When the holiday season rolls around, the quest for the perfect appetizer begins. This is where my journey led me to the delectable Cranberry, Brie, and Prosciutto Crostini with Balsamic Glaze. Imagine a platter filled with golden, crunchy baguette slices, each topped with creamy brie that gently melts into warm, savory prosciutto, perfectly balanced by a tangy cranberry sauce. As I drizzled the balsamic glaze over the finished crostini, the rich aroma of sweet and sour mingled in the air, instantly elevating this simple treat to gourmet status.
Not only does this dish impress guests with its elegant presentation, but it also makes for easy entertaining. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy get-togethers, these crostini are a festive delight that everyone will love. It’s amazing how something so easy can be so extraordinary! So, if you’re ready to bring some joy to your table, let’s dive into making these stunning crostini that are sure to become a staple at your festivities.
Why love Cranberry, Brie and Prosciutto Crostini?
Ease of Preparation: This recipe is perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
Gourmet Appeal: Each bite bursts with flavors of creamy brie, savory prosciutto, and tangy cranberry sauce.
Festive Elegance: Ideal for holiday gatherings, it impresses guests with its stunning presentation.
Versatile Serving: Pair with a glass of pinot noir for an elevated dining experience.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the balsamic glaze in advance, saving time on busy days.
Indulge in these decadent bites, and they will surely become a favorite for your celebrations!
Cranberry, Brie and Prosciutto Crostini Ingredients
For the Crostini
• French baguette – The crispy base for our crostini that’s perfect for holding all the toppings.
• Olive oil – A drizzle adds richness and aids in achieving that beautiful golden toast.
For the Toppings
• Quality prosciutto – This savory meat contributes a delicate texture and depth of flavor to your crostini.
• Brie cheese – Creamy and melt-in-your-mouth, it’s the star of the show; camembert can substitute for a bolder taste.
• McEwan’s Cranberry Sauce – Sweet and tangy, this sauce integrates well with the other ingredients; a homemade or chunky version works beautifully too.
• Chopped walnuts (toasted) – Adding an optional crunch and nutty flavor that enhances every bite; feel free to replace them with pecans.
For the Balsamic Glaze
• McEwan’s Barrel Aged Balsamic Vinegar – Integral for making the glaze with a rich depth of flavor; any quality balsamic vinegar can serve as a substitute.
• Brown sugar – Balances the glaze’s acidity and sweetens it up; honey or maple syrup can also do the trick.
Create this festive Cranberry, Brie, and Prosciutto Crostini and amaze your guests with a touch of gourmet elegance at your next gathering!
How to Make Cranberry, Brie, and Prosciutto Crostini
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Make Balsamic Glaze: In a saucepan over low heat, combine 1 cup balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons brown sugar. Simmer, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
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Prepare Crostini: Slice the French baguette into 1/3-inch thick pieces, ensuring each slice is even for optimal toasting. Lightly coat both sides with olive oil for added flavor.
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Bake: Place the sliced baguette on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 8 minutes, until lightly golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them, as they can brown quickly!
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Assemble: Slice the creamy brie cheese into thin strips, placing them generously on each toasted piece of bread. Then layer on the prosciutto, followed by a teaspoon of cranberry sauce, and sprinkle with the toasted walnuts for added crunch.
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Finish: Drizzle the homemade balsamic glaze over each crostini to enhance the flavors. For a final touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves or arugula. Serve immediately, and watch your guests delight in every bite!
Optional: For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Perfect Crostini
Slicing Technique: Use a serrated knife to slice the brie smoothly, avoiding any messy edges in your crostini.
Bias Cuts: Slice the baguette on the bias for a more attractive presentation that holds toppings better.
Layering Order: For a beautifully melted effect, place the brie on the crostini before baking, allowing it to soften.
Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality prosciutto and cranberry sauce to enhance the overall flavor of your Cranberry, Brie, and Prosciutto Crostini.
Check Toast Level: Keep a close eye on the baguette while baking; it transitions from lightly toasted to overdone quickly!
What to Serve with Cranberry, Brie and Prosciutto Crostini?
Elevate your holiday gathering by complementing these exquisite crostini with delicious sides and drinks that will dazzle your guests.
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Mixed Green Salad: A light, refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the crostini and awakens the palate.
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Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery, these aromatic breadsticks create a beautiful contrast in texture that pairs perfectly with the savory toppings.
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Roasted Vegetables: A colorful medley of seasonal roasted veggies brings warmth and earthiness, perfectly enhancing the festive flavors of the crostini.
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Sparkling Water: Crisp and refreshing, it cleanses the palate between bites, ensuring each taste of the crostini feels fresh and exciting.
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Cheese Platter: Include a selection of cheeses like aged cheddar and blue cheese to complement the brie and prosciutto, creating a sophisticated charcuterie board.
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Chardonnay: A chilled glass of chardonnay complements the creaminess of the cheese and the savory prosciutto, making every bite a gourmet experience.
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Fruit Compote: A sweet and tart fruit compote, like fig or cherry, pairs beautifully, enhancing the crostini’s flavors while adding a festive touch.
