Pomegranate, Cranberry & Brie Bruschetta: A Festive and Elegant Appetizer
If you’re searching for a unique and elegant appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion, look no further than this Pomegranate, Cranberry & Brie Bruschetta. This delightful bruschetta combines the tartness of fresh cranberries, the sweetness of pomegranate seeds, and the creaminess of brie cheese, all served on crispy, toasted baguette slices. It’s a burst of bright, festive flavors that are sure to impress your guests and add a touch of sophistication to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Pomegranate, Cranberry & Brie Bruschetta is a wonderful blend of sweet, tart, creamy, and crunchy. The vibrant pomegranate seeds and cranberries not only provide a pop of color but also a refreshing contrast to the rich, melted brie cheese. The orange zest adds a subtle citrus note, while the fresh basil brings an herbaceous brightness to the dish. It’s an easy-to-make appetizer that looks as beautiful as it tastes, making it perfect for festive celebrations, dinner parties, or even as a fancy snack.
Pomegranate, Cranberry & Brie Bruschetta Recipe
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup pomegranate seeds
- ½ cup fresh or frozen chopped cranberries, thawed
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- Dash of salt
- 6 ounces baguette-style French bread, cut diagonally into 16 slices
- Cooking spray
- ⅛ teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 (6 ounce) log brie cheese, cut diagonally into 16 slices
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil
Directions:
- Prepare the Fruit Topping
- In a small bowl, combine the pomegranate seeds, chopped cranberries, sugar, orange zest, and a dash of salt. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes or up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Toast the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a parchment-lined 15×10-inch baking sheet. Lightly coat both sides of each slice with cooking spray and sprinkle with a pinch of ground pepper. Bake the bread for 8 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through to ensure they are evenly toasted and golden brown.
- Add the Brie
- Once the bread slices are toasted, top each slice with a piece of brie cheese. Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 4 minutes, or until the brie is softened and slightly melted.
- Finish with the Fruit Topping
- Remove the toasted brie-topped bruschetta from the oven. Stir the chopped fresh basil into the pomegranate-cranberry mixture. Spoon a generous amount of the fruit topping onto each slice of bruschetta.
- Serve Immediately
- Serve the bruschetta warm for the best flavor and texture. Arrange them on a serving platter and enjoy this festive, flavorful appetizer with your guests.
Recipe Notes:
- Make Ahead: The pomegranate-cranberry topping can be made up to 3 days in advance, which makes this appetizer perfect for entertaining. Just assemble and bake the bruschetta right before serving.
- Bread Choice: Baguette-style French bread works best for this recipe, but you can also use ciabatta or sourdough for a heartier option.
- Variations: You can swap out the brie for goat cheese or camembert if you prefer a different type of creamy cheese.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Calories: 150 kcal per serving
- Servings: 16 bruschetta slices
This Pomegranate, Cranberry & Brie Bruschetta is a delicious blend of flavors and textures, making it an excellent choice for any gathering or celebration. The combination of the sweet and tart fruit topping with the creamy melted brie on crispy toasted bread creates a beautiful balance that’s sure to impress. Not only is it quick and easy to prepare, but it also makes a stunning presentation—perfect for when you want to serve something a little extra special!
PrintPomegranate, Cranberry & Brie Bruschetta
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 16 1x
Description
This Pomegranate, Cranberry & Brie Bruschetta is the ultimate holiday appetizer, featuring a perfect balance of creamy brie, sweet-tart cranberries, and juicy pomegranate seeds. Each slice of toasted French bread holds a melty piece of brie topped with a vibrant, fruity mixture, garnished with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor.
Ingredients
¾ cup pomegranate seeds
½ cup fresh or frozen chopped cranberries, thawed
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon orange zest
Dash of salt
6 ounces baguette-style French bread, cut diagonally into 16 slices
Cooking spray
⅛ teaspoon ground pepper
1 (6 ounce) log brie cheese, cut diagonally into 16 slices
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine the pomegranate seeds, cranberries, sugar, orange zest, and salt. Mix well, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
When ready to serve, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the bread slices on a parchment-lined 15×10-inch baking sheet. Lightly coat both sides of each slice with cooking spray and sprinkle with ground pepper. Bake for 8 minutes, turning once halfway through.
Top each slice of toasted bread with a slice of brie cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 4 minutes, or until the brie is softened and slightly melted.
Stir the chopped basil into the pomegranate-cranberry mixture. Spoon the mixture on top of the warm, cheesy bruschetta.
Serve immediately while warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 150