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