Cranberry Brie Sourdough Crostini captures everything we love about the holidays — a cozy mix of sweet, tart, creamy, and crisp. Each bite layers the tang of cranberry sauce with indulgent melted brie on a golden sourdough slice, creating a festive flavor harmony that feels both elegant and effortless. Whether you’re planning Good Thanksgiving Appetizers or seeking show-stopping Savory Christmas Party Snacks, this recipe brings seasonal warmth to your table. In this article, you’ll discover an easy step-by-step recipe, make-ahead tips, creative serving ideas, and answers to common holiday hosting questions — perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas entertaining.
Why Cranberry Brie Sourdough Crostini Belongs on Every Holiday Table
Holiday Memories Baked Into Every Bite
It all started one Thanksgiving when a loaf of freshly baked sourdough met a wedge of brie and a small pot of homemade cranberry sauce. The kitchen filled with the aromas of toasted bread and bubbling fruit, and soon, these Cranberry Brie Sourdough Crostini became a new family favorite. Now, they make an appearance at both Thanksgiving gatherings and Christmas parties, their vibrant ruby-red topping and creamy center evoking the spirit of the season. They perfectly embody the cozy flavors that define Good Thanksgiving Appetizers and timeless Bread Ideas For Thanksgiving — simple, satisfying, and meant for sharing.
What makes Cranberry Brie Sourdough Crostini truly special is the balance of textures and flavors. The brie melts just enough to blanket the crisp sourdough in buttery richness, while the cranberry topping brings a bright, tangy contrast that refreshes every bite. It’s the kind of irresistible combination guests remember long after the celebration ends. Whether featured as part of your Christmas Savory Recipes spread or added among Thanksgiving Recipes With Cranberries, this crostini bridges comfort and sophistication. Every batch disappears quickly, a sure sign that this bite-sized treasure has earned its place on the holiday table.
This Cranberry Brie Sourdough Crostini recipe comes together with just a few simple ingredients that create layers of texture and flavor. Whether you’re hosting a small family dinner or preparing appetizers for a larger holiday party, this list can easily be scaled up or down. Every component contributes to the crostini’s signature festive balance — crisp toast, creamy brie, and tangy cranberry topping.
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Cranberry Brie Sourdough Crostini
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 crostini 1x
Description
Cranberry Brie Sourdough Crostini features creamy melted brie and tangy cranberry sauce atop crisp sourdough slices for a festive sweet and savory appetizer perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and arrange sourdough slices on a baking sheet, brushing both sides with olive oil.
2. Bake slices for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until lightly golden and crisp.
3. Top each warm slice with a thin brie slice and return to oven for 3-4 minutes until the cheese softens.
4. Spoon a small dollop of cranberry sauce onto each melted brie crostini and sprinkle with rosemary if using.
5. Finish with sea salt flakes and optional garnishes, then serve warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: appetizer
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
Keywords: cranberry brie sourdough crostini, thanksgiving appetizers, christmas snacks, bread ideas thanksgiving, holiday recipes, savory christmas, cranberry recipes
Holiday Recipe Breakdown – From Ingredients to Serving
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity (for 20–24 crostini) | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Artisan sourdough loaf | 1 medium (about 12–14 oz) | Choose a firm, airy loaf with a crisp crust for best texture. |
| Brie cheese | 8 oz wheel | Slice while cold for clean cuts. |
| Cranberry sauce | 1 cup | Use homemade or a quality store-bought version with whole cranberries. |
| Olive oil | 2–3 tbsp | For brushing the toasts before baking. |
| Fresh rosemary (optional) | 1 tsp finely chopped | Adds a festive, herbal aroma. |
| Sea salt flakes | To taste | Sprinkle just before serving. |
| Optional garnishes | Crushed pistachios, orange zest, or honey drizzle | Adds color and an elegant finish. |
Each piece of this Cranberry Brie Sourdough Crostini works together — the sourdough base offers crackle and chew, the brie contributes indulgent creaminess, and the cranberries infuse bright seasonal sweetness.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method (Easy and Foolproof)
- Prepare your ingredients. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the sourdough loaf into ½-inch-thick rounds and arrange them on a baking sheet. Lightly brush both sides with olive oil.
- Toast the sourdough. Bake for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until the slices are lightly golden and crisp. This step forms the ideal crunchy base that holds up under melted brie and cranberry sauce without turning soggy.
- Melt the brie. Top each toasted slice with a thin slice of brie while the bread is still warm. Return the tray to the oven for about 3–4 minutes, just until the cheese softens and begins to melt into the nooks of the sourdough.
- Add cranberry topping. Carefully spoon a small dollop of cranberry sauce onto each melty brie crostini. For an extra flavor note, sprinkle with chopped rosemary or crushed nuts.
- Final touch and serve. Right before serving, lightly dust with sea salt flakes and optionally drizzle with honey or a hint of orange zest. Serve warm for the ultimate balance of textures and temperature — the crisp bread, the creamy brie, and the bright cranberry topping creating a harmony full of holiday warmth.
