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Quick Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Crostini

cranberry jalapeno cream cheese crostini - featured image
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A quick and easy appetizer featuring tart cranberries, spicy jalapeno, and creamy whipped cream cheese on crispy toasted baguette slices. Perfect for holiday parties or any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (about 100g)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (30ml)
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1 small fresh jalapeno, seeded and finely diced
  • Pinch of salt
  • 8 ounces cream cheese (226g), softened
  • 1 tablespoon honey (21g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon lime zest
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 medium baguette
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
  • Optional garnish: fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Make the cranberry topping: Add cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and a pinch of salt to a small saucepan. Stir and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries pop and mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in diced jalapeno and orange zest. Set aside to cool.
  2. Whip the cream cheese: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, honey, lime zest, and a pinch of salt. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 30-45 seconds. Adjust honey to taste.
  3. Toast the baguette slices: Preheat oven broiler to high. Slice baguette into 1/2-inch thick rounds on a slight diagonal. Arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer. Brush tops lightly with olive oil. Broil for 1-2 minutes until golden, watching closely. Flip, brush other side, and broil for another minute until lightly browned and crispy.
  4. Assemble the crostini: Let toasted baguette slices cool for a minute. Spread a generous layer of whipped cream cheese on each slice. Top with a spoonful of cranberry jalapeno mixture, letting some juices drip over edges.
  5. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley if desired. Arrange on a platter and serve immediately.

Notes

Set cream cheese out 30 minutes before starting to soften. For less heat, remove all seeds and membrane from jalapeno. Cranberry topping can be made up to 3 days ahead. Assemble within 30 minutes of serving to keep bread crisp.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry, jalapeno, cream cheese, crostini, appetizer, holiday, quick, easy

Find it online: https://zestynora.com/quick-cranberry-jalapeno-cream-cheese-crostini-40-chars/