Crostinis with Brie, Prosciutto, and Cranberries Recipe

Festive Brie, Prosciutto & Cranberry Crostini Recipe

Crisp and delicate crostinis dance with an irresistible blend of creamy brie, salty prosciutto, and tangy cranberries.

Layers of flavor burst from each bite-sized morsel.

Delicate bread slices turn golden and crunchy under a gentle broil.

Seasonal ingredients mingle perfectly on this elegant appetizer.

Simple yet sophisticated, these little toasts promise to wow guests at any gathering.

Prepare to impress with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

What Makes Crostinis with Brie, Prosciutto, and Cranberries So Elegant

  • Craft Gourmet Appetizers: Transform simple ingredients into elegant, restaurant-quality bites that will impress guests with minimal cooking skills.
  • Maximize Flavor Combinations: Blend sweet, salty, and creamy elements through perfectly balanced prosciutto, brie, cranberries, and honey for a sophisticated taste experience.
  • Quick Party Solution: Prepare these crostinis in less than 15 minutes, making them ideal for spontaneous gatherings, holiday parties, or unexpected company.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients based on preferences or dietary needs, allowing versatile modifications while maintaining the recipe's delicious core concept.

Ingredients for Crostinis with Brie, Prosciutto, and Cranberries

Base Ingredients:
  • Baguette: A crusty French bread that provides a crisp foundation for the crostinis.
  • Brie: A soft, creamy French cheese that melts beautifully and adds rich flavor.
  • Prosciutto: A thin, delicate Italian dry-cured ham that brings a salty and savory element.
  • Dried Cranberries: Tart and sweet berries that add a pop of fruity flavor and color.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Honey: A sweet syrup that complements the salty prosciutto and adds a glossy finish.
Preparation Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and promotes even toasting of the baguette slices.

How to Assemble Crostinis with Brie, Prosciutto, and Cranberries

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Heat your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) temperature, preparing it for delicious crostini magic.

Step 2: Slice And Toast Baguette

Cut baguette into thin, elegant slices and spread them out on a baking sheet. Slide the sheet into the oven and toast for 5-7 minutes until the edges turn golden and crispy.

Step 3: Layer Delectable Toppings

Dress each crunchy baguette slice with these yummy ingredients:
  • Soft brie cheese slice
  • Delicate prosciutto
  • Handful of sweet dried cranberries

Step 4: Drizzle With Liquid Gold

Gently drizzle honey over the prepared crostinis, adding a touch of sweetness.

Step 5: Melt And Merge Flavors

Return the topped baguette slices to the oven for 2-3 minutes, allowing the brie to become wonderfully melted and gooey.

Step 6: Serve And Savor

Remove from the oven and serve these elegant appetizers immediately while they’re warm, inviting everyone to enjoy the perfect bite-sized treat.

Pro Tips for Perfect Crostinis

  • Swap brie for a dairy-free alternative like vegan cheese to accommodate lactose-intolerant guests.
  • Select high-quality prosciutto for the most authentic flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Experiment with different types of honey, such as lavender or truffle-infused, to elevate the taste profile.
  • Toast baguette slices until golden brown to ensure a satisfying crunch without burning.
  • Add fresh thyme or rosemary leaves for an extra aromatic touch that complements the sweet and savory elements.

Variations to Customize Crostinis

  • Goat Cheese Swap: Replace brie with tangy goat cheese for a sharper flavor profile, topped with crispy pancetta and fig jam.
  • Mediterranean Mix: Use feta cheese, swap prosciutto for grilled halloumi, sprinkle with fresh thyme and drizzle with olive oil instead of honey.
  • Spicy Blue Cheese Version: Substitute brie with creamy blue cheese, add crispy bacon bits, top with caramelized walnuts and a drizzle of spicy chili honey.
  • Apple Autumn Remix: Layer with camembert cheese, crisp apple slices, crumbled sage, and replace honey with maple syrup for a seasonal touch.

Pairing Ideas for Brie and Prosciutto Crostinis

  • Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, light-bodied white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the rich brie and salty prosciutto while cutting through the sweetness of honey and cranberries.
  • Craft Perfect Appetizer Companion: Serve a small side salad with arugula, light vinaigrette, and toasted pine nuts to balance the crostini's richness and provide a fresh, peppery contrast.
  • Create Sparkling Beverage Option: Pair with a dry champagne or prosecco to enhance the festive feel, with bubbles that cleanse the palate between bites of creamy cheese and salty meat.

Storage Suggestions for Crostinis

  • Place cooled crostinis in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days.
  • Wrap individual crostinis tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain best quality and texture.
  • Preheat oven to 350F, arrange crostinis on baking sheet, and warm for 3-4 minutes until cheese melts and bread crisps up again.
  • Heat crostinis for 15-20 seconds on medium power, checking to prevent soggy bread and ensure cheese melts evenly.

FAQs on Crostinis with Brie, Prosciutto, and Cranberries

  • What type of bread works best for this crostini recipe?

A baguette is ideal because it provides the perfect crisp base and can be easily sliced into thin, uniform pieces for appetizers.

  • Can I substitute the prosciutto with another meat?

Yes, you can use thin slices of salami or crispy bacon as alternatives if prosciutto is not available or to your preference.

  • How do I prevent the brie from completely melting and losing its shape?

Use cold brie straight from the refrigerator and watch carefully during the final 2-3 minute heating to ensure it just softens without fully liquefying.

  • Are dried cranberries necessary for this recipe?

While dried cranberries add a sweet-tart flavor, you can substitute with other dried fruits like chopped dried cherries or golden raisins for a similar texture and taste profile.

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Crostinis with Brie, Prosciutto, and Cranberries Recipe

Crostinis with Brie, Prosciutto, and Cranberries Recipe


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4.6 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Festive holiday “Crostinis with Brie, Prosciutto, and Cranberries” bring elegant flavors to your gathering. Crisp baguette slices layered with creamy brie, salty prosciutto, and sweet-tart cranberry compote create a perfect bite you’ll crave.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 baguette, sliced
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) brie cheese, sliced
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) prosciutto, sliced

Garnish and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1/4 cup (40 grams) dried cranberries
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) honey

Instructions

  1. Arrange oven rack in the middle position and heat to 375F (190C), creating an ideal environment for toasting and melting.
  2. Slice baguette diagonally into thin, uniform pieces to ensure even crisping during the toasting process.
  3. Spread baguette slices on a clean baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap, and toast for 5-7 minutes until edges turn golden and surfaces become crisp and crunchy.
  4. Remove toasted baguette slices from the oven and let cool for 1-2 minutes to prevent burning when adding toppings.
  5. Layer each crisp slice with a delicate piece of brie, allowing the cheese to slightly drape over the edges of the crostini.
  6. Gently place a folded slice of prosciutto atop the brie, creating an elegant and slightly wavy presentation.
  7. Sprinkle a few dried cranberries across the prosciutto, distributing them evenly for balanced flavor in each bite.
  8. Delicately drizzle a thin stream of honey over the assembled crostinis, creating a subtle glossy sheen.
  9. Return the prepared crostinis to the oven for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully until the brie becomes soft and slightly bubbling.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 1 minute to allow toppings to settle, then serve immediately while warm and inviting.

Notes

  • Toast baguette slices just until golden to prevent burning, ensuring a crisp base for delicate toppings.
  • Use room temperature brie for smoother, faster melting and more even coverage across the crostini.
  • Consider swapping prosciutto with turkey bacon for a leaner protein option that keeps the dish lighter and diet-friendly.
  • Experiment with different honey varieties like lavender or truffle-infused honey to add unexpected depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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