Festive Cranberry Blue Cheese Bruschetta
This delightful appetizer takes Thanksgiving leftovers to a whole new level. Combining the tart sweetness of cranberry sauce with the rich creaminess of blue cheese on perfectly toasted bread, this bruschetta will impress your guests and elevate your holiday spread. Whether enjoyed as a quick lunch, a tantalizing snack, or a festive starter, it's an easy, flavorful way to celebrate the season. This recipe is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a creative way to repurpose those flavorful holiday leftovers.
6
Servings
200
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
garlic clove
1 (cut in half)
leftover bread
1/2 loaf (toasted or grilled)
cranberry sauce
3/4 cup (preferably leftover)
grated onion juice
1/2 tablespoon (freshly grated)
crumbled blue cheese
3/4 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Slice the leftover bread into 1/2-inch thick slices.
3
Take the halved garlic clove and rub the cut side over one side of each slice of bread to impart a garlic flavor.
4
Heat a dry cast iron grill pan over medium heat. Place the bread slices, garlic-rubbed side down, on the pan.
5
Toast the bread for about 2 minutes, until it is golden brown. Flip the slices and toast the other side for an additional minute.
6
Spread a generous amount of cranberry sauce over each piece of toasted bread.
7
Drizzle with grated onion juice for an extra layer of flavor.
8
Top each slice with crumbled blue cheese.
9
Transfer the bruschetta to the oven and bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the blue cheese is melted and bubbly.
10
Serve warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
13g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Cranberry Blue Cheese Bruschetta?
It is a festive appetizer that combines tart cranberry sauce with creamy blue cheese on toasted bread, perfect for using Thanksgiving leftovers.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
What type of bread is recommended?
The recipe suggests using half a loaf of leftover bread, toasted or grilled.
How thick should the bread slices be?
The bread should be sliced into 1/2-inch thick slices.
How do I add garlic flavor to the bruschetta?
Rub the cut side of a halved garlic clove over one side of each slice of bread before toasting.
What kind of pan should I use to toast the bread?
A dry cast iron grill pan is recommended for toasting the bread slices.
How long do I toast the bread in the pan?
Toast the garlic-rubbed side for about 2 minutes, then flip and toast the other side for an additional minute.
How much cranberry sauce is needed?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of cranberry sauce, preferably leftovers.
What is the purpose of adding onion juice?
Drizzling 1/2 tablespoon of freshly grated onion juice adds an extra layer of savory flavor to the bruschetta.
How much blue cheese is used in the recipe?
Use 3/4 cup of crumbled blue cheese for the topping.
How long does the bruschetta bake in the oven?
Bake the bruschetta for 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How should the bruschetta be served?
It should be served warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 12 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each serving contains 13 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of this appetizer?
Each serving provides 5 grams of protein.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick lunch?
Yes, it can be enjoyed as a quick lunch, a snack, or a festive starter.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe requires 5 main ingredients.
Can I use fresh cranberry sauce for this recipe?
Yes, while leftover sauce is suggested, fresh cranberry sauce works perfectly.
What preparation is needed for the onion?
The onion should be freshly grated to produce 1/2 tablespoon of juice.
What should I look for to know the dish is done?
The dish is ready when the blue cheese has become melted and bubbly in the oven.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
Tags include bruschetta, appetizer, thanksgiving, leftovers, cranberry, and blue cheese.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is described as an easy and creative way to repurpose holiday leftovers.
Should the grill pan be oiled?
No, the instructions specify using a dry cast iron grill pan.
What heat setting should be used for the grill pan?
The grill pan should be heated over medium heat.
Can I add herbs to the dish?
Yes, you can garnish the finished bruschetta with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
How do you prepare the garlic?
One garlic clove should be cut in half to rub onto the bread.
What flavor profile does this dish offer?
It offers a combination of tart sweetness from cranberries and rich creaminess from blue cheese.
Is this recipe specifically for the holiday season?
While designed to use holiday leftovers, it can be enjoyed any time of year as a flavorful appetizer.