Cranberry Brie & Walnut Crostini
So much of what we make when we entertain has been passed down through generations. If you’ve been making the same things for a while, they can start to feel a little stale, which is why I keep a short list of easy holiday entertaining tips on hand. So, this Cranberry & Brie Crostini is my answer to that. It leans on the comfort-food flavors of the season — cranberry, turkey, brie, and toasted walnuts — the same notes I love in my pear and gorgonzola salad with candied pecans. But that pop of bright, tart cranberry is what truly elevates it into something special.
I love a good brie-and-crostini moment — see my mushroom brie crostini and my brie, honey and apple crostini. Anything with brie and anything on a crostini is an automatic yes in my book. The toasted nuts here add an extra layer that takes it over the top. Best of all, it comes together in just a few minutes. The only hard part is not eating them all before your guests arrive.
Fair warning: this is one of those recipes you’ll want to bring the recipe card for. People will be asking how you made it. In truth, you won’t see it on a lot of menus — which is exactly the point. We want to be a little different. Equally important, it keeps company with my prosciutto and fig crackers and a cheese platter when the guest list grows.
What Is Cranberry Brie & Walnut Crostini?
Cranberry brie and walnut crostini is a warm, bite-size appetizer built on toasted baguette slices. Each one is topped with melted brie, a spoonful of cranberry sauce, cooked turkey, and toasted walnuts, then finished with orange zest and fresh thyme. It is sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy in one bite, and it is one of my favorite ways to use Thanksgiving leftovers.
Cranberry Brie & Walnut Crostini Ingredients (With Purpose & Flavor Notes)
Baguette
Sliced and toasted into sturdy crostini that hold all the toppings beautifully.
Olive Oil
This helps the baguette toast to a golden, crisp base.
Brie Cheese
Meanwhile, this is the creamy, savory heart of the bite. It turns warm and melty in the oven.
Cranberry Sauce
The bright, tart pop that elevates the whole crostini and says “holiday.”
Cooked Turkey
In addition, it makes the bite heartier and a perfect use for leftovers (easily left out for a vegetarian version).
Toasted Walnuts
Likewise, these add that extra layer of crunch and a warm, nutty depth.
Orange Zest
In addition, it brightens everything with fresh citrus aroma.
Fresh Thyme
Finally, an herbal, savory finish that balances the sweet cranberry.
Sea salt & black pepper
To season and bring all the flavors into balance.
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Everything I Love for this recipe
Baking Sheet
Toast the crostini and melt the brie evenly in one easy batch.
Serving Platter
Of course, a beautiful platter turns these into a centerpiece worthy of your holiday table.
Microplane/Zester
For fresh orange zest right over the top.
Bread Knife
Slices the baguette into clean, even rounds that toast up crisp without crumbling.
Olive Oil Dispenser
Lets you drizzle just the right amount of olive oil over each slice before toasting.
Cheese Knife Set
Cuts the brie into neat, even pieces so every crostini gets the same creamy layer.
Marble Cheese Board
A beautiful marble board for serving the finished crostini to your guests.
Pepper Grinder
Adds a fresh crack of black pepper that balances the sweet cranberry and rich brie.
Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
Whole berry cranberry sauce brings the tart, jewel-toned topping in minutes.
Walnut Halves
Walnut halves add a buttery crunch that pairs perfectly with brie and cranberry.
Flaky Sea Salt
A pinch of flaky salt on top makes every flavor on the crostini pop.
How To Make Cranberry Brie & Walnut Crostini
Toast Until Golden
Above all, a crisp crostini base keeps the toppings from becoming soggy and adds the perfect crunch.
Use Room-Temperature Brie
In addition, slightly softened brie melts more evenly and creates a creamy layer on every bite.
Don’t Overload the Toppings
Likewise, a light layer of turkey, cranberry sauce, and walnuts keeps each crostini balanced and easy to eat.
Finish Just Before Serving
Finally, add the cranberry sauce, herbs, and garnishes right before serving for the freshest flavor and texture.
Step 1.
Toast the Baguette. First, slice the baguette, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for about 10 minutes until golden and crisp.
Step 2.
Melt the Brie. Next, top each toasted slice with brie and a small amount of turkey, then return to the oven for about 5 minutes until the cheese is warm and melty.
Step 3.
Add Cranberry & Walnuts. Then, spoon a little cranberry sauce onto each crostini and finish with a sprinkle of toasted walnuts for crunch.
Step 4.
Garnish & Serve. Finally, finish with orange zest, fresh thyme, sea salt, and black pepper. Then serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Easy Cranberry, Brie & Walnut Crostini
Ingredients
- 1 whole baguette
- olive oil
- 5 oz brie cheese
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
- 1 cup cooked turkey optional
- ¼ cup toasted walnut pieces
- 2 tbsp fresh orange zest
- Fresh thyme
- Sea salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch slices, arrange on a baking sheet, and drizzle with olive oil. Toast 7–8 minutes until crispy.
