Cranberry Crostini with Cream Cheese and Rosemary Recipe
Introduction
Cranberry crostini offer a delightful combination of tangy cranberry sauce and creamy herb-infused cheese on crispy toasted baguette slices. This appetizer is perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want a flavorful, easy-to-make bite.
Ingredients
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup water
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Step 2: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet, lightly drizzle with olive oil, and bake for about 10 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Step 3: In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Step 4: Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on each toasted baguette slice. Spoon the cooled cranberry sauce over the cream cheese layer.
- Step 5: Garnish each crostini with a sprinkle of fresh rosemary. Arrange on a platter and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh rosemary for the best flavor, but dried rosemary can be substituted in smaller amounts.
- For a sweeter sauce, increase the sugar or add a drizzle of honey to the cranberry sauce once cooked.
- Try adding a sprinkle of toasted nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added crunch.
- Swap cream cheese for goat cheese for a tangier spread.
Storage
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The crostini are best served fresh; however, toasted baguette slices can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat baguette slices in a warm oven for a few minutes before assembling.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the cranberry sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the cranberry sauce can be prepared a day or two in advance and refrigerated. Let it come to room temperature before spreading on the crostini.
What can I use instead of a baguette?
You can use any crusty bread such as a French roll or ciabatta, sliced and toasted similarly for a good base.
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Cranberry Crostini with Cream Cheese and Rosemary Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 24 crostini (depending on baguette size and slice thickness) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cranberry Crostini recipe perfectly combines the tartness of homemade cranberry sauce with a creamy rosemary-infused cheese spread atop crisp toasted baguette slices. It’s an elegant and easy appetizer ideal for holiday gatherings or any festive occasion.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
Cranberry Sauce
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup water
Cheese Spread
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberry Sauce: In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool completely.
- Prepare the Baguette: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and lightly drizzle them with olive oil. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the slices are golden and crispy.
- Mix the Cheese Spread: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped fresh rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well mixed and the spread is smooth.
- Assemble the Crostini: Spread a generous layer of the rosemary cream cheese mixture on each toasted baguette slice. Then, spoon a portion of the cooled cranberry sauce on top of the cheese spread.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle additional fresh rosemary on top for extra aroma and garnish. Arrange the crostini on a serving platter and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Adjust sugar in cranberry sauce according to your preference for sweetness.
- Use fresh rosemary for best flavor; dried rosemary can be substituted but use less due to its intensity.
- The cranberry sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.
- Serve crostini immediately after assembling to keep the bread crisp.
- For a vegan version, substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cranberry crostini, cranberry sauce appetizer, rosemary cream cheese, holiday appetizer, easy crostini, festive finger food