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Chocolate Truffles: End the meal on a sweet note with rich chocolate truffles, offering a decadent treat after the savory bites.
Let your creativity shine as you curate the perfect spread for an unforgettable gathering!
Make Ahead Options
These Cranberry, Brie, and Prosciutto Crostini with Balsamic Glaze are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to impress guests without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the balsamic glaze and cranberry sauce up to 3 days in advance, letting their flavors deepen over time. Simply refrigerate both in airtight containers. The crostini base can also be toasted ahead of time and stored in a resealable bag for up to 24 hours. When it’s time to serve, just assemble the crostini by layering the brie, prosciutto, and cranberry sauce on the toasted bread, then drizzle with the balsamic glaze. This way, you’ll enjoy restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, leaving you free to savor your time with guests!
Storage Tips for Cranberry, Brie, and Prosciutto Crostini
Room Temperature: Enjoy crostini fresh, ideally serving within 2 hours after assembly to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
Fridge: If leftovers remain, store assembled crostini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 hours before serving to keep ingredients fresh.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze toasted baguette slices separately. Store them in a freezer-friendly bag for up to 1 month; assemble fresh with toppings when ready.
Reheating: Reheat the toasted baguette slices in the oven at 375°F for about 5 minutes, then add toppings fresh. This keeps your Cranberry, Brie, and Prosciutto Crostini delectable!
Cranberry, Brie and Prosciutto Variations
Feel free to make this recipe your own and explore delightful twists that can tantalize your taste buds.
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Cheese Swap: Replace brie with camembert for a stronger cheese flavor that complements the savory prosciutto beautifully. The richness of camembert will add a lovely depth to each bite.
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Sweet Alternative: Use fig jam in place of cranberry sauce for a different sweet note. This swap offers a unique twist that pairs exceptionally well with the savory elements.
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Meat Option: Substitute prosciutto with thinly sliced turkey or chicken for a lighter option. This variation maintains the crostini’s charm while catering to different dietary preferences.
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Nut-Free Version: Omit walnuts for a nut-free variation. You can still achieve delightful texture by adding crispy fried shallots or seeds for a different crunch.
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Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the balsamic glaze for an aromatic punch. This infusion will elevate the overall flavor profile and make your crostini sing with freshness.
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Spicy Kick: Drizzle a touch of sriracha or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top to add some heat. This zesty kick will balance the sweetness of the cranberry beautifully.
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Vegan Twist: For a vegan version, replace cheese with vegan cream cheese and use a plant-based prosciutto alternative or roasted vegetables. This option ensures that everyone can enjoy these festive bites!
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Gourmet Glaze: Experiment with flavored balsamic vinegars, like pomegranate or fig, for a different take. Each vinegary twist can offer an exciting flavor journey worth exploring.
Cranberry, Brie and Prosciutto Crostini with Balsamic Glaze Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best ingredients for my crostini?
To ensure optimal flavor, look for a French baguette that’s crusty on the outside but soft on the inside. Your prosciutto should be thinly sliced and of high quality—check for a nice marbling of fat, which adds richness. For the brie, select a wheel that feels creamy and slightly soft to the touch but not overly mushy. A good cranberry sauce should have a balance of sweetness and tartness, so taste before you add!
How should I store leftover crostini?
Absolutely! If you have leftover assembled crostini, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours. This is to maintain the quality and texture of each component. If you’re storing only the toasted bread, place it in a zipper bag and leave it at room temperature for up to 48 hours.
Can I freeze the crostini?
Yes, you can freeze the toasted baguette slices! First, lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze individually for about an hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, keeping the air out, and they can remain frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 5 minutes before adding your toppings for freshness.
What if the crostini bread becomes soggy after assembling?
Very! To avoid a soggy crostini, it’s important to assemble them just before serving. If you’re preparing in advance, keep the components separate until ready to serve. You can also toast the baguette slices a little longer to create a sturdier base. If they do get soggy, you can retoast them briefly in the oven to refresh the crispiness.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Certainly! This recipe contains gluten from the bread, dairy from the brie, and nuts from the walnuts—to cater to allergies, you can use gluten-free bread, substitute brie with a dairy-free cheese, and omit the walnuts if there’s a nut allergy. If you have a vegetarian audience, simply leave out the prosciutto or replace it with a flavorful fig jam for a stunning alternative.
How long does the balsamic glaze last?
The balsamic glaze can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, simply give it a gentle stir if it has thickened a bit in the fridge. This versatile glaze can also complement salads or grilled veggies, elevating your dishes even further!
Cranberry, Brie and Prosciutto Crostini with Balsamic Magic
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a saucepan over low heat, combine balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. Simmer, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Slice the French baguette and lightly coat both sides with olive oil.
- Place the sliced baguette on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 8 minutes until lightly golden and crispy.
- Slice the brie into thin strips and place them on each toasted piece of bread. Layer on prosciutto, cranberry sauce, and sprinkle with walnuts.
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze over each crostini and garnish with fresh mint leaves or arugula. Serve immediately.
