This cloudberry prosciutto brie bruschetta is an elegant sweet and savoury appetizer featuring creamy brie, salty prosciutto, and luscious cloudberry jam layered over crisp toasted bread.
This post was first time published in 2019. I have updated the text, improved the recipe, and taken and uploaded new photos.
Hey, folks, today we’re leaning into something a little more special and slightly unexpected – a flavour combination that feels both rustic and refined at the same time. It’s one of those recipes that looks impressive but comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for entertaining or a cozy treat. So, let’s dive into this Cloudberry Prosciutto Brie Bruschetta.
Why You’ll Love This Cloudberry Prosciutto Brie Bruschetta
- Elegant: This bruschetta feels sophisticated and unique thanks to the rare cloudberry jam.
- Balanced: Creamy, salty, and sweet flavours come together beautifully in every bite.
- Versatile: Works as both bruschetta or crostini depending on the bread you choose.
- Quick: Minimal prep and just a few minutes in the oven.
- Memorable: A great conversation starter thanks to the unusual ingredient.
Flavour and Texture Profile
This cloudberry bruschetta with brie and prosciutto delivers a layered and refined experience. The brie melts into a creamy, slightly earthy base, while the prosciutto adds a delicate saltiness. The cloudberry jam brings a sweet-tart, honeyed note that ties everything together. Meanwhile, the toasted bread provides structure and a satisfying crunch, creating a perfect contrast to the soft toppings.
What Are Cloudberries?
Depending on where you live, there is a huge chance you have never heard of a cloudberry.
Rubus chamaemorus is a flowering plant in the rose family that produces an amber, apricot-coloured fruit. Its shape resembles raspberries or blackberries – especially yellow raspberries – but the flavour is entirely unique. Cloudberries are slightly tart and earthy, with sweet notes reminiscent of honey and apricot, sometimes with a subtle floral aroma similar to heather.
They are also known as Nordic berry, knotberry, and bakeapple – a name familiar in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.
Cloudberries grow across the Northern Hemisphere, including Nordic countries, parts of Russia, Canada, and even northern areas of the United States. However, they are rarely cultivated commercially, which makes them quite rare and expensive.
Cloudberry Jam
Because fresh cloudberries are difficult to find, cloudberry jam is the most accessible way to enjoy them. While it tends to be pricier than most other jams, it delivers a truly distinctive flavour that makes it well worth the splurge.
The jam has a beautiful balance of sweetness and gentle tartness, with subtle notes of honey, apricot, and a slightly earthy complexity. Unlike many berry jams, it doesn’t taste overly sugary or one-dimensional – instead, it feels layered and refined.
Cloudberry jam pairs exceptionally well with dairy products such as brie, cream cheese, and goat cheese, as well as cured meats like prosciutto. This natural affinity is exactly why it works so beautifully in this cloudberry bruschetta with brie and prosciutto.
If you can find it, Nordic or Canadian brands often offer the most authentic flavour. Otherwise, specialty food shops and online retailers are usually your best bet.
Bruschetta vs Crostini
Although often used interchangeably, bruschetta and crostini are slightly different.
Bruschetta is typically made with larger slices of rustic bread like sourdough or country loaf. It feels heartier and more rustic.
Crostini, on the other hand, uses thinner slices of baguette. These are smaller, more refined bites — perfect for entertaining.
This recipe works beautifully both ways:
- Use rustic bread for a more substantial appetizer.
- Use baguette slices for elegant, bite-sized crostini.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Cloudberry Bruschetta with Brie and Prosciutto
It’s easy to make this cloudberry prosciutto brie bruschetta with a handful of carefully selected ingredients that balance richness and freshness.
- Bread: Rustic sourdough for bruschetta or baguette for crostini.
- Cream cheese or goat’s cheese: Adds a subtle creamy base and helps anchor the toppings.
- Smoked cheddar: Provides a gentle smoky depth that complements the jam.
- Cloudberry jam: The star ingredient with its sweet, tart, and slightly floral flavour.
- Prosciutto: Delicate saltiness that balances the sweetness.
- Brie: Soft, creamy cheese that melts beautifully.
