Shrimp and Cranberry Crostini

Shrimp and Cranberry Crostini: Elegant and Easy

Are you looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s both elegant and easy? I’ve got you covered.

My shrimp and cranberry crostini with creamy Brie, cranberry sauce, and thyme is just what your menu needs.

It’s the ultimate bite-sized treat, balancing creamy, savory, and tangy flavors in every mouthful.

And it brings all these flavors together with minimal fuss. Here’s how.

Shrimp and Cranberry Crostini: The Crunch Factor

Crostini is the perfect base for this appetizer that also looks like a miniature work of art.

Made simply by brushing slices of a baguette with olive oil and toasting them for a few minutes in the oven, crostini are the perfect base for layering on the creamy Brie, juicy shrimp, and tangy cranberry sauce.

The Queen of Cheeses: Brie Adds a Luxurious Touch

With its soft, buttery texture and delicate flavor, Brie adds a luxurious element to this shrimp and cranberry crostini.

Its mild taste complements both the succulent shrimp notes and the tangy cranberry topping, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.

Brie is often called the “Queen of Cheeses” because of its royal popularity and luxurious creamy texture. It gained legendary status in the 19^th century when diplomats from around Europe named it the best cheese at the Congress of Vienna, 1814-1815.

Savory Meets Succulent: The Shrimp

A juicy, plump shrimp perched on top of the brie adds the perfect hint of sweetness and a slight snap in texture to balance the brie.

Make it easy on yourself, buy pre-cooked 71-90 shrimp. This size fits beautifully on top of the brie.

Cranberry Sauce: The Bright and Tangy Star of the Shrimp and Cranberry Crostini Show

Cranberries bring a burst of color and a pop of flavor in each bite. These little berries are packed with antioxidants and have been a cherished ingredient for centuries. Native Americans used them for food, dye, and even medicine.

There is a hint of horseradish, a flavor nod to the shrimp, and orange in this flavor-packed cranberry sauce. Together they provide a bold and citrusy contrast to the bold tartness of the cranberries.

Thyme and Sea Salt Garnish: The Fresh Finish That Ties It All Together

Finally, a garnish of fresh thyme. This little herb packs a punch of earthy, slightly minty flavor and a pop of green that ties the entire bite together. Add a sprinkle of Maldon salt on top. These light crunchy crystals help highlight the creaminess of the Brie, the tartness of the cranberry, and the subtle richness of the shrimp, making this appetizer pop with flavor.

Get ready to wow your tastebuds. This creamy, tangy and savory crostini is a little bite of heaven.

Shrimp and Cranberry Crostini

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This easy shrimp and cranberry crostini with creamy Brie, fresh thyme, and a sprinkle of Maldon salt is the perfect blend of flavors.

• Author: Chef Sandra Lewis
• Prep Time: 20
• Cook Time: 10
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 18 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 oz fresh cranberries
• 1/2 c white sugar
• 1 tablespoon water
• 3 tablespoons orange juice
• 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish (not sauce)
• 1 teaspoons orange zest
• 18 toasted crostinis
• 18 slices of brie, sliced into 1/4x1-1/2″ pieces
• 18 71-90 shrimp, cooked

Garnish

• fresh thyme, chopped
• Maldon salt

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Instructions

Cranberry Sauce

1. Combine the cranberries, sugar, and water in a small saucepan.
2. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the cranberries are soft. Increase the heat to medium and cook until the cranberries burst.
3. Stir in the orange juice, horseradish, and orange zest.
4. Taste and season with kosher salt if needed.

Assembly

1. Top each crostini with a slice of brie, followed by a shrimp, 1 teaspoon of the cranberry sauce.
2. Garnish each crostini with the chopped thyme and a sprinkle of Maldon salt.

Notes

• This recipe is easily scalable. The cranberry sauce makes 3/4 cup which is 39 teaspoons. You have tons of extra cranberry sauce to serve with the crostini should anyone want a bit more of the sauce. If you put 1 teaspoon of sauce on each crostini you have several teaspoons leftover that can be used for additional crostini, if desired. Increase the amount of your crostini, brie, and shrimp accordingly.
• Use prepared horseradish, not horseradish sauce that has a lot of extra ingredients not needed. Also look for prepared horseradish that doesn’t have a lot of words on the label that you can’t pronounce.