If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines gooey cheese, bursts of tart fruit, and a whisper of spice, then you’re in for a real treat with these Warm Brie & Cranberry Walnut Crostini with Hot Honey. Picture crispy baguette slices layered with luscious brie, sweet-tangy cranberries, crunchy toasted walnuts, and a glistening drizzle of spicy honey — truly an irresistible combination that captures the cozy spirit of the season. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself, this dish is your ticket to instant festive vibes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this recipe so fantastic is that every ingredient packs a punch and comes together effortlessly. You don’t need a long shopping list for vibrant flavor, just a few star players that bring harmony to every bite.
- Baguette: The ideal canvas; crusty outside, tender inside, and perfect for toasting up golden and crisp.
- Brie Cheese: Silky, rich, and melts beautifully, creating a creamy layer that pairs gorgeously with fruit.
- Cranberry Sauce or Whole Cranberries: Adds bright color and a sweet-tart pop that plays off the savory elements.
- Chopped Walnuts (toasted): Provides earthy crunch and a hint of warmth, deepening the overall flavor.
- Honey: The finishing touch of sweetness that ties everything together, especially when warmed.
- Red Chili Flakes (optional): For those who love a little heat to balance the honey, this is your moment!
- Olive Oil: Essential for giving the baguette that pretty, golden finish during toasting.
- Fresh Thyme (optional): A final pop of green and a subtle herbal note that elevates presentation and flavor.
How to Make Warm Brie & Cranberry Walnut Crostini with Hot Honey
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your crostini don’t stick. It’s one of those little touches that helps everything go smoothly.
Step 2: Toast the Baguette
Lightly brush each baguette slice with olive oil, then arrange them on your prepared baking sheet. Give them a quick toast for 5 to 7 minutes in the oven, just until they’re turning golden and crisp at the edges. This foundation means your crostini will hold up to all that melty, gooey topping to come.
Step 3: Layer the Brie & Cranberries
Once your toasts come out, place a slice of brie on each one. Top each with a spoonful of cranberry sauce or scatter a few whole cranberries. Don’t worry about perfection here; a little drip or uneven edge just adds to the rustic charm!
Step 4: Add Walnuts & Back in the Oven
Sprinkle your toasted walnuts generously over the brie and cranberries. Slide the pan back into the oven for another 5 to 7 minutes. This is when the magic happens — the brie gets melty and everything starts to mingle together in glorious harmony.
Step 5: Drizzle with Hot Honey
As soon as the crostini come out, warm the honey just a bit (microwave or stovetop is fine) and drizzle it right over each piece. If you love a little spice, now’s the time to shower on those red chili flakes. A sprinkle of fresh thyme brings a vibrant finish both in flavor and looks.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Transfer your Warm Brie & Cranberry Walnut Crostini with Hot Honey to a pretty platter and serve them right away while everything is warm and luscious. Trust me, they’ll disappear fast!
How to Serve Warm Brie & Cranberry Walnut Crostini with Hot Honey
Garnishes
A flourish of fresh thyme or a few extra walnut pieces scattered on top adds both color and a burst of herbaceous aroma. If you want to get even fancier, a zesting of orange peel can provide a lovely citrus brightness alongside the honeyed, savory flavors.
Side Dishes
This appetizer pairs beautifully with crisp salads — think arugula with pears, or mixed greens with a balsamic reduction. For heartier fare, serve alongside a charcuterie board with cured meats and pickled veggies to create the ultimate party spread.
Creative Ways to Present
You can line up your crostini on a long platter for a dramatic, elegant display, or try serving them in a spiral on a rustic cutting board for a more laid-back vibe. For a festive touch, sprinkle pomegranate seeds or microgreens over the top just before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (rare, but it can happen!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days, though the bread may soften a bit over time.
Freezing
While these crostini are best enjoyed fresh for crunch and creaminess, you can freeze the crostini bases (toasted with brie) without cranberry and walnuts. Allow them to cool completely, layer between parchment, and freeze in a bag. When ready to serve, thaw, add toppings, and refresh in the oven.
Reheating
To bring leftover Warm Brie & Cranberry Walnut Crostini with Hot Honey back to life, just pop them on a baking sheet in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This will help re-crisp the bread and gently re-melt the cheese.
FAQs
Can I use another cheese instead of brie?
Absolutely! Camembert works just as well, or try a creamy goat cheese for a tangier twist. The key is to pick a cheese that melts smoothly and has a soft, creamy texture.
How do I make these gluten-free?
Simply swap out the baguette for your favorite gluten-free bread or crackers. Just be sure to toast them until nice and crisp so they hold up to the toppings.
What kind of cranberry sauce works best?
Both homemade and store-bought cranberry sauce are great here. If you like a more rustic look, opt for whole berry sauce or fresh cranberries lightly cooked with sugar for bursts of flavor and color.
Can these be served at room temperature?
They taste best warm, but you can serve them at room temperature for a more picnic-style appetizer. Just note that the brie will be firmer and the honey less runny when cool.
How spicy is the hot honey?
You’re in control! The red chili flakes add a mild to moderate warmth, but you can adjust the amount for just a hint of heat or a real kick, depending on your crowd’s preference.
Final Thoughts
All that’s left is to give these Warm Brie & Cranberry Walnut Crostini with Hot Honey a try! They’re festive, flavorful, and guaranteed to leave your guests swooning. Whether you’re planning a holiday gathering or simply want to elevate a quiet evening, this recipe delivers cozy elegance in every bite. Gather your ingredients and get ready to savor something truly special!
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Warm Brie & Cranberry Walnut Crostini with Hot Honey Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 crostini 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious combination of warm brie, tangy cranberry, and crunchy walnuts on crispy baguette slices drizzled with hot honey. This Warm Brie & Cranberry Walnut Crostini with Hot Honey recipe is a perfect appetizer for any gathering.
Ingredients
For the Crostini:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 6 oz (170 g) brie cheese, sliced
- 1/3 cup cranberry sauce or whole cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Olive oil, for brushing
- Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Crostini: Brush baguette slices lightly with olive oil. Arrange on the baking sheet and toast for 5–7 minutes until slightly golden.
- Assemble: Place a slice of brie on each toasted baguette slice. Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce and sprinkle with toasted walnuts.
- Bake: Return to the oven for 5–7 minutes, until the brie is soft and slightly melted.
- Finish with Hot Honey: Drizzle warm honey over the crostini. Sprinkle with red chili flakes if desired. Garnish with fresh thyme.
- Serve: Serve immediately as a warm appetizer or festive snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 crostini
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
