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Easy Holiday Crostini Appetizer Recipe for Entertaining

Easy Holiday Crostini Appetizer Recipe for Entertaining

Crisp toasted baguette rounds are topped with melted Brie, whole-berry cranberry sauce, chopped nuts, fresh herbs, and honey. This festive appetizer makes about 24 crostini and is ready in approximately 20 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Crostini
  • 1 baguette French baguette, about 10-12 ounces, sliced into 24 rounds
  • 2 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil
Toppings
  • 8 ounces Brie cheese, thinly sliced; rind may be left on or removed
  • 1/2 cup Whole-berry cranberry sauce
  • 1/4 cup Finely chopped pecans or pistachios
  • 1-2 tablespoons Honey, for drizzling
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped
Optional Seasonings
  • to taste Freshly ground black pepper
  • a small pinch Flaky sea salt

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and brush or lightly drizzle both sides with the olive oil.
  2. Toast the baguette rounds for 5-7 minutes, turning once, until lightly crisp and golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them so they become sturdy but not deeply browned.
  3. Place a thin slice of Brie on each toasted baguette round. Return the baking sheet to the oven for 2-4 minutes, just until the Brie is softened and beginning to melt.
  4. Top each warm crostini with approximately 1 teaspoon of whole-berry cranberry sauce. Sprinkle with chopped pecans or pistachios and fresh rosemary or thyme.
  5. Drizzle the crostini lightly with honey and add optional black pepper or a small pinch of flaky sea salt. Serve warm.

Notes

A baguette sliced about 1/2 inch thick creates sturdy crostini without making them overly hard. Whole-berry cranberry sauce offers the best texture, although smooth sauce also works. Toast the bread and prepare the toppings several hours ahead, then add the Brie and cranberry topping shortly before serving so the crostini stay crisp.