Brie, Pear & Cranberry Crostini

Serves: 8 (16 crostini) | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

For the Crostini

• 1 French baguette, sliced into 16 pieces (½-inch thick)

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

For the Toppings

• 8 oz (225 g) Brie cheese, sliced

• 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced

• ½ cup whole-berry cranberry sauce or cranberry chutney

• ½ cup toasted walnut halves

For Garnish

• Fresh thyme leaves

• Freshly cracked black pepper

• Flaky sea salt (optional)

Optional Honey Drizzle

• 2 tbsp hot honey or regular honey

Instructions

Step 1 – Toast the Bread

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet.

3. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil.

4. Bake for 8–10 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp.

Step 2 – Warm the Brie

Place a slice of Brie on each toasted crostini.

Return to the oven for 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese begins to soften without fully melting.

Step 3 – Assemble

Top each crostini with:

• A thin slice of fresh pear

• A spoonful of cranberry sauce

• One toasted walnut half

Step 4 – Finish

Sprinkle with fresh thyme.

Add freshly cracked black pepper.

Finish with a light drizzle of honey if desired.

Serve immediately while the Brie is warm and creamy.

Chef's Tips

• Toast the walnuts for 5–7 minutes to enhance their flavor.

• Use ripe but firm pears so they hold their shape.

• Let the Brie come to room temperature before baking for a creamier texture.

• For extra elegance, garnish with microgreens or edible flowers.

• Substitute fig jam or onion marmalade for a delicious variation.

Serving Suggestions

These crostini pair beautifully with:

• Charcuterie boards

• Mixed green salad

• Roasted turkey or chicken

• Sparkling cider

• Chardonnay

• Pinot Noir

• Champagne or Prosecco

Estimated Nutrition (Per Crostini)

• Calories: ~170 kcal

• Protein: 5 g

• Carbohydrates: 13 g

• Fat: 11 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 5 g

• Sodium: 170 mg

Serving Description

These elegant Brie, Pear & Cranberry Crostini combine crisp toasted baguette with creamy Brie cheese, juicy fresh pear slices, tangy cranberry sauce, and crunchy toasted walnuts. Finished with fragrant thyme and a drizzle of honey, they're the perfect balance of sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy—ideal for holiday gatherings, wine nights, brunches, or sophisticated appetizers.