Warm Brie & Cranberry Walnut Crostini with Hot Honey Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a snack that’s absolutely bursting with delightful flavors and textures, then you have to try this Warm Brie & Cranberry Walnut Crostini with Hot Honey. It’s a perfect blend of creamy, sweet, tangy, and nutty all packed onto a crispy baguette slice, with a touch of spicy-sweet hot honey drizzled on top that makes every bite sing. Whether you’re hosting a cozy get-together or just craving something special, this crostini will quickly become your go-to for an elegant yet simple treat that everyone will rave about.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You really only need a handful of ingredients for this recipe, but each one plays a starring role in bringing this dish to life. The crunchy baguette provides a sturdy base, the Brie adds rich creaminess, cranberries bring in vibrant pops of sweetness, walnuts offer a satisfying crunch, and the hot honey ties it all together with a beautiful spicy-sweet drizzle.

• Baguette: Slice into ½-inch rounds to create the perfect crisp crostini base that holds all the toppings snugly.
• Olive oil: A light brush on the bread ensures a golden, crispy texture when toasted.
• Brie cheese: Choose a creamy, ripe Brie that melts easily for that luscious, gooey center.
• Dried cranberries: Their tart sweetness balances the richness of the Brie beautifully.
• Walnuts: Toasted and roughly chopped for a slightly smoky crunch that adds texture and depth.
• Honey: A sweet drizzle that serves as the base for the hot honey topping, adding natural sweetness.
• Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch to bring a subtle spicy kick that elevates the honey’s flavor.
• Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional): Adds an herbaceous brightness as a garnish for a final aromatic touch.

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

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things neat and make cleanup easy. Getting the oven ready sets the stage for perfectly toasted crostini and melted Brie later on.

Step 2: Toast the Crostini

Brush each baguette slice lightly with olive oil—this simple step helps achieve that golden, crispy texture essential for holding your delicious toppings without getting soggy. Arrange the slices on the baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping once halfway through, so both sides get beautifully toasted.

Step 3: Add Brie, Cranberries, and Walnuts

Once your crostini are crisp and slightly cooled, top each one with a slice of Brie, a scattering of dried cranberries, and some toasted walnuts. Return them to the oven for 6 to 8 minutes so the Brie softens and melts just right, creating that irresistible creamy layer underneath your toppings.

Step 4: Make the Hot Honey

While your crostini finish baking, gently warm the honey in a small saucepan over low heat—be patient and take care not to boil it. Stir in the red pepper flakes and let the flavors mingle for 2 to 3 minutes, creating a spicy-sweet drizzle that perfectly complements the rest of the dish.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove the crostini from the oven and immediately drizzle each piece generously with the warm hot honey. If you’re feeling fancy, top with fresh thyme or rosemary to add a fragrant herbal note. Serve immediately for the best warm, melty experience that captures all those wonderful contrasts in flavor and texture.

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

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary not only adds a pop of color but also infuses a subtle earthy aroma that elevates every bite. If you want to get playful, a finishing pinch of flaky sea salt can contrast beautifully with the sweet honey drizzle.

Side Dishes

This crostini shines as a party appetizer but pairs wonderfully alongside a crisp green salad dressed in citrus vinaigrette or a bowl of butternut squash soup. These side dishes complement the warm, sweet, and savory flavors without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Warm Brie & Cranberry Walnut Crostini with Hot Honey on a wooden board surrounded by clusters of fresh grapes or apple slices for a rustic, inviting look. You can also serve them on a decorative platter with small bowls of extra hot honey and toasted nuts, encouraging everyone to customize their bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store the crostini components separately for best results. Keep toasted baguette slices in an airtight container and the Brie mixture refrigerated, and add the hot honey just before serving next time to maintain maximum freshness and texture.

Freezing

While this crostini is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the toasted baguette slices alone in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. When ready to use, toast or warm them up again before assembling with Brie and toppings.

Reheating

To reheat assembled crostini, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes until the Brie is soft again. Drizzle with fresh hot honey afterward so it retains its lovely warmth and texture.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work wonderfully here and add their own unique crunch and flavor. Just toast them lightly to bring out their best, just like with walnuts.

Is it possible to make the hot honey less spicy?

Yes. Simply reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether if you prefer a milder, sweeter honey drizzle that still adds delicious richness.

Can this recipe be made vegan or dairy-free?

You can substitute the Brie with a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, but be sure your honey alternative suits your dietary preferences if avoiding honey altogether.

How far ahead can I prepare this crostini?

For best flavor and texture, assemble and bake the crostini right before serving. You can prep the hot honey and toast the baguette slices a day ahead to save time.

What type of Brie is best for this recipe?

Look for a creamy, triple-cream Brie with a smooth texture and buttery taste. It should melt beautifully without becoming oily or runny.

Final Thoughts

This Warm Brie & Cranberry Walnut Crostini with Hot Honey is one of those magical recipes that feels fancy but is astonishingly easy to pull together. Its mouthwatering combination of creamy cheese, tart fruit, crunchy nuts, and sweet heat from the honey will delight your taste buds and impress your guests every time. I truly hope you give it a try and make many warm, delicious memories with it in your kitchen.