Cranberry Baked Brie
If you’re looking for an elegant and easy holiday appetizer, try baked brie with cranberry sauce! It’s perfect for Christmas parties.
When it comes to holiday entertaining, a few dishes can steal the spotlight, such as cranberries and brie cheese. In fact, one of our most popular and viral recipes is our Cranberry Brie Bites!
Baked brie with cranberry sauce is an elegant yet simple baked brie appetizer that perfectly blends sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy. With just a few simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a show-stopping hot dip ready to wow your holiday crowd.
Why Cranberry Baked Brie is Perfect for the Holidays
Baked brie appetizers are a timeless way to kick off the festivities. This recipe combines the creamy richness of brie cheese with the tart brightness of cranberry sauce, the crunch of toasted nuts, and a touch of honey for sweetness. It’s easy to prepare, visually beautiful and pairs perfectly with crackers or toasted baguette slices for a warm, melty dip that everyone will enjoy.
What You’ll Need
This cranberry baked brie recipe keeps things simple and elegant, letting each ingredient shine:
- 1 8-ounce wheel of brie cheese: The star of the dish. Choose a quality brie for the best flavor.
- 1/3 cup cranberry sauce: Use your favorite homemade orange cranberry sauce, cranberry chutney, or store-bought preserves.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans: Adds a delightful crunch. Toast the nuts beforehand for extra flavor.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Regular or hot honey works beautifully here.
- Fresh rosemary: A fragrant garnish that adds a touch of greenery.
- Sugared cranberries (optional): For a festive and sparkling garnish.
- Mini skillet or baking sheet: If you have a mini skillet, baking brie without a crust works especially well. Otherwise, a parchment-lined baking sheet is fine.
How to Bake Brie
Baking brie is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to elevate this creamy cheese. Whether you prefer it wrapped in puff pastry or served as a simple hot dip, here are two popular methods to bake brie:
Baking Brie en Croûte
- Wrap in puff pastry: Roll out puff pastry and place the wheel of brie in the center. Add toppings such as jam, nuts, or honey on top of the brie. Fold the pastry over the brie, sealing it tightly.
- Brush and bake: Brush the pastry with an egg wash to give it a golden color, then bake at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes until the pastry is golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Baking Brie Without Pastry
- Simple and elegant: Place the brie on a baking sheet or a small skillet. Score the top of the rind and add your desired toppings, like cranberry sauce, nuts, and honey.
- Bake and serve: Bake at 375°F for 18-22 minutes or until the brie is warm and gooey. Serve immediately with crackers, crostini, or fresh fruit.
Both methods yield a warm, decadent brie that’s perfect for entertaining. Choose the version that best suits your mood and menu!
FAQ
Can I make cranberry baked brie ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare it in advance by assembling the brie with its toppings and storing it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake as directed.
What can I serve with baked brie?
Crackers, crostini, and sliced baguette are classic options. For a lighter twist, try pairing it with apple or pear slices.
What if I don’t have cranberry sauce?
No problem! You can substitute cranberry sauce with fig jam, raspberry preserves, or even apricot jam.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warm and melty.
Can I use puff pastry with this recipe?
This version is meant to be a hot dip without puff pastry. However, if you love puff pastry, try wrapping the brie before baking for a classic baked brie en croûte.
Can I make this vegan?
While we haven’t tested this recipe with dairy-free cheese, there are dairy-free brie alternatives like this one from Treeline.
This baked brie with cranberry sauce is a great holiday appetizer option —simple to make, beautifully festive, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re hosting a cocktail party or looking for the perfect appetizer to start your holiday dinner, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and become a seasonal favorite. Fresh cranberries are only in season during the holiday months, so be sure to utilize them as much as possible with our other Cranberry Recipes!
Cranberry Baked Brie
This Cranberry Baked Brie is the ultimate holiday appetizer! A creamy wheel of brie is topped with tangy cranberry sauce, crunchy nuts, and a drizzle of honey, then baked until warm and gooey. Perfect served with crackers or crostini, this easy, no-pastry baked brie recipe is a festive centerpiece for any gathering. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an effortless yet elegant dish that will impress your guests!
Ingredients
- 1 (8oz.) wheel Brie cheese
- 1/3 cup cranberry sauce, cranberry preserves, or cranberry chutney
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 tablespoon honey (hot or regular)
- rosemary sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Prepare the Brie. Place the wheel of brie on a mini skillet or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a sharp knife, gently score the top rind of the brie into a ¾-inch grid pattern. This helps the cranberry sauce soak into the cheese as it bakes and makes it easier to dip into.
- Add the Toppings. Spoon the cranberry sauce over the scored brie, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the cranberry layer and drizzle the honey.
- Bake. Bake the brie for 18-22 minutes or until the cheese is soft but not seeping out.
- Garnish and Serve. Carefully remove the baked brie from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Garnish with fresh rosemary and, if desired, sugared cranberries for an extra festive touch. Serve warm with crackers, crostini, or fresh apple slices.
