Save Pin A vibrant appetizer featuring tangy cranberries, zesty jalapeños, and fresh herbs atop crisp toasted baguette slices—a festive and flavorful bite for any gathering.
One holiday season, I made these crostini for my family and they disappeared before dinner even started! The combination of tart cranberries and spicy jalapeño turned out to be such a crowd-pleaser that this appetizer now makes an annual appearance at our gatherings.
Ingredients
- Fresh cranberries: 1 cup, roughly chopped
- Jalapeño: 2 tablespoons, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
- Green onions: 1/4 cup, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped
- Fresh parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped
- Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup
- Lime zest and juice: Zest and juice of 1 lime
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- French baguette: 1, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds (about 24 slices)
- Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
- Cream cheese: 4 oz, softened
Instructions
- Make the crostini:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Bake for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. Let cool.
- Prepare the tapenade:
- In a medium bowl, combine cranberries, jalapeño, green onions, cilantro, parsley, sugar, lime zest and juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let sit for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Assemble:
- Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on each cooled crostini. Top each with a spoonful of cranberry jalapeño tapenade. Serve immediately.
Save Pin We love serving these alongside mulled wine while everyone gathers around the kitchen island, sharing laughs and stories. They're always the first appetizer to vanish at our holiday table!
Required Tools
Baking sheet, pastry brush, mixing bowl, knife & cutting board, spoon
Nutritional Information
Each crostini contains approximately 75 calories, 3 g total fat, 11 g carbohydrates, and 1 g protein.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a light, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, or serve as part of a festive holiday spread with other small bites.
Save Pin These cranberry jalapeño crostini add a fresh, festive touch to any gathering. They're as beautiful to look at as they are delicious!
Recipe FAQs
- → How spicy is the jalapeño tapenade?
The jalapeño adds a gentle kick. Remove seeds for milder heat or add more for extra spice.
- → Can the tapenade be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator for ease of serving.
- → What can I use instead of cream cheese?
Try plant-based cream cheese or another soft cheese to suit dietary needs and flavor preferences.
- → Are the crostini suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely—substitute a gluten-free baguette for the traditional bread to accommodate guests.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
A light, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors beautifully.
- → Can I adjust the sweetness of the tapenade?
Feel free to reduce or increase the sugar based on your taste and the tartness of the cranberries.