Name: Cranberry, Brie & Pecan Crostini Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh cranberries; 2 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp pepper; 2 tsp fresh thyme, divided; ½ baguette, cut into 1-inch thick slices; 1 wheel creamy brie, cut into slices; 2 tbsp chopped toasted pecans; 1-2 tbsp balsamic reduction, for drizzling

Description

These Cranberry, Brie & Pecan Crostini combine tart, sweet cranberries baked to a tender pop, creamy melted brie, and crunchy toasted pecans on toasted baguette slices. Finished with a drizzle of balsamic reduction and fresh thyme, they make an elegant and flavorful appetizer perfect for holiday entertaining or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Cranberry Mixture

2 cups fresh cranberries
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
2 tsp fresh thyme, divided

Bread & Cheese

½ baguette, cut into 1-inch thick slices
1 wheel creamy brie, cut into slices

Toppings & Garnish

2 tbsp chopped toasted pecans
1-2 tbsp balsamic reduction, for drizzling

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the cranberry mixture and toasting the crostini.
Prepare Cranberries: In a mixing bowl, stir together the fresh cranberries, honey, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme. Spread this mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cranberries have softened and burst.
Toast Bread with Brie: Arrange the baguette slices on another baking sheet. Place a slice of brie on each piece of bread. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes, until the bread is toasted and the brie has melted.
Assemble Crostini: Once the cranberries and brie crostini are both done, spoon a small amount of the warm cranberry mixture onto each slice of bread. Drizzle the balsamic reduction over each crostini and sprinkle with chopped toasted pecans.
Garnish and Serve: Finish each crostini with a few fresh thyme leaves for garnish. Serve warm to enjoy the combination of melted cheese, tart cranberry, crunchy pecans, and sweet balsamic drizzle.

Notes

For best results, use fresh cranberries to get the bright tart flavor.
To toast pecans, simply heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
You can prepare the cranberry mixture ahead and gently reheat before assembling.
Use a good quality balsamic reduction or make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until thickened.
Serve these crostini as a festive appetizer at holiday parties or as a light snack.