If you’re looking for the perfect festive appetizer that bursts with flavor and festive cheer, this Thanksgiving Cranberry and Pecan Crostini Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining the tangy brightness of cranberry sauce, the creamy richness of cranberry Stilton cheese, and the delightful crunch of candied pecans atop crispy, golden crostini, this dish creates an irresistible symphony of textures and tastes. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply want a special treat with friends, this recipe is guaranteed to impress and warm hearts around your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Thanksgiving Cranberry and Pecan Crostini Recipe lies in its wonderfully simple but brilliant ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish stand out at any celebration.
- Baguette: Provides the perfect crunchy base that holds all the delicious toppings without getting soggy.
- Olive oil (for drizzling): Adds a subtle richness and helps achieve a beautiful golden toast on the bread rounds.
- 1 cup Cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought): Brings vibrant, tart sweetness that instantly evokes holiday spirit.
- 200g Cranberry Stilton cheese (crumbled): Offers a creamy, slightly tangy flavor with delightful cranberry bursts right inside the cheese.
- 100g Candied pecans (roughly chopped): Contributes a caramelized crunch and nutty sweetness that completes the composition perfectly.
How to Make Thanksgiving Cranberry and Pecan Crostini Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven
First things first, get your oven warmed up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius). This high temperature will give your baguette slices that perfect toasty crunch, ready to carry the wonderful toppings.
Step 2: Prepare Crostini
Slice your baguette into rounds approximately half an inch thick. Arrange these slices neatly on a baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil. This helps each piece brown nicely and adds a subtle layer of flavor.
Step 3: Toast
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let those baguette rounds toast until they become golden brown, which usually takes between 5 to 7 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning, but don’t be shy about that beautiful crispness — it’s essential!
Step 4: Assemble
Once toasted, remove the crostini from the oven and give them a moment to cool just slightly. Then, start the fun part: topping each slice with a generous dollop of cranberry sauce, a crumble of cranberry Stilton cheese, and a handful of roughly chopped candied pecans. Each bite becomes a perfectly balanced blend of sweet, tangy, nutty, and creamy flavors.
Step 5: Serve
Arrange your finished crostini on a charming platter, ready to be admired and devoured. These can be served immediately while the crostini are still slightly warm, making every flavor pop.
How to Serve Thanksgiving Cranberry and Pecan Crostini Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, consider garnishing your crostini with fresh rosemary sprigs or a few whole pecans. The fresh green not only adds a hint of earthy aroma but also makes your presentation feel festive and inviting.
Side Dishes
This crostini pairs beautifully alongside a crisp winter salad made with arugula and citrus segments or served with a rich butternut squash soup. The tartness of the cranberry sauce and the creamy cheese cut through the richness of these sides and round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of a platter, try serving these Thanksgiving Cranberry and Pecan Crostini Recipe bites on a wooden board or tiered serving tray for an elegant holiday display. You can also group them by topping on separate plates for guests to choose their favorites, sparking fun conversation and excitement around the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be hard!), store the unassembled toasted baguette slices separately in an airtight container at room temperature to keep their crunch. Keep the cranberry sauce, cheese, and candied pecans stored in the fridge in separate containers for optimal freshness.
Freezing
While crostini is best fresh, you can freeze the toasted baguette slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Thaw them at room temperature and pop them back into the oven briefly to revive their crispness before assembling the toppings.
Reheating
To enjoy any leftovers with maximum crunch, reheat the toasted bread slices in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 5 minutes. Add the toppings fresh after warming for the best flavor and texture combination.
FAQs
Can I use regular Stilton cheese instead of Cranberry Stilton?
Absolutely! Regular Stilton works well too, though the cranberry version adds a lovely fruity tang that makes this recipe shine during Thanksgiving festivities. You might want to add a bit more cranberry sauce if you use the original Stilton.
Is homemade cranberry sauce better for this recipe?
Homemade cranberry sauce can add a fresh, vibrant flavor and you can control the sweetness, but a good-quality store-bought version also works wonderfully and saves time. Both options will make your crostini delicious.
Can I prepare this recipe for a large party?
Definitely! This recipe scales up easily. Just toast multiple trays of baguette slices and prepare plenty of cranberry sauce, cheese, and pecans. These crostini are crowd-pleasers that disappear fast!
What if I want a nut-free version?
Simply skip the candied pecans and maybe add a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or crispy fried shallots for a different type of crunch and added visual appeal without nuts.
Can I make the crostini vegetarian or vegan?
They are naturally vegetarian as is, but for a vegan twist, substitute the cranberry Stilton with a dairy-free cheese that has a similar creamy texture and flavor profile. Just make sure your cranberry sauce and candied pecans are vegan-friendly too.
Final Thoughts
This Thanksgiving Cranberry and Pecan Crostini Recipe is truly one of those festive bites that bring people together and brighten the holiday table. Its perfect balance of textures, flavors, and colors will quickly make it a favorite in your recipe collection. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try and share the joy — trust me, your guests will be asking for seconds!
Print
Thanksgiving Cranberry and Pecan Crostini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Thanksgiving Cranberry and Pecan Crostini are an elegant and festive appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Crunchy toasted baguette slices are drizzled with olive oil, then topped with sweet and tart cranberry sauce, creamy cranberry Stilton cheese, and crunchy candied pecans to create a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 Baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- Olive oil, for drizzling
Toppings
- 1 cup Cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 200g Cranberry Stilton cheese, crumbled
- 100g Candied pecans, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) to prepare for toasting the baguette slices.
- Prepare Crostini: Slice the baguette into rounds about 1/2 inch thick. Arrange the slices evenly on a baking sheet and drizzle each with olive oil to ensure a crispy, golden finish.
- Toast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and toast the baguette slices until they turn golden brown and crisp, which should take approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Assemble: Once toasted, remove the crostini from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Top each slice with a generous dollop of cranberry sauce, crumble some cranberry Stilton cheese on top, and sprinkle with roughly chopped candied pecans for added crunch and sweetness.
- Serve: Arrange the finished crostini on a platter and serve immediately to enjoy the perfect combination of warm, crispy bread and festive toppings.
Notes
- Use either homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce according to preference for convenience or freshness.
- Candied pecans can be prepared ahead of time or bought ready-made for faster assembly.
- For a milder cheese flavor, substitute cranberry Stilton with cream cheese or goat cheese if desired.
- These crostini are best served fresh to maintain their crisp texture.
- To add extra flavor, sprinkle a little fresh thyme or rosemary on top before serving.
