If you’re craving a snack that bursts with comforting warmth, tangy sweetness, and a delightful kick, then the Warm Brie & Cranberry Walnut Crostini with Hot Honey is exactly what your taste buds need. This irresistible appetizer marries creamy melted Brie with the vibrant pop of whole cranberry sauce and crunchy toasted walnuts, all elevated by a drizzle of spicy-sweet hot honey. Simple yet sophisticated, it’s perfect for cozy evenings, festive gatherings, or anytime you want to impress without fuss. Once you discover this harmonious blend of flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.

Warm Brie & Cranberry Walnut Crostini with Hot Honey Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is a beautiful celebration of straightforward ingredients that each bring their own magic to the dish. From the crunchy baguette that forms the perfect base to the luscious Brie and zesty hot honey, every component works in harmony to create a spectacular flavor and texture experience.

Baguette slices: Use fresh, crusty bread sliced into ½-inch rounds to ensure a sturdy, crisp base for your toppings.
Olive oil: Just a light brush helps the crostini toast to golden perfection with a subtle richness.
Brie cheese: The star of the show—choose a creamy, slightly ripe Brie to melt beautifully over the bread.
Whole cranberry sauce: Offers a tangy burst and vibrant color that contrasts perfectly with the soft cheese.
Walnuts: Toasted and chopped for a satisfying crunch and deep nutty note.
Honey: A natural sweetener that forms the base of the hot honey drizzle, adding sticky sweetness with a spicy twist.
Red pepper flakes: Customize the heat level while enhancing the honey’s complexity.
Apple cider vinegar (optional): Adds just a hint of acidity to balance the sweetness and spice of the hot honey.
Fresh thyme leaves (optional): A fragrant garnish that brightens the dish.
Cracked black pepper (optional): Sprinkled on top for a slight peppery bite that complements the sweetness.

How to Make Warm Brie & Cranberry Walnut Crostini with Hot Honey

Step 1: Toast the Bread

Start by preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F). Arrange those baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush them lightly with olive oil. This step is crucial because it helps you achieve crostini that are beautifully golden and perfectly crisp—providing a wonderful contrast to the creamy Brie and juicy toppings.

Step 2: Prepare the Hot Honey

While the bread toasts, warm the honey gently in a small saucepan over low heat. Add in the red pepper flakes—adjust the amount to suit your spice preference—and a touch of apple cider vinegar if you want a slight tang. Let this infuse for 2 to 3 minutes, then remove from heat and allow the flavors to mingle while you assemble everything.

Step 3: Assemble the Crostini

Place a slice of Brie on each toasted baguette piece, then return the tray to the oven for 4 to 6 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and just starting to melt. This makes all the difference, turning the Brie into a luscious, gooey layer that will melt in your mouth.

Step 4: Add Toppings

Now comes the fun part—spoon a generous dollop of whole cranberry sauce over each warm Brie-topped crostini. Sprinkle chopped toasted walnuts on top for that satisfying crunch and earthy flavor. The combination of textures at this stage is what truly elevates the dish.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Drizzle the hot honey over each crostini generously, letting the sweet and spicy liquid pool beautifully. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and a dusting of cracked black pepper if you like. Serve these warm, and prepare for an explosion of flavors with every bite.

How to Serve Warm Brie & Cranberry Walnut Crostini with Hot Honey

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like thyme bring an aromatic lift that balances the richness of the cheese, while cracked black pepper adds a subtle depth. A few extra walnut pieces scattered on top provide color and crunch that make the crostini as visually enticing as they are delicious.

Side Dishes

These crostini pair beautifully with sparkling cider, crisp white wine, or even a light rosé. For a full spread, include a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette, or some thinly sliced fresh pears to echo the sweetness and add a fresh, juicy counterpoint to the warm crostini.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider arranging the crostini on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra cranberry sauce, honey, and toasted nuts for a lively, shareable platter. You can also experiment by adding a layer of fig jam beneath the Brie or swapping walnuts for pecans for subtle flavor twists.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s rare!), store the crostini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The bread might lose some crispness, but reheating them gently will bring them back to life.

Freezing

Because of the fresh toppings and delicate Brie, this recipe is not ideal for freezing once assembled. You might freeze the toasted baguette slices separately if you want to save time later, but it’s best to prepare toppings fresh when ready to serve.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the crostini in a low oven (about 150°C or 300°F) for 5–7 minutes to soften the cheese again and warm the toppings. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy and the Brie rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of Brie?

Absolutely! While Brie’s creamy texture and gentle flavor make it perfect here, you can try Camembert or a mild triple-cream cheese for similar results. Just make sure it melts well and isn’t too strong in taste.

How spicy is the hot honey?

The heat level comes from the red pepper flakes and is very adjustable. Using ½ teaspoon will give a gentle warm undertone, while 1 teaspoon adds a noticeable kick. It’s all about your personal preference—feel free to experiment!

Is whole cranberry sauce necessary?

Using whole cranberry sauce adds texture and bursts of distinct fruity flavor that complement the creamy Brie beautifully. You could substitute with homemade cranberry relish or another sweet-tart jam if needed, but the texture difference will be noticeable.

Can I make the hot honey in advance?

Definitely! The hot honey can be made ahead and stored in a sealed jar at room temperature for up to two weeks. Just warm it slightly before drizzling over the crostini to bring out the flavors again.

What if I don’t have fresh thyme for garnish?

No worries at all! Fresh thyme adds a lovely herbal note, but if you don’t have it, you can simply omit it or use a small sprinkle of dried herbs like oregano or rosemary to add a different but pleasant flavor.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend the Warm Brie & Cranberry Walnut Crostini with Hot Honey enough—it’s a fuss-free yet impressive dish that brings a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and spicy elements to your table. Whether you’re entertaining friends or indulging in a cozy night in, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a go, and watch it become your new go-to appetizer!