. Serve Warm: Arrange the crostini on your platter. They taste best warm, but you can also serve them at room temperature for easy Christmas Appetizers Finger Foods service.
9. Storage Tip: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F for 5 minutes to revive the crispiness.
10. Enjoy: Watch your guests’ faces light up when they take that first bite. Seriously, it’s like Christmas magic in miniature form.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are a few twists that keep things interesting:

• Pecan Crunch: Add a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans for extra crunch and a nutty note.
• Spicy Twist: Stir a pinch of red pepper flakes into the cranberry sauce for a subtle heat that contrasts the creamy Brie.
• Herb Swap: Swap rosemary for fresh thyme or sage to complement different flavor profiles—perfect if you’re customizing a gigantic Christmas Charcuterie Board.

Serving & Tips

These crostini look stunning on any table—classic white platters or rustic wooden boards both work. For a full-fledged Holiday Party Appetizers lineup, pair them with prosciutto-wrapped melon or mini quiches. You can also offer a dreamy hot cocoa station right next to your crostini table—balance is key, right? 😉

When you’re prepping multiple dishes, assemble the crostini up to the baking step, then refrigerate. Pop them in the oven while guests mingle. This trick keeps everything warm and crisp without last-minute chaos.

For make-ahead ease, prepare the cranberry compote a day early. Store it in the fridge and warm it briefly on the stove before assembly. That way, you’ll chill out instead of stressing out on the big day.

Final Thoughts

Every year, I circle back to these Festive Brie and Cranberry Crostini because they combine elegance and simplicity like a holiday rom-com. They give me that cozy kitchen vibe, sipping mulled wine and laughing with friends as we snack away. Whether you need Xmas Appetizers or just some quick Holiday Appetizers Easy to round out the menu, these bites never disappoint.

So next time you’re curating your Christmas Party Food Appetizers lineup, give these crostini a shot. Your taste buds—and your guests—will thank you. Now go on, sharpen your knife, preheat that oven, and enjoy crafting the best holiday finger food I’ve tested yet.

Festive Brie and Cranberry Crostini

Bite‑sized crostini topped with creamy Brie and tangy cranberry compote—perfect for holiday gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 24 crostini

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 1 French baguette, sliced into ~24 rounds Baguette slices Thin rounds
• 8 ounces Brie cheese Rind removed, sliced
• 1 cup Fresh or thawed cranberries
• ¼ cup Sugar
• 2 tablespoons Water
• 2 tablespoons Orange liqueur (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Orange zest Fresh
• 1 tablespoon Fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• Olive oil For brushing baguette slices
• Pinch Sea salt

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Saucepan

Method

 

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Remove from heat and let the cranberry compote rest for 5 minutes so it thickens further and will cling better to the Brie.
5. Place a slice of Brie on each toasted baguette round. Then spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cranberry topping onto each slice.
6. 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

These crostini are best enjoyed warm but are still good at room temperature. The cranberry compote can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. The toasted baguette slices can also be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container. Leftovers (if any) can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days—reheat in a 325°F oven for about 5 minutes to revive crispness.

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FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well—just add a minute or two to the simmer time so they thaw and burst properly. Easy swap, zero compromise.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to Brie?

You bet. Use a plant-based soft cheese like cashew ricotta or dairy-free Brie-style spread. The cranberry compote still shines, so nobody will miss the cow’s milk.

How far in advance can I prep these crostini?

You can toast the baguette slices and make the compote up to a day ahead. Store them separately, then assemble and warm right before serving for peak freshness.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the baguette for gluten-free baguette or crispbread slices. The method stays the same, and the end result tastes just as festive.

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