Pomegranate, Cranberry & Brie Bruschetta Recipe

The Juiciest Pomegranate, Cranberry & Brie Bruschetta Recipe Ever

Pomegranate bruschetta converts ordinary appetizers into extraordinary culinary experiences that dance across your palate.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients mingle in unexpected ways, creating a symphony of sweet and savory notes.

Bright ruby-red seeds burst with tangy complexity, complementing the rich, creamy cheese beneath.

Crisp bread serves as the perfect canvas for this elegant appetizer, offering a delightful textural contrast.

Each bite promises a sophisticated blend of flavors that feels both rustic and refined.

Winter gatherings deserve something special that sparks conversation and delights guests.

Prepare to elevate your entertaining with this irresistible combination that marries tradition and innovation.

How to Make Pomegranate, Cranberry & Brie Bruschetta for Any Occasion

Step 1: Prepare Fruity Topping

In a small bowl, mix:
  • Pomegranate seeds
  • Cranberries
  • Sugar
  • Orange zest
  • Salt

Blend ingredients thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Step 2: Toast Bread Slices

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Arrange bread slices on a parchment-lined 15×10-inch baking sheet.

Lightly spray both sides of bread with cooking spray.

Sprinkle ground pepper over bread.

Bake for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.

Step 3: Add Creamy Cheese Layer

Place a slice of brie cheese on each toasted bread slice.

Return to oven and bake for 4 minutes until cheese softens and slightly melts.

Step 4: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Stir chopped basil into the refrigerated pomegranate-cranberry mixture.

Spoon the fruity herb mixture over warm, cheesy bruschetta.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Enjoy the bruschetta while still warm for the best flavor and texture.

Tips for Balancing Sweet, Tart, and Creamy in Your Bruschetta

  • Maximize Seed Freshness: Select ripe pomegranates with deep red color and heavy feel to ensure maximum seed juiciness and flavor intensity.
  • Perfect Bread Selection: Choose a crusty, artisan-style bread like sourdough or baguette with sturdy texture that can hold toppings without becoming soggy.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Allow brie to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking to achieve smoother, more even melting and creamier consistency.
  • Flavor Balancing: Adjust sugar quantity based on pomegranate and cranberry tartness to create perfect sweet-tangy balance without overwhelming other ingredients.
  • Garnish Enhancement: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or fresh thyme leaves over finished bruschetta for added texture and aromatic complexity.

Storing and Reheating Pomegranate, Cranberry & Brie Bruschetta Properly

  • Store Leftovers in an Airtight Container: Carefully transfer any remaining bruschetta to a sealed glass or plastic container. Refrigerate the leftovers for up to 2 days to maintain optimal freshness and flavor.
  • Reheat in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange bruschetta on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm for 5-7 minutes until the brie softens and the bread becomes crisp again.
  • Avoid Microwave Reheating: Microwaving can make the bread soggy and compromise the delicate texture of the brie. Stick to oven reheating for the best taste and crunch.

Best Pairings for Pomegranate, Cranberry & Brie Bruschetta

  • Pair with Sparkling Wine: A crisp, bubbly prosecco or champagne perfectly complements the tangy pomegranate and rich brie, cutting through the creamy cheese and adding a festive touch.
  • Match with Light Red Wine: A pinot noir provides subtle fruitiness that echoes the pomegranate and cranberry flavors, while its light body won't overwhelm the delicate bruschetta.
  • Serve with Herbal Cocktail: Create a gin-based cocktail with fresh thyme or rosemary to mirror the basil in the recipe, enhancing the herbal notes and bringing out the brightness of the fruit.
  • Accompany with Crisp Salad: A light arugula salad with walnut vinaigrette balances the richness of the brie and adds a peppery contrast to the sweet-tart pomegranate mixture.

Flavorful Variations for Pomegranate, Cranberry & Brie Bruschetta

  • Mediterranean Fusion: Replace pomegranate seeds with roasted red pepper chunks and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
  • Autumn Harvest: Swap cranberries with diced pears and sprinkle toasted walnuts over the bruschetta for a seasonal warmth.
  • Spicy Southwest: Mix in diced jalapeños and substitute orange zest with lime zest, then top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
  • Rustic Woodland: Replace brie with creamy goat cheese and fold in chopped fresh thyme instead of basil, creating an earthy flavor profile.