Pro Tips for Success
- Choose quality sourdough: A crusty, tangy loaf ensures the crostini stay crisp even with toppings.
- Timing matters: Toast the bread and slice the brie ahead, but assemble and bake right before serving to maintain texture.
- Keep them crisp for parties: Place finished crostini on a wire rack instead of a platter to prevent steam buildup underneath.
- Scale effortlessly: Double the recipe for large gatherings or halve for small family celebrations — the flavors remain perfectly balanced either way.
This elegant recipe shows why Cranberry Brie Sourdough Crostini stand out among Good Thanksgiving Appetizers and Savory Christmas Party Snacks. Every step brings together comfort and sophistication, making it an effortless centerpiece for your Bread Ideas For Thanksgiving or Christmas Savory Recipes lineup.
Serving Ideas & Variations – Make It Your Own
Creative Ways to Serve for Thanksgiving or Christmas
Presentation transforms Cranberry Brie Sourdough Crostini from a tasty bite into a show-stopping holiday centerpiece. For Thanksgiving, arrange the crostini on a rustic wooden board lined with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, echoing autumnal warmth. Add a scattering of orange slices or cinnamon sticks nearby for a cozy seasonal scent.
At Christmas, stack the crostini on a tiered platter or a wreath-shaped tray decorated with sprigs of holly or cranberries for a festive touch. Serve them warm straight from the oven for the best cheese-melt moment — that irresistible combination of crisp toast and silky brie paired with sweet-tart cranberry topping.
You can also pair these bites with complementary holiday beverages. For Thanksgiving, a glass of sparkling cider or a light chardonnay balances the creamy cheese. During Christmas, guests might enjoy them with mulled wine or champagne cocktails, creating a memorable flavor harmony.
Whether featured as Good Thanksgiving Appetizers during a cozy family dinner or as Savory Christmas Party Snacks at a lively holiday soirée, these crostini blend elegance with approachability. Their portability makes them ideal for buffet setups or charcuterie-style spreads — a perfect example of how simple Bread Ideas For Thanksgiving can double as sophisticated Christmas Savory Recipes.
Variations and Make-Ahead Tips
- Flavor Variations: Add chopped nuts like pistachios or pecans for crunch. Fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary add aromatic depth, while a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze introduces elegant sweetness. Swap in fruit preserves like fig jam, pomegranate relish, or apricot compote for unique seasonal twists.
- Cheese Alternatives: Try camembert, goat cheese, or even a mild blue cheese if you prefer bold flavors — each gives a fresh take without losing the festive charm.
- Bread Substitutions: French baguette slices or whole-grain bread work beautifully when sourdough isn’t available, keeping the same sturdy and crisp structure.
Make-Ahead Tips: Toast bread a few hours ahead and store in an airtight container. Prepare cranberry sauce up to three days in advance and refrigerate. At serving time, assemble and warm the crostini for just a few minutes until the brie softens — a stress-free trick that delivers fresh, warm appetizers every time.
For larger gatherings, prep components separately and assemble in waves to keep trays crisp and replenished throughout the event. These small details make a big difference when entertaining a festive crowd.
Cranberry Brie Sourdough Crostini adapt to any celebration, showcasing the best of holiday flavors — from Thanksgiving Recipes With Cranberries to dazzling Christmas Savory Recipes. Their versatility, beauty, and simplicity make them the ultimate festive bite, perfect for any style of holiday entertaining.
FAQs
Can I use other bread instead of sourdough?
Yes. While sourdough provides the ideal chewiness and tang, you can use a French baguette or ciabatta. The key is sturdy bread that toasts well and stays crisp under the toppings.
How do I keep crostini crisp if serving later?
Toast the bread in advance and let it cool completely before topping. Assemble right before serving or keep toasted slices warm on a wire rack in a low oven to avoid steam softening the base.
Can I make cranberry sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare it up to three days ahead, store covered in the refrigerator, and bring to room temperature before assembling for the freshest flavor.
What cheese can replace brie if needed?
Camembert, triple cream cheese, or goat cheese all make excellent substitutes. Each offers a distinct flavor and texture while maintaining that luxurious, creamy element.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes until the cheese softens again — still delicious even if the toast softens slightly.
Conclusion
Cranberry Brie Sourdough Crostini embody everything wonderful about holiday entertaining — warmth, flavor, and togetherness. Each bite blends sweet-tart cranberries, creamy brie, and crisp sourdough into one irresistible, festive mouthful. Whether placed among your Good Thanksgiving Appetizers or showcased as elegant Savory Christmas Party Snacks, this recipe suits any occasion beautifully.
Beyond its flavor, this crostini celebrates connection: simple ingredients turned into something memorable when shared. As you plan your Bread Ideas For Thanksgiving or curate your Christmas Savory Recipes, make Cranberry Brie Sourdough Crostini a tradition your guests will remember — a perfectly balanced bite of holiday joy.
