Cranberry Chestnut Brie Crostini with Caramelized Onions and Prosciutto

Cranberry chestnut brie crostini bring together creamy cheese, sweet cranberry sauce, tender chestnuts, and salty prosciutto on crisp toasted baguette. This festive crostini recipe is elegant, flavourful, and perfect for easy holiday entertaining.

Hey, folks – I hope you all are doing well and are ready for a New Year!

Although the holidays are winding down, this post marks my last recipe of 2025, and it’s a perfect last-minute idea for a New Year’s Eve celebration.

Planning and entertaining don’t have to be complicated – often, all you need are one or two versatile recipes to build a beautiful spread. For example, I made this crostini alongside my turkey chestnut cranberry flatbread and leftover turkey flatbread with caramelized onions, cranberry and brie on the same day. Using a similar set of ingredients, the result was three completely distinctive dishes. So, let’s dive into these cranberry chestnut brie crostini.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Chestnut Brie Crostini

• Festive and elegant. A perfect balance of sweet, savoury, and creamy flavours for holiday gatherings.
• Easy to prepare. Simple steps and minimal prep make this ideal for stress-free entertaining.
• Versatile for a spread. Pairs beautifully with flatbreads, salads, and cheese boards.
• Great use of pantry staples. Cranberry sauce, chestnuts, and baguette transform into something special.

Flavour and Texture Profile

These cranberry chestnut brie crostini are crisp on the bottom, creamy in the centre, and layered with contrasting flavours. Sweet cranberry sauce and chestnuts balance the saltiness of prosciutto, while melted Brie ties everything together. Fresh herbs and orange zest lift the crostini with subtle aromatic notes.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe

To make cranberry chestnut brie crostini, you’ll need a short list of well-chosen ingredients that work together effortlessly.

• Baguette. Sliced into thin pieces and toasted until lightly golden for a crisp base.
• Olive oil. Used to brush the baguette slices before baking, adding flavour and colour.
• Cranberry sauce. Sweet and tangy cranberry sauce provides a festive contrast; homemade or good-quality store-bought both work well.
• Brie cheese. Sliced or torn into pieces, Brie melts gently and adds rich creaminess.
• Cooked chestnuts. Roasted, peeled, and vacuum-packed chestnuts add subtle sweetness and a soft, nutty texture.
• Prosciutto. Thinly sliced prosciutto brings savoury depth and a touch of saltiness.
• Fresh rosemary and thyme. A small amount of fresh herbs adds warmth and aroma.
• Orange zest. A light sprinkle at the end brightens the flavours and adds a fresh finish.

For the caramelized onions:

• Onion: One large onion, thinly sliced, forms the sweet and savoury backbone of the flatbread.
• Olive oil: Helps soften the onions and prevents sticking during the slow sauté.
• Butter: Adds richness and enhances the natural sweetness of the onions.
• Balsamic vinegar: A small splash at the end deepens flavour and rounds everything out beautifully.

How to Make Cranberry Chestnut Brie Crostini

To make cranberry chestnut brie crostini, start by brushing sliced baguette with olive oil and toasting in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 6–8 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove from the oven, then arrange the caramelized onions, cranberry sauce, slices of Brie, chopped chestnuts, prosciutto, and fresh rosemary and thyme on each crostini. Return to the oven and bake for a few more minutes, just until the Brie has softened. Finish with a sprinkle of orange zest and additional fresh herbs before serving.

More Delicious Appetizers for the Holidays

Are you looking for more easy recipes to enjoy this winter and celebrate New Year’s eve, like these cranberry chestnut brie crostini? Be sure to check more recipes below:

• Cranberry Brie Crostini with Almonds and Rosemary
• Caramelized Onion Chestnut Bruschetta
• Festive Pear Chestnut Bruschetta with Prosciutto and Pomegranate
• Brie Lingonberry Jam Crostini – A Festive Holiday Appetizer
• Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites – A Festive Holiday Appetizer
• Savoury Cheese Cranberry Pistachio Biscuits – Not Your Typical Christmas Cookie
• Cranberry Walnut Cheese Biscuits
• Festive Cheese and Chestnut Biscuits – Holiday Savoury Treat

I’d love for you to try this Cranberry Chestnut Brie Crostini with Caramelized Onions and Prosciutto. If you give this holiday appetizer a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts.

Cheers – and see you all next year!

Cranberry Chestnut Brie Crostini with Caramelized Onions and Prosciutto

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

Cranberry chestnut brie crostini with prosciutto and caramelized onions; an easy appetizer perfect for winter and holiday entertaining.

Course: Bruschetta and Toasts, Chestnut Recipes, Christmas, Festive Cheese and AppetizersCuisine: European-inspired, French-inspired, Italian-inspiredDifficulty: Easy

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Servings

3-4

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• Caramelized Onions:

• 1 medium onion, sliced

• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil

• 1/2 (7.5 g) butter

• Cranberry Chestnut Brie Crostini:

• 1/2 bag uette (about 250 g), sliced into 12–16 pieces

• 1 tbsp . (15 ml) olive oil, for brushing

• 1/3 cup (80 ml) homemade cranberry sauce like Festive Cranberry Sauce with Orange Liqueur

• 100-125 g Brie, sliced or torn into small pieces

• 1/2 cup (50 g) roasted and peeled chestnuts, crumbled

• 4 –5 slices prosciutto (about 75 g), torn into smaller pieces

• 1/2 tsp . minced rosemary

• 1/2 tsp . thyme leaves

• 1/2 tsp . finely grated orange or clementine zest, for garnish

Directions

• Start by caramelizing the onions. Heat the olive oil and butter in a heavy-bottomed skillet over low-medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook slowly for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft, and lightly caramelized. Finish with a small splash of balsamic vinegar and set aside.
• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the baguette slices lightly with olive oil and in the preheated oven for 6–8 minutes, until lightly golden.
• Remove from the oven, then top each slice with the caramelized onions, cranberry sauce, Brie, chestnuts, thyme, and rosemary; return to the oven and bake for about 4-5 minutes until the Brie has softened.
• Finish with orange zest and extra fresh herbs, if desired, then serve warm. Enjoy!