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Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Crostini Best Easy Appetizer

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This cranberry jalapeno cream cheese crostini is a quick and easy appetizer that combines sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors on a crispy toast. Perfect for holiday parties or casual gatherings, it comes together in under 20 minutes and is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (100g) fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 medium jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely diced
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds (about 20–24 slices)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled and halved
  • 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for drizzling)
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
  • Flaky sea salt for finishing

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Make the cranberry jalapeno topping: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, diced jalapeno, maple syrup, orange juice, orange zest (if using), and a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries have burst and mixture has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. Toast the baguette slices: Arrange baguette slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil. Toast in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp on both sides.
  4. Rub with garlic: As soon as the crostini come out of the oven, rub each one with the cut side of the garlic clove.
  5. Let the crostini cool for about 5 minutes. Then spread a generous layer of softened cream cheese on each slice.
  6. Spoon a small amount of the cooled cranberry jalapeno topping onto each crostini.
  7. Drizzle with a tiny bit of honey if desired, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Arrange on a platter and serve immediately.

Notes

The cranberry jalapeno topping can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The crostini can be toasted a day ahead and stored in an airtight container. Assemble just before serving for best texture. For a milder version, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeno. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cream cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry jalapeno cream cheese crostini, easy appetizer, holiday appetizer, sweet and spicy appetizer, cranberry appetizer

Find it online: https://evabake.com/cranberry-jalapeno-cream-cheese-crostini-best-easy-appetizer/