- Top each crostini with thin brie and a little turkey. Return to the oven about 5 minutes until the brie melts.
- Top each with about 1 tsp cranberry sauce and a few toasted walnuts.
- Sprinkle with orange zest, thyme, sea salt, and black pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
KEEP HOSTING
Build the festive appetizer spread — an elegant skewer, a cranberry pour, and a holiday gathering to plan around.
Pear & Bleu Cheese Skewers
Sweet pear, bold bleu cheese, peppery arugula, and candied pecans — an elegant skewer to pair with the crostini.
Get the Recipe →
Cranberry Moscow Mule
Tart cranberry, ginger, and lime in a festive mule — the bright, bubbly pour that loves a holiday appetizer table.
Pour a Glass →
How to Host a Holiday Ornament Exchange
A cozy, festive way to gather friends — everything you need to host a memorable holiday ornament exchange.
Keep Reading →Variations
Make it vegetarian
Simply leave out the turkey. The cranberry, brie, and walnut combination is delicious all on its own.
Swap the Protein
Alternatively, trade the turkey for prosciutto and add a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top.
Swap the Fruit
Not a cranberry fan? For example, use sliced apples or spiced pears — both pair beautifully with brie.
Make a pesto-tomato version
Similarly, use roasted tomatoes and pesto in place of cranberry and brie, finished with balsamic glaze.
Add more crunch
In addition, a few extra toasted walnuts or pecans never hurt.
When I Love Serving Cranberry Brie & Walnut Crostini
Dinner Party Appetizer
First, it’s elevated, a little unexpected, and beautiful on a platter. As a result, it sets the tone for the evening and always gets guests talking. Given that, it opens a holiday dinner party the way a caviar board does, without the same expense.
After Thanksgiving (When You’re Burnt Out on Turkey)
Especially if you’ve had turkey every which way, this is the recipe that makes it feel new again. It’s a fresh, festive way to keep enjoying the bird, even with leftovers to use.
Friendsgiving
Moreover, it’s easy to make, easy to share, and perfectly seasonal. In short, it suits the warm, casual spirit of a Friendsgiving table.
Simple Afternoon Snack
Serve a few alongside a crisp green salad for a light, satisfying afternoon bite that still feels special.
Pot Luck or Bring-a-Dish Gathering
Easy to transport and guaranteed to disappear. This is the dish I love to bring when I’m asked to contribute something.
With a Glass of Wine
The sweet-savory balance pairs beautifully with wine, making it perfect for a relaxed evening or a cozy gathering with friends.
Christmas Eve Open House
With this in mind, I line them up on a long board next to the punch bowl, and they disappear as fast as I can set them out. The red cranberry and green thyme look made for the season.
Holiday Wine Night
Not only does the creamy brie love a glass of pinot noir, but the toasted walnuts also make these hearty enough to carry an evening of good wine and even better conversation.
What to Serve With Cranberry Brie & Walnut Crostini
Festive Cocktail
Of course, it pairs beautifully with wine or a pear martini.
With Mules
For instance, our very own Cranberry Moscow Mule — bright and seasonal.
Green Salad
Finally, a crisp green salad to round it into a light lunch.
Holiday appetizers
Additionally, other holiday appetizers and boards round out a full grazing spread.
To drink, I pour a festive peartini or my Chambord Sweet Thyme cocktail. What’s more, when there is extra turkey and cranberry sauce, my cranberry brie turkey crackers and my mushroom and sweet onion baked brie round out the table. For a fuller spread, I add mini fig and brie bites and a fall charcuterie board.
Cranberry Brie & Walnut Crostini Storage
Separate and Refrigerate
To begin with, store components separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Fresh
In general, these are best fresh and warm.
Best served
With this in mind, assemble just before serving so the crostini stays crisp.
Cranberry Brie & Walnut Crostini FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — first toast the baguette and prep your toppings ahead, then assemble and warm just before guests arrive.
Is there a vegetarian version?
Absolutely — just leave out the turkey. The cranberry, brie, and walnut combination is wonderful on its own.
What about using leftover holiday turkey?
Definitely. Indeed, this is one of my favorite ways to use Thanksgiving leftovers and make them feel brand new.
What kind of cranberry sauce works best?
Generally, whole-berry cranberry sauce gives the prettiest look and best texture, but smooth works too — homemade or store-bought.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry, Brie, and Walnut Crostini takes the comfort flavors of the season and makes them feel fresh and elevated. It’s the kind of appetizer people remember and ask about. Overall, make it once and I think it’ll earn a permanent spot in your fall and holiday rotation.
If you try these, I’d love to know—would you keep them classic, or experiment with your own variations?
Erica A. Thomas
Founder of Eating With Erica
SAVE NOW, MAKE LATER!
