If you love melt-in-your-mouth cheese with just the right balance of sweet and tart, you are going to adore this Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe. It is a stunning appetizer that looks like you put in hours but actually comes together in a flash. Picture warm, oozing brie, crowned with jewel-toned cranberry sauce that offers a burst of flavor with every bite. Whether you’re entertaining guests or craving a cozy snack, this dish delivers impressive taste with minimal fuss, making it a total crowd-pleaser you’ll want to keep in your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe calls for just a handful of simple ingredients, each playing an essential role in creating layers of flavor and texture. The creamy brie provides richness, the cranberry sauce brings festive sweetness with a hint of tartness, and the nuts add satisfying crunch and earthiness.
- 1 (8 oz) wheel of brie cheese: The star of the dish, soft and creamy with a delicate rind that melts beautifully when baked.
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned — whole berry preferred): Adds a bright, sweet-tart contrast that pairs perfectly with the mellow brie.
- 2 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Adds crunch and a nutty flavor that elevates the texture.
- Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional): A fragrant herb garnish adds aroma and a pop of green color.
- Crackers, sliced baguette, or apple slices for serving: For dipping, these choices bring crunch and balance the creamy cheese beautifully.
How to Make Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is just right to warm the brie until it’s gooey without drying it out or melting it too quickly.
Step 2: Prepare the Brie
Place your wheel of brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet or an oven-safe dish. This keeps cleanup easy and prevents sticking while providing a perfect baking surface.
Step 3: Add Cranberry Sauce and Nuts
Spoon the cranberry sauce evenly over the top of the brie, spreading it gently to cover the surface. If you’re using nuts, sprinkle them on top to add a delightful crunch that complements the softness of the cheese.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the brie into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You want the cheese to soften and start to ooze out at the edges, but not completely melt away. This step transforms the brie into a luscious, pull-apart delight.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Carefully transfer the baked brie to a serving platter. Add fresh rosemary or thyme for a touch of color and herbal fragrance. Then bring it straight to the table with your choice of crackers or bread slices for dipping.
How to Serve Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme not only look beautiful as a garnish but also add an aromatic note that elevates the flavors in the Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe. A light sprinkle of extra chopped nuts can also add texture and a nutty twist.
Side Dishes
This appetizer pairs wonderfully with crunchy crackers or toasted baguette slices, which provide a crisp contrast. For a fresh and fruity touch, apple slices are perfect—their slight sweetness and crunch complement the creamy cheese and tart cranberry sauce effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the baked brie on a wooden board surrounded by fresh sprigs of rosemary, clusters of grapes, or dried fruits. Wrapping the brie in puff pastry before baking is another decadent presentation that adds buttery layers and turns this into an impressive centerpiece for holiday gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cranberry sauce may absorb into the cheese slightly, but reheated gently, it will still be delicious.
Freezing
While brie doesn’t freeze perfectly once baked due to texture changes, you can freeze the uncooked brie wrapped with cranberry sauce and nuts inside puff pastry if you choose that route. Freeze wrapped tightly and bake fresh when ready.
Reheating
Warm leftover baked brie gently in a low 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes until softened. Avoid the microwave as it can cause uneven heating and change the texture, but this gentle reheating brings back the creamy, melty goodness you crave.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of brie?
Brie is ideal because of its creamy texture and edible rind, but you could try camembert as a close alternative. Harder cheeses or varieties without a rind won’t melt the same way and will create a different experience.
Do I need to remove the rind from the brie before baking?
No, the rind on brie is completely edible and helps keep the cheese intact while it melts. It also adds a nice flavor and texture contrast to the creamy interior.
Can I make the cranberry sauce from scratch for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade cranberry sauce with fresh cranberries, sugar, and a splash of orange juice or zest will make this appetizer extra special. Just be sure it cools before spreading over the brie for even baking.
What’s the best way to serve this appetizer at a party?
Serve the baked brie warm with an array of crackers, baguette slices, and fruit like apple or pear. Providing spreads, nuts, and herb garnishes lets guests customize their bites and keeps things festive and fun.
Can I add something sweet like honey to this dish?
Yes! A light drizzle of honey or maple syrup on top before or after baking adds a touch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tart cranberry sauce and creamy cheese.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a show-stopping yet effortless appetizer, this Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe is pure magic. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is so simple you can whip it up any day of the week. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be reaching for this warm, creamy, flavorful bite to share at every celebration and cozy night in. Go ahead, give it a try and watch it disappear fast!
Print
Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings as appetizer
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm, melty brie topped with sweet-tart cranberry sauce and served with crackers or bread — an elegant appetizer that’s incredibly simple to make!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) wheel of brie cheese
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned — whole berry preferred)
- 2 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)
- Crackers, sliced baguette, or apple slices for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the brie.
- Prepare Brie: Place the brie wheel on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a small oven-safe dish to catch any melting cheese.
- Add Toppings: Spoon the cranberry sauce evenly over the top of the brie. If using, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts over the sauce for added texture and flavor.
- Bake: Bake the brie for 12–15 minutes until the cheese is softened and starting to ooze, indicating it’s perfectly melty and warm inside.
- Transfer & Garnish: Carefully transfer the baked brie to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme if desired to add a fragrant touch.
- Serve: Serve immediately while warm with crackers, sliced baguette, or apple slices for dipping and enjoying this elegant appetizer.
Notes
- For extra decadence: wrap brie in puff pastry before baking and increase bake time to 20–25 minutes for a golden, flaky crust.
- Add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey atop the cranberry sauce for added sweetness and complexity.
- Use leftover holiday cranberry sauce for a zero-waste, festive twist.
- The brie rind is edible — no need to remove it before serving or baking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Holiday
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
