If you’re looking for a show-stopping starter that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious, this Pomegranate Brie Crostini Appetizer is about to become your new go-to. Imagine crisp, golden baguette slices layered with creamy, melty Brie, then showered with tart-sweet pomegranate arils and finished with a drizzle of honey and fresh thyme. Every bite is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, pulling together the best of savory, sweet, and tangy. Whether you’re hosting a holiday soirée or just treating yourself, this appetizer brings a festive sparkle to any table.

Pomegranate Brie Crostini Appetizer Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a starring role in making this appetizer shine, and you’ll be amazed at how a handful of essentials can create something so elegant. Don’t skip any—every one adds its own pop of flavor, color, or crunch!

Baguette: Choose a crusty baguette for the ultimate crunch and sturdy base to hold all the toppings.
Brie Cheese: Creamy, buttery Brie melts beautifully and brings a luxurious texture to each crostini.
Pomegranate Arils: These jewel-like seeds add a juicy burst of tartness and a pop of color.
Honey: Just a drizzle ties everything together with a floral sweetness that complements the cheese and fruit.
Fresh Thyme Leaves (optional): A sprinkle of thyme brightens the flavors with an herby note and makes the dish smell incredible.
Olive Oil: Brushing the baguette slices with olive oil ensures they toast up golden and flavorful.
Pinch of Sea Salt: A tiny bit of sea salt makes all the flavors sing by balancing the sweet and savory elements.

How to Make Pomegranate Brie Crostini Appetizer

Step 1: Toast the Baguette Slices

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and brush them lightly with olive oil. Give them about 6 to 8 minutes in the oven until they turn beautifully golden and crisp—the perfect crunchy base for your toppings.

Step 2: Add the Brie

Once the crostini are toasted, take them out and immediately top each slice with a piece of Brie. Pop them back into the oven for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the Brie starts to melt and gets all gooey and irresistible. Keep an eye out so the cheese doesn’t slide off!

Step 3: Top with Pomegranate Arils

Now comes the jewel-like magic. Carefully remove the tray from the oven and, while the cheese is warm, spoon a generous helping of pomegranate arils onto each crostini. Their tart, juicy pop is everything here, so don’t skimp!

Step 4: Drizzle and Garnish

To finish, drizzle each crostini with honey while they’re still warm so it soaks in just a tiny bit. Sprinkle over fresh thyme leaves if you’re using them, and don’t forget a tiny pinch of sea salt for that final flavor boost. Serve your Pomegranate Brie Crostini Appetizer right away while everything is melty and fresh.

How to Serve Pomegranate Brie Crostini Appetizer

Garnishes

A few extra touches go a long way! Try scattering additional fresh thyme or even a twist of cracked black pepper on top. If you want to get fancy, a little zest of orange or lemon can add a sunny note. For a pop of color, a few extra pomegranate arils around the platter turn this appetizer into edible art.

Side Dishes

The Pomegranate Brie Crostini Appetizer pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a citrus vinaigrette, or you can serve it alongside a simple charcuterie board. A chilled glass of sparkling wine or a festive mocktail makes it feel extra special and rounds out the flavors on your table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dramatic effect, arrange the crostini in a spiral or wreath shape on a large platter, and tuck in sprigs of rosemary or more thyme for a festive vibe. If you’re serving a crowd, set out extra honey and pomegranate arils in little bowls so everyone can customize their own. Mini chalkboard signs with the name “Pomegranate Brie Crostini Appetizer” add a fun, personal touch to your spread!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra crostini (a rare occurrence!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The bread will soften a bit from the toppings, but the flavors will still be delicious for up to two days.

Freezing

While the assembled Pomegranate Brie Crostini Appetizer doesn’t freeze well due to the cheese and fresh fruit, you can absolutely freeze the plain toasted baguette slices in advance. Just cool them completely, pop them in a zip-top bag, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw and re-toast before assembling.

Reheating

To refresh leftover crostini, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes. This brings back some of the crunch and helps the Brie melt again. Add fresh pomegranate, honey, and thyme just before serving for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of Brie?

Absolutely! Camembert or even a mild goat cheese work beautifully here. Just keep in mind that the creamy, melty quality of Brie is what makes this Pomegranate Brie Crostini Appetizer so irresistible, so choose a cheese with similar texture for the best result.

How do I get pomegranate arils out easily?

Cut the pomegranate in half, hold it cut-side down over a bowl, and tap it firmly with a wooden spoon. The arils will fall right out! This trick keeps the juice contained and makes prep a breeze.

What can I substitute for honey?

If you’d like to switch things up, try a drizzle of maple syrup, a spoonful of fig jam, or even a splash of balsamic glaze. Each brings a unique twist to the Pomegranate Brie Crostini Appetizer and works well with the other flavors.

Can I toast the bread ahead of time?

Yes! Toast the baguette slices a few hours ahead and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to assemble, give them a quick reheat in the oven to bring back that just-baked crunch.

Is this appetizer gluten-free?

As written, the Pomegranate Brie Crostini Appetizer uses a traditional baguette, but you can easily swap in a gluten-free baguette or cracker to make it gluten-free for your guests.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow your friends and family with something unforgettable, this Pomegranate Brie Crostini Appetizer is the way to go. It’s simple, stunning, and guaranteed to disappear in minutes—give it a try and watch everyone fall in love with your new signature appetizer!

Pomegranate Brie Crostini Appetizer Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 20–24 crostini 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Pomegranate Brie Crostini Appetizer is a delightful combination of crispy toasted baguette slices topped with creamy melted Brie cheese, juicy pomegranate arils, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of fresh thyme. Perfect for holiday gatherings or elegant entertaining, these bite-sized treats offer a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and tart flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread

1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds (about 20–24 pieces)

Cheese

8 ounces Brie cheese, sliced into small pieces

Toppings

1 cup pomegranate arils
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Pinch of sea salt

Others

1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

Preheat and Toast Baguette: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices evenly on a baking sheet. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat each slice with olive oil to encourage crispness and browning. Toast the slices in the oven for 6–8 minutes until they turn golden and become crisp to the touch.
Add Brie Cheese: Remove the toasted baguette slices from the oven carefully. Place a small slice of Brie cheese on each crostini. Return them to the oven for an additional 2–3 minutes, just enough for the Brie to start melting but not completely lose its shape.
Top with Pomegranate and Honey: Once out of the oven, gently spoon pomegranate arils over each Brie-topped crostini. Drizzle each one with honey for a sweet contrast, then optionally sprinkle fresh thyme leaves and a tiny pinch of sea salt to elevate the flavors. Serve immediately to enjoy the warm, melty Brie and the fresh, juicy pomegranate.

Notes

To save time, toast the crostini slices in advance and reheat briefly before assembling the toppings.
For a different flavor profile, substitute honey with fig jam or a balsamic glaze.
This appetizer is best served fresh but can be prepped ahead by assembling just before serving.
If fresh thyme is not available, other herbs like rosemary or basil can be used as alternatives.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American