- Fresh thyme: Adds a light herbal note to finish.
Possible Additions and Variations
Although this recipe is already beautifully balanced, you can customize it depending on your taste:
- Swap cloudberry jam with apricot or peach preserves if needed.
- Use honey instead of jam for a milder sweetness.
- Add crushed nuts like walnuts for texture.
- Try blue cheese instead of brie for a stronger flavour.
- Drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze for extra depth.
How to Make Prosciutto and Brie Bruschetta with Cloudberry Jam
This cloudberry bruschetta with brie and prosciutto comes together quickly with just a few simple steps.
Preheat the oven to 170–175°C (350°F). Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast for about 4–5 minutes until lightly crisp. Remove and let cool slightly.
Spread a thin layer of cream cheese or goat’s cheese over each slice. Add about 1/2 tablespoon of cloudberry jam (use less for smaller crostini), then sprinkle with smoked cheddar. Top with torn pieces of prosciutto and chunks of brie. Finish with a few thyme leaves. Return to the oven for a few minutes until the cheeses melt. Serve warm immediately.
More Delicious Cloudberry Recipes
Are you looking for more fun recipes, like this cloudberry prosciutto brie bruschetta? Be sure to check more recipes below:
- Cloudberry Brandy Cocktail – A refined and aromatic cocktail showcasing the unique sweet-tart flavour of cloudberries.
- Boozy Cloudberry Jam Milkshake – A creamy and indulgent dessert drink combining cloudberry jam with a hint of liqueur.
- Cloudberry Jam Ice Cream – A smooth and elegant frozen dessert that highlights the delicate flavour of cloudberries.
I’d love for you to try this recipe for bruschetta with cloudberries, brie and prosciutto. If you give the recipe 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!
I have not ever had a cloudberry (or cloudberry jam) but do know of them. I would lovpe to try this bruschetta, Ben — it looks fantastic!
Thank you, David!
I love ddifferent kinds of jam as I used to make my own. Cloudberry is a new one – there is always Amazon! A favorite appetizer to use toasta smothered with goodies -I’m all for prosciutto :)
If you have Ikea nearby, you can find it there, too.
I hadn’t ever heard of cloudberries so I had to Google them and they are beautiful – like you said, like raspberries only orange! And, Amazon has clouberry jam so I think I need to get some and make some of this Cloudberry Prosciutto Brie Bruschetta – it looks and sounds so delicious, Ben! What a delightful blend of flavors!
If you have Ikea nearby, you can get a jar for a very reasonable price. Thanks Shashi!
Ooh first time I’ve heard of cloudberries but they sound delicious and such a wonderful addition to your crostini!
Thank you, Michelle!
Mouthwatering! I need to get some Cloudberry jam soon… :)
Thank you, Ronit!
Brilliant! I love cloudberry jam! Ooooh, and I have some smoked mozzarella….
Sounds like a plan :)
these sound wonderful Ben. I’ve certainly heard of cloudberries but as we are in the southern hemisphere … I think you can buy the jam from Ikea? maybe? :=)
sherry
We always buy it at Ikea :)
Intriguing! I’d never heard of cloudberries. I may live a little too far south to find them locally, but I’ll be on the look out.
Thank you, Frank!
Will have to have a look for cloudberry preserves when I’m next in Ikea Ben. We have a huge Ikea here in Glasgow so I’m pretty sure I’ll find this in the food section. Thanks for this tasty recipe and I hope you enjoy your long weekend and get some decent weather too!
They’re known as bakeapples in Newfoundland, and any time I get a stash from a generous relative (because I don’t pick them myself!), I cherish them! Love making bakeapple jam. Now I want to pair them with prosciutto and brie! Love this Ben!
This sounds like an amazing appetizer or even a light dinner, Ben! I can’t say that I’ve had (or even seen) cloudberries, but I’ll have to look for the jam next time I’m near an Ikea. (Believe it or not, our closest Ikea is 2+ hours away. Ugh!) All the flavors here sound amazing…especially that little bit of smoked cheddar in there! But wait, no lavender?? Enjoy the long weekend, my friend!