Original post: 12/22/2019 Updated: 12/8/2024
Looking for a holiday appetizer that’s as stunning as it is simple? Enter cranberry orange crostini—an irresistible bite of creamy, tangy, and slightly boozy perfection.
Made with a base of velvety mascarpone, topped with dried cranberries infused with the warm citrus notes of Cointreau, and a touch of vibrant orange zest, these crostini are a little taste of the holidays in every bite.
Whether you’re hosting a festive party or enjoying a cozy evening with friends to toast the New Year, this recipe pairs beautifully with a glass of prosecco and promises to delight your guests (and your taste buds). Ready to whip up some holiday magic? Let’s get started!
What You Will Need to Make The Crostini
These delectable orange-flavored cranberry crostini are easy to make and use just 6 ingredients.
Baguette
A French baguette sliced into 1/2-inch slices makes the crostini crackers. If you can find a petite baguette that will be the perfect size for this recipe. If not, cut a full-size baguette in half, use 1/2 for this recipe then wrap the other 1/2 tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer to use later.
Olive Oil
Used to brush the crostini rounds before baking. The oil adds a grassy flavor and helps the crostini rounds stay just crisp enough.
Mascarpone Cheese
Mascarpone cheese is best known as an essential ingredient in tiramisu, where it adds a luscious creaminess to this classic Italian dessert. But it’s equally delightful in savory dishes or as a spread. Made from cow’s milk, this cream-style cheese is rich in butterfat, giving it a silky-smooth texture and a mild flavor.
If mascarpone isn’t available, cream cheese can be a great substitute. To achieve a similar silky texture, try blending it with a splash of heavy cream in a food processor before spreading it on the crostini.
Cointreau
An orange-flavored liqueur, Cointreau is used to soak, or “macerate” the cranberries before adding on top of the crostini. The alcohol helps soften the cranberries and infuses them with a zesty orange flavor.
If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, soak the cranberries in orange juice for a few hours instead.
Chopped Walnuts
Toasted chopped walnuts bring the perfect nutty crunch and a hint of buttery flavor to these crostini. They beautifully balance the sweetness of the cranberries while complementing the bright orange zest.
And here’s a bonus: walnuts are packed with plant-based omega-3 fats, adding a sneaky little nutritional boost to this holiday treat. Because who says you can’t have a bit of indulgence and some health benefits? It’s all about balance, right? 😉
Orange Zest
Just to give a little extra burst of flavor, a final sprinkle with orange zest brings it all together.
How to Make the Cranberry Crostini
Step 1: Macerate or Soak the Cranberries
In a glass bowl, soak the cranberries in some Cointreau (or other orange-flavored liqueur, or orange juice) for at least 4 hours. This will soften the dried fruit and infuse them with a boozy orange flavor.
Before assembling the crostini drain the liqueur but make sure you save it! Add a tablespoon or two to a glass of Prosecco for a special cocktail!
Step 2: Make the Crostini Crackers or Rounds
Cut the baguette into 1/2-inch rounds. Brush them with a little olive oil on each side if you desire.
Toast them on both sides under the broiler.
Step 3: Assemble the Crostini
Assembling these little bites is easy and can be done right before the guests arrive in less than 10 minutes.
Spread each crostini round with 1 – 2 tsp of mascarpone cheese.
Top each with a few soaked cranberries (don’t forget to drain them first – but hold onto that boozy orange liqueur!).
Then sprinkle each with a few chopped walnuts and a sprinkling of orange zest.
Place them on a beautiful platter and just wait for your guests to arrive!
Variations
While I love these as they are there are a few variations that are worth mentioning.
In place of Mascarpone cheese, you can use cream cheese. I like to add a splash of heavy cream to it and then whip it in a food processor to get a silky smooth texture that will mimic the Mascarpone.
For a non-alcoholic version, soak the cranberries in orange juice for at least 4 hours to soften them and get that orange flavor.
Final Thoughts
These simple little holiday bites will quickly become a new favorite recipe. If you love it, please share it with friends, and don’t forget to Pin this so you don’t lose it!
Whatever you are celebrating this time of year, I hope you are enjoying spending time with family and friends!
Other Recipes You Will Love
If you love the flavor of cranberries, you may love one of these recipes too:
Beets Roasted in Cranberry Juice
Check out this round-up of healthy holiday appetizer recipes for more delicious ideas!
Cranberry Orange Crostini
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 2 Tbsp Cointreau (or orange juice for a non-alcoholic version)
- 16 slices french bread about ¼ inch thick
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 oz. Mascarpone cheese softened
- 1 Tbsp orange zest
- 2 Tbsp chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Put cranberries in a shallow bowl and pour Cointreau over. Allow the cranberries to soak for at least 4 hours. When ready to make crostini drain off excess liquid. (hold on to the extra to mix into a cocktail later)
Make Crostini
- Slice the baguette into 16, ½-inch rounds.
- Preheat the broiler. Brush each side of each crostini round with the olive oil. Place them on a baking sheet and put them under the broiler. When the crostini are browned on one side, flip them over and brown the second side. Remove them from the oven and place on a rack to cool.
- Just before serving, spread each crostini with ~1 – 2 tsp. mascarpone cheese.
- Top each with a few of the soaked cranberries, and some chopped walnuts, and sprinkle them all with orange zest.
1 thought on “Wonderfully Easy Cranberry Crostini Recipe to Brighten Your Holiday Table”
Pingback: A Must-Have Kitchen Items List: 10 Utensils Every Cook Should Have