Cranberry chutney crostini are a tasty snack perfect for gatherings. Crispy bread topped with sweet and tangy cranberry chutney is a treat for your taste buds!
I love making these for parties—everyone loves grabbing a crunchy bite! Plus, they are easy to prepare and look fancy without much effort. Who doesn’t appreciate that? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baguette: A classic choice for crostini, a baguette provides that perfect crunch. You can substitute with any crusty bread or even gluten-free options if needed. Just remember to slice it thinly!
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are key for making the chutney. If they are out of season, frozen cranberries work just as well. You can also swap cranberries for cherries or blueberries for a different flavor twist.
Cheese: Cream cheese is smooth and mild, while goat cheese adds a tangy flavor. You can use ricotta or a vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free option. Choose what best suits your taste preferences!
Onion: The recipe calls for finely chopped onion to give depth to chutney. You can substitute with shallots for a milder taste or omit it if you prefer a simpler flavor.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Toasted Crostini?
Toasting the bread well is essential for that nice crunch. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and use a baking sheet.
- Brush baguette slices lightly with olive oil on both sides; this adds flavor and allows even browning.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
- Let them cool slightly before spreading the cheese and chutney—this way they stay crispy.
Cranberry Chutney Crostini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 4 oz cream cheese or goat cheese, softened
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
- Olive oil (for brushing bread)
- Optional: crushed nuts or seeds (e.g., walnuts or sesame seeds) for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the chutney, 10 minutes to prep and toast the crostini, and around 5-10 minutes to assemble everything. Easy-peasy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Cranberry Chutney:
In a medium saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, sugar, orange juice, chopped onion, apple cider vinegar, grated ginger, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Put the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer while stirring occasionally.
2. Cooking the Chutney:
Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cranberries start to burst and the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. Once it’s ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool off.
3. Preparing the Crostini:
While the chutney cools, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and lightly brush both sides with olive oil. Bake them for 8-10 minutes until they are golden and crisp. Then, take them out and let them cool slightly.
4. Assembling the Crostini:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Spread a generous layer of softened cream cheese or goat cheese onto each toasted baguette slice. Then, add a spoonful of the cooled cranberry chutney on top.
5. Garnishing:
To finish, garnish each crostini with a small sprig of fresh rosemary. If you want, you can also sprinkle some crushed nuts or seeds on top for extra crunch and flavor.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your cranberry chutney crostini immediately and delight in this sweet, tangy, and crunchy appetizer! They’re sure to be a hit with everyone!
Can I Use Other Fruits for the Chutney?
Absolutely! You can substitute cranberries with cherries, raspberries, or even diced apples for a different flavor. Just adjust the sugar to match the sweetness of the new fruit.
Can I Make the Chutney in Advance?
Yes, you can! The chutney stores well in the fridge for up to a week. Make it ahead of time and simply rewarm it slightly before assembling the crostini.
How Should I Store Leftover Crostini?
If you have leftovers, store the crostini (unassembled) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If they’ve been assembled, refrigerate, but the bread may become soft. To refresh, pop them back in the oven for a few minutes!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Bread for This Recipe?
Yes, using gluten-free bread is a great option! Just look for a crusty variety to ensure it holds up well and still gives you that satisfying crunch.