Description
These Holiday Cranberry Crostini are the perfect mix of creamy cheese, tart-sweet cranberry sauce and crisp toasted baguette. Easy to assemble and elegant enough for any holiday gathering or casual get-together.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsp olive oil – for brushing the baguette slices so they crisp up nicely.
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup – adds a touch of sweetness and gloss to finish.
- 8 oz cream cheese or goat cheese – the creamy base that pairs beautifully with cranberry sauce.
- 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch pieces – the crunchy vehicle for the toppings.
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought) – the tart-sweet star of the topping.
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) – for a crunchy texture contrast and nutty flavor.
- Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish – adds color, aroma and holiday elegance.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
- Slice the baguette into ½-inch thick pieces and arrange the slices on a baking sheet.
- Brush each slice lightly with the olive oil.
- Bake the slices for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Then let them cool slightly so they’re easier to handle.
- Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese (or goat cheese) on each cooled crostini slice.
- Spoon a small amount of cranberry sauce over the cheese on each slice.
- Top with the chopped nuts if using.
- Drizzle the honey or maple syrup over the assembled crostini for a glossy finish.
- Garnish each with a small sprig of rosemary or thyme for a festive touch.
- Serve immediately (or keep the components ready and assemble just before guests arrive).
Notes
- Use day-old baguette if possible—stale bread toasts up crisper and holds the toppings better.
- Let the crostini cool slightly before spreading cheese to avoid melting and sliding.
- If using store-bought cranberry sauce, give it a quick stir so it spreads more neatly.
- Warm the honey or maple syrup slightly (5–10 seconds in microwave) so it pours easily.
- For even slices, use a serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion to avoid squashing the bread.
- Assemble just before guests arrive so the bread stays crisp and the toppings look fresh.
- Garnish last: add the rosemary or thyme sprig as the final step to keep it vivid and aromatic.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American / Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 95 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg