These Sausage & Leek Crostini with Brie and Cranberry taste like stuffing’s sophisticated, party-ready cousin. Crispy toasted baguette holds creamy brie, savory sausage, and sweet-tart cranberry—every bite delivers richness, warmth, and just the right pop of brightness. They’re simple to assemble, deeply satisfying, and look absolutely stunning on a holiday board.
Perfect for Thanksgiving or any winter gathering, these elegant little bites come together quickly and feel special without being fussy. You can prep much of the topping ahead of time, making this the ideal make-ahead appetizer to keep you relaxed and ready to pour another glass of wine.
Why This Recipe Works
- Layered, savory richness: The combination of browned sausage, sweet sautéed leeks, garlic, and herbs creates a deeply flavorful topping that tastes like a gourmet version of Thanksgiving stuffing.
- Perfect balance of sweet + salty: Creamy, melty brie and a dollop of tart cranberry sauce bring richness and brightness to every bite.
- Effortlessly impressive: Simple ingredients come together to make a holiday appetizer that feels elegant but takes only minutes to prepare.
- Crowd-pleasing holiday flavors: Warm herbs, buttery crostini, and savory sausage hit all the cozy seasonal notes guests love.
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Ingredients
- French Baguette – The crisp, golden base that holds all the rich toppings and gives the crostini their signature crunch.
- Brie Cheese – Creamy, buttery, and perfectly melty, it creates a luscious layer that pairs beautifully with the savory sausage.
- Sausage – The star of the topping, bringing hearty flavor and richness that anchors the entire bite.
- Leek – Adds a subtle sweetness and soft onion-like flavor that balances the richness of the sausage and brie.
- Fresh Herbs (Sage, Rosemary, Thyme) – These fragrant herbs infuse the topping with warm, woodsy, holiday-ready depth.
- White Wine – Used to deglaze the pan, adding brightness and lifting all the caramelized bits into the sauce.
- Cranberry Sauce – A sweet–tart finish that cuts through the richness and gives every crostini a festive, balanced pop.
- Olive Oil – Helps the sausage brown, the leeks soften, and brings a light fruitiness to the topping.
- Salt & Pepper – Simple seasoning that sharpens and enhances all the savory flavors.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
Instructions
- Prep the Crostini Base: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Slice the baguette into 16 even pieces and arrange them on a baking sheet. Top each slice with a piece of brie so it’s ready to melt.
- Bake the Brie: Warm the crostini in the oven for 5–6 minutes, just until the brie softens and turns creamy around the edges. This creates the rich, melty base for the sausage topping.
- Sauté the Sausage & Leeks: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, sliced leek, garlic, and fresh herbs. Cook until the sausage browns and the leeks turn tender and fragrant.
- Deglaze and Season: Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits for extra flavor. Season generously with salt and pepper to bring everything together.
- Assemble the Crostini: Spoon the hot sausage–leek mixture onto each brie-topped crostini. Finish with a small dollop of cranberry sauce for a sweet, tangy contrast.
- Serve Warm: Arrange on a platter and serve immediately while the brie is soft and the sausage topping is aromatic. These are best enjoyed hot from the oven.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
Here are some of my favorite substitutions and variations:
- Bread Options: A classic baguette is perfect, but you can use sourdough, ciabatta, or even toasted brioche rounds for a softer, richer base.
- Cheese Swaps: Brie is beautifully creamy, but Camembert, triple-cream brie, or even goat cheese will give you a delicious twist.
- Sausage Variations: Use spicy Italian sausage, sage breakfast sausage, or even chicken sausage depending on the flavor profile you want.
- Herb Flexibility: Fresh sage, rosemary, and thyme are ideal, but dried herbs work in a pinch—or substitute with savory, marjoram, or a poultry-seasoning blend.
- Cranberry Alternatives: Swap traditional cranberry sauce for fig jam, apple butter, or apricot preserves if you want a sweeter, more dessert-like contrast.
- Add a Crunch: Top finished crostini with toasted pecans, walnuts, or fried sage leaves for extra texture and aroma.
What to Serve with Sausage & Leek Crostini with Brie & Cranberry
Main Options
- These crostini are rich, savory, and perfectly satisfying as a standalone appetizer, but they shine even brighter alongside complementary bites. Serve them with a simple charcuterie board, a bowl of marinated olives, or a light seasonal soup to round out a holiday spread. They also pair beautifully with a crisp white wine or sparkling beverage to cut through the richness of the brie and sausage.
Sides
- To balance the creamy brie and savory sausage, add fresh, vibrant elements to the table. A bright arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted grapes, or sliced pears offer a refreshing contrast. You can also include herb-roasted nuts, extra cranberry sauce, or a small dish of honey for guests who want to adjust sweetness or texture in each bite.
More Recipes You’ll Enjoy
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Sausage & Leek Crostini with Brie & Cranberry
These Sausage & Leek Crostini with Brie & Cranberry bring together all the best flavors of the holidays in one luxurious bite. Buttery brie melts into toasted baguette slices, while savory sausage and sweet leeks add depth and warmth. A bright pop of cranberry on top ties everything together, making these crostini the perfect festive appetizer for gatherings big or small.
Equipment
- baking sheet
- Sharp knife
- Small saucepan
- Skillet
- Cutting Board
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette 16 oz
- 1 medium wheel brie
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound sausage your favorite variety
- 1 leek washed & sliced
- 2 sprigs sage
- 2 sprigs rosemary
- 2 sprigs thyme
- 1/2 cup white wine
- Salt
- Pepper
- 1/2 cup prepared cranberry sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Slice the baguette into 16 even slices. Cut the brie into 16 pieces (first into 8 slices, then halve again).
- Place the brie on top of each baguette slice. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake 5–6 minutes, or until the cheese is just melted.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sausage, leeks, garlic, and herbs. Cook until browned and fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up any browned bits. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the sausage-leek mixture over the warm brie crostini, and finish each with a small dollop of cranberry sauce. Serve immediately.