Short description

This Cranberry Baked Brie is an elegant and crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring a warm, creamy brie wheel layered with tangy cranberry sauce and optional nuts. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple yet impressive: easy prep, elegant presentation
Sweet and savory balance: creamy brie meets tangy cranberries and aromatic spices
Customizable texture: add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
Great for sharing: ideal for entertaining with crackers, bread, or veggies

Ingredients

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Homemade cranberry sauce or store-bought (about 1 cup)
1 8‑oz round wheel of brie, cold
¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish

If using canned sauce:

14 oz can whole cranberry sauce
2 Tbsp light brown sugar, packed
1 Tbsp granulated sugar (optional, to taste)
1–2 tsp orange zest
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract (or substitute orange extract or 1–2 Tbsp spiced rum)
½ tsp ground allspice

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 °F and line a baking sheet or oven-safe dish with parchment paper.
Prepare cranberry sauce:
- If using homemade or leftover cranberry sauce, skip to step 3.
- For canned sauce: combine cranberry sauce, brown sugar, optional granulated sugar, orange zest, cinnamon, vanilla (or substitute), and allspice in a bowl. Stir to combine and set aside.
Slice the brie: using a sharp knife, slice the brie wheel in half horizontally to create two rounds. Place one half, rind-side down, on the prepared parchment.
Layer:
- Spread about ½ cup cranberry sauce atop the bottom brie round, leaving a ½‑inch border.
- Place the second brie half, rind-side up, over the sauce.
- Spoon another ½ cup cranberry sauce on top, again leaving a border.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts over the top layer, if using.
Bake: Bake for 7–10 minutes, watching carefully. The cheese should soften but remain intact—avoid over-baking to prevent collapse.
Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, top with rosemary sprig(s), and serve immediately with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables.

Servings and timing

Yield: Serves 6–8 as an appetizer
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 7–10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes (including assembly)

Variations

Nut options: Use walnuts, almonds, or omit nuts for softer texture
Flavor twists: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup before baking for more sweetness
Herb infusion: Mix chopped fresh rosemary or thyme into the cranberry sauce
Boozy upgrade: Fold 1–2 Tbsp spiced rum into canned cranberry sauce for added warmth
Savory crust: Wrap the assembled brie in puff pastry and bake for an elegant twist

Storage/reheating

Refrigerate: Any leftovers stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat: Gently warm in a 325 °F oven for 5–7 minutes to soften the cheese again.
Note: Brie is best served fresh and warm. Texture will change upon reheating, but it remains delicious.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cheese?

Yes—Camembert or a similar soft ripened cheese works well.

2. Do I need to remove the brie rind?

No—leaving the rind helps retain structure during baking, though a top rind removal is optional.

3. Can I use frozen cranberry sauce?

Yes—thaw completely and drain any excess liquid before using.

4. How do I avoid brie melting too much?

Watch the bake closely and remove once cheese is soft but still holds shape—usually around 7–9 minutes.

5. Are the nuts necessary?

No—they’re optional for added crunch and flavor.

6. Can I make this ahead of time?

Prep with sauce and nuts, but bake just before serving for best texture.

7. Can I add chocolate chips?

A few dark chocolate chips lightly sprinkled on top before baking add a festive twist.

8. What to serve with it?

Pair with crackers, sliced baguette, apple or pear slices, and raw vegetables.

9. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes—ensure crackers or dippers are gluten-free if needed.

10. How long can it sit out after baking?

Serve within 30–45 minutes of baking; cheese begins to firm as it cools.

Conclusion

Cranberry Baked Brie brings elegance and festive flavor to any gathering. With its creamy center, tangy cranberry topping, optional nuts, and aromatic rosemary garnish, it’s sure to delight guests with minimal effort. Serve it warm, savor the comforting creaminess, and watch it disappear!

Ezabella

Cranberry Baked Brie

Short description

Why You’ll Love This Recipe