Cranberry Crostini with Cream Cheese
These easy cranberry crostini are made with crisp toasted baguette, whipped cream cheese, sweet-tart cranberry topping and crunchy walnuts. Use whole-berry cranberry sauce or leftover Cranberry Celebration Salad for a festive Thanksgiving or Christmas appetizer ready in about 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 crostini
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette, cut into approximately 16 1/2-inch slices
- 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces whipped cream cheese or softened regular cream cheese
- 1 cup Cranberry Celebration Salad or whole-berry cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or finely chopped fresh rosemary, optional
- Honey for drizzling, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
- Lightly brush the tops of the baguette slices with olive oil.
- Bake for 7 to 10 minutes, or until lightly golden and crisp around the edges.
- Remove the crostini from the oven and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes.
- Spread each crostini with whipped or softened cream cheese.
- Spoon the cranberry topping over the cream cheese. If using Cranberry Celebration Salad, allow any excess liquid to drain off before adding it to the bread.
- Sprinkle with chopped walnuts and fresh thyme or rosemary, if using.
- Add a very light drizzle of honey if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- Cranberry Celebration Salad: My favorite version uses leftover Kroger Cranberry Celebration Salad. Stir it before using and drain off any excess liquid so the crostini stay crisp.
- Cranberry sauce: Use whole-berry cranberry sauce rather than jellied cranberry sauce for the best texture.
- For cranberry brie crostini: Replace the cream cheese with thin slices of brie. After toasting the bread, add the brie and return the pan to the oven for 2 to 3 minutes, until softened. Add the cranberry topping and garnishes after baking.
- Make ahead: Toast the baguette several hours in advance and store it at room temperature once completely cool. Keep the cream cheese and cranberry topping refrigerated separately and assemble shortly before serving.
- Storage: Store leftover components separately whenever possible. Fully assembled crostini will soften as they sit.
Find it online: https://reachwellth.com/cranberry-crostini/