Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce – The Holiday Appetizer Everyone Falls For
There’s something magical about pulling a warm wheel of baked brie cranberry out of the oven on a cold December evening. The scent of buttery pastry, the sweet tang of cranberries, and that first creamy pull of melted cheese — it’s pure comfort dressed up for the holidays. I still remember the first time I served it at a Friendsgiving. No one said a word for the first few bites — just that quiet, content sound of good food doing its job.
If you’ve ever wanted to impress your guests without stressing in the kitchen, this recipe is your new secret weapon. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep, baked brie cranberry delivers the kind of flavor and presentation that makes people think you spent hours cooking — even when you didn’t.
What Is Baked Brie (with Cranberry Topping)
Baked brie is one of those simple pleasures that feels far more luxurious than it really is. At its core, it’s a soft, buttery wheel of brie cheese that’s gently baked until warm and gooey inside. Once topped with cranberry sauce, nuts, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, you get the perfect bite — creamy, sweet, tart, and a little crunchy.
You can think of it as a mix between a cheese fondue and a holiday dessert — except it takes just minutes to prepare. The cranberries add that festive pop of color and brightness that balances out the rich cheese. And when you scoop it up with a crispy cracker or slice of apple, it feels like the holidays on a plate.
This dish shows up on American tables from Thanksgiving through New Year’s, often right beside the charcuterie board or next to a steaming mug of cider. It’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly adaptable.
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Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce
- Total Time: PT25M
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm, creamy baked brie topped with sweet-tart cranberry sauce, toasted nuts, and fresh herbs — the perfect festive appetizer that’s easy, elegant, and irresistible.
Ingredients
1 (8-ounce) wheel brie cheese
1/2 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped
Crackers, toasted baguette slices, or apple wedges for serving
Optional: 1 sheet puff pastry, cinnamon, or orange zest
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a small baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Place the brie wheel in the dish and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
3. Spoon cranberry sauce evenly on top of the brie.
4. Sprinkle with chopped nuts and drizzle with honey or maple syrup.
5. Top with chopped rosemary or thyme for aroma.
6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and slightly oozing.
7. Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately with crackers, bread, or apple slices.
Notes
If using puff pastry, wrap the brie before baking and extend baking time to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
To make ahead, assemble and refrigerate unbaked brie; bake just before serving.
Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 4 days and reheated gently at 300°F for 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: PT10M
- Cook Time: PT15M
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 9
- Cholesterol: 35
Ingredients & Tools: What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) wheel of brie cheese
- ½ cup whole-berry cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped
- Crackers, toasted baguette slices, or apple wedges for serving
Optional additions:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry for a “brie en croûte” version
- A pinch of cinnamon or orange zest for a warm holiday flavor twist
Tools
- Small baking dish or cast-iron skillet
- Parchment paper (for easy transfer)
- Oven preheated to 375°F
These ingredients might already be sitting in your pantry, but when combined, they create a restaurant-worthy appetizer that practically makes itself.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Baked Brie with Cranberries
Step 1: Prepare the Brie
Let the brie sit at room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes. This helps it soften evenly while baking. Place it on a small sheet of parchment paper or directly in your baking dish. You can lightly score the top rind with a knife — this allows the toppings to sink into the cheese as it melts.
Step 2: Add the Toppings
Spoon the cranberry sauce right on top of the brie, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle over the nuts, drizzle the honey or maple syrup, and finish with your fresh herbs. The heat from the oven will caramelize the syrup just enough to bring everything together.
Step 3: Bake Until Gooey
Bake the brie at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese feels soft to the touch and the toppings are glistening. Be careful not to overbake — once the center becomes liquid, it can leak when you cut into it.
Step 4: Serve Warm
Carefully transfer your baked brie to a serving platter (the parchment makes this easy). Serve it right away with toasted bread, crackers, or even crisp apple slices.
A quick tip — if you’re baking it wrapped in puff pastry, extend the bake time to about 25 minutes, or until golden brown. That buttery crust adds a touch of elegance and keeps the cheese contained for a neater presentation.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
Once you’ve tried the classic version, it’s fun to experiment.
Puff Pastry Brie en Croûte
For a more dramatic centerpiece, wrap the brie in puff pastry before baking. Add a spoonful of cranberry sauce and a few chopped nuts on top of the cheese before sealing it up. Brush the pastry with egg wash for that golden shine. It looks like something straight from a bakery window.
Rustic Bread Bowl Brie
If you want something more casual, hollow out a small round loaf of sourdough and tuck the brie inside before baking. As the cheese melts, the bread becomes a warm, pull-apart dipper.
Flavor Twists
Swap out the cranberry topping for fig jam, apricot preserves, or cherry compote when you’re in the mood for something new. Nuts like pistachios or almonds also add different textures and flavors. And if you’re serving wine, pair it with a crisp Chardonnay, a Pinot Noir, or even sparkling rosé for balance.
Dietary Variations
The beauty of baked brie cranberry is how easily it adapts to different dietary preferences.
Gluten-Free
Skip the puff pastry and serve the brie on its own with gluten-free crackers or veggie sticks. The flavor stays just as decadent.
Vegan
You can use a dairy-free brie alternative — several brands now make soft, plant-based cheeses that melt beautifully. Replace honey with maple syrup and you’re set.
Low-Calorie
Choose a smaller wheel of brie and use reduced-sugar cranberry sauce. Serve with sliced fruit instead of bread or crackers to keep things lighter.
Halal or Kosher
Make sure to choose a brie that’s made with vegetarian rennet or certified halal/kosher. It’s a small detail that keeps the dish inclusive for everyone at your table.
Nut-Free
Simply skip the pecans or walnuts — the cranberries and honey alone create enough flavor contrast. You can also use toasted pumpkin seeds for a crunchy alternative.
No matter the adjustment, you’ll still have that same sweet, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Storage, Leftovers & Reheating
If you happen to have leftovers — though it’s rare — let the brie cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to four days. When you’re ready to reheat, pop it in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or until just soft again. Avoid the microwave if you can; it tends to make the cheese rubbery.
You can even use the leftovers creatively — spread it on a sandwich with turkey, layer it into a grilled cheese, or melt it over roasted veggies for an instant flavor upgrade.
And if you’re planning ahead for a party, assemble everything the night before and refrigerate. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before baking for the best texture.
Nothing brings people together like warm cheese and sweet cranberries. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a full-blown holiday feast, baked brie cranberry delivers on flavor, texture, and that little touch of magic that makes memories linger. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll wonder how you ever hosted without it.
FAQ
How long should you bake a baked brie cranberry-topped wheel?
You’ll want to bake the cheese for about 10–15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until it’s soft to the touch and just starting to ooze. Because ovens and wheel sizes differ, start checking at around 12 minutes and pull it out as soon as the center is melty but the structure still holds.
Can I prepare baked brie cranberry ahead of time?
It’s best to assemble the wheel (cheese, cranberry sauce, nuts) ahead and keep it chilled, but wait to bake until you’re ready to serve. If you bake it too early and let it sit, the cheese can firm up, the cranberry sauce may seep, and the presentation won’t be as fresh.
How should you store leftovers of baked brie, cranberry, and reheat them?
After it cools, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in a 300 °F oven for about 10 minutes or until warm and gooey again. Microwaving is possible but may affect the texture.
Do I need to remove the rind from the brie before baking for the baked brie cranberry recipe?
No, you don’t need to remove the rind. The rind helps the wheel hold its shape when bakin,g and the melted cheese stays contained beneath it. The rind is edible and adds to the overall experience of the dish.
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