Why You’ll Crave Pomegranate, Cranberry & Brie Bruschetta Again and Again

  • Burst with Festive Flavors: Experience a delightful blend of sweet pomegranate seeds, tart cranberries, and zesty orange zest that creates a vibrant, holiday-worthy taste explosion on your palate.
  • Creamy Cheese Meets Crispy Canvas: Enjoy the perfect contrast between the soft, melted brie and the crunchy toasted bread, delivering a textural symphony that makes each bite irresistibly satisfying.
  • Quick and Elegant Entertaining: Whip up this sophisticated appetizer in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal last-minute dish for holiday parties, dinner gatherings, or unexpected guests that looks and tastes professionally prepared.

What You’ll Need for Pomegranate, Cranberry & Brie Bruschetta

Fresh Fruit Topping:
  • Pomegranate Seeds: Sweet-tart jewels that add vibrant color and tangy burst of flavor to the bruschetta.
  • Cranberries: Tart berries that complement the pomegranate and provide a festive touch.
  • Orange Zest: Bright citrus notes that enhance the overall fruit mixture with a subtle, aromatic flavor.
Seasoning:
  • Sugar: Balances the tartness of the fruits and creates a slight caramelization.
  • Salt: Enhances and rounds out the fruit mixture's flavor profile.
Bread and Cheese Base:
  • Bread Slices: Crisp base that provides a crunchy foundation for the bruschetta.
  • Brie Cheese: Creamy, rich cheese that melts beautifully and creates a luxurious texture.
Additional Flavor:
  • Basil: Fresh herb that adds a fragrant, peppery note to the final dish.
Kitchen Essentials:
  • Cooking Spray: Helps bread toast evenly and prevents sticking.
  • Ground Pepper: Adds a subtle spicy kick to the bread before toasting.
Print
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Pomegranate, Cranberry & Brie Bruschetta Recipe

Pomegranate, Cranberry & Brie Bruschetta Recipe


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4.8 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Pomegranate, Cranberry & Brie Bruschetta brings Mediterranean elegance to appetizers with creamy cheese, tangy fruits, and crisp toast. Seasonal flavors dance together, creating a sophisticated bite that delights palates and sparks conversation at any gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Fruits and Berries:

  • ¾ cup (177 ml) pomegranate seeds
  • ½ cup (118 ml) fresh or frozen chopped cranberries, thawed

Cheese and Bread:

  • 6 ounces (170 g) baguette-style French bread, cut diagonally into 16 slices
  • 1 (6 ounce / 170 g) log brie cheese, cut diagonally into 16 slices

Seasonings and Additions:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) finely chopped fresh basil
  • 1/8 teaspoon (0.6 ml) ground pepper
  • Dash of salt
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Gather fresh pomegranate seeds, cranberries, granulated sugar, orange zest, and a pinch of salt in a mixing vessel.
  2. Thoroughly blend the ingredients, ensuring even distribution of flavors. Seal the mixture and refrigerate for up to 72 hours to allow flavors to meld.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), positioning the rack in the middle position.
  4. Line a 15×10-inch (38×25 centimeters) baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  5. Arrange bread slices on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
  6. Lightly mist each bread slice with cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage on both sides.
  7. Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the bread slices for added depth of flavor.
  8. Bake the bread for 8 minutes, carefully flipping the slices halfway through to achieve uniform golden crispness.
  9. Remove the toasted bread and immediately place a single slice of brie cheese on each piece.
  10. Return the cheese-topped bread to the oven and bake for an additional 4 minutes until the brie becomes soft and slightly molten.
  11. While the cheese melts, gently fold freshly chopped basil into the chilled pomegranate-cranberry mixture.
  12. Remove the bruschetta from the oven and immediately top each slice with the fruit mixture.
  13. Serve the bruschetta promptly while still warm, allowing guests to enjoy the contrast of crisp bread, creamy cheese, and tangy fruit topping.

Notes

  • Prepare the fruity mixture ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making party prep a breeze.
  • Toast bread slices to create a crispy, golden base that perfectly supports the creamy brie and tangy fruit topping.
  • Melt brie cheese just until soft and slightly gooey for a luxurious, velvety texture that complements the crunchy bread.
  • Add fresh basil at the last moment to bring a bright, herbal note that elevates the entire flavor profile of the bruschetta.
  • Serve these elegant appetizers immediately while warm to enjoy the contrast between crisp toast, melted cheese, and fresh fruit mixture.
  • Choose ripe, plump pomegranate seeds and tart cranberries for a vibrant and intense burst of flavor in every bite.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 86 kcal
  • Sugar: 2.5 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 4.2 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9.5 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 3.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 13 mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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