Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, impressive appetizer that’s both simple to make and absolutely decadent, then this Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe is going to become your new go-to. I absolutely love how the warm, melty brie pairs with the sweet-tart cranberry sauce and the crunch of toasted nuts—talk about a crowd-pleaser! Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual night in, this recipe hits all the right notes without making you sweat in the kitchen.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on ingredients that complement each other beautifully: creamy brie melts just right under the sweet and spiced cranberry topping, with some crunch and herbal notes for balance. It’s best to use good-quality brie and a cranberry sauce that suits your palate—homemade or store-bought both work wonders.

• Brie cheese round: Choose a nice, fresh 8-ounce wheel for perfect portioning and texture.
• Whole berry cranberry sauce: I like using a spiced cranberry sauce to add depth, but plain works too.
• Brown sugar: Adds warmth and balances the tartness from the cranberries.
• Vanilla extract: A small touch brings out the sweetness and adds an unexpected aromatic note.
• Orange zest: Freshly grated zest brightens the sauce with citrusy freshness.
• Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch adds cozy spice; don’t skip it!
• Coarsely chopped nuts: Pistachios, almonds, walnuts, or pecans—all great choices for crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional): Adds a lovely herbaceous aroma and looks pretty on top.
• Assorted crackers or crostini: For serving alongside the baked brie—you want something crunchy but not too overpowering.

Variations

I’ve played around with a few twists on this Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe over time, and it’s fun to switch things up depending on the season or what’s in your pantry. Feel free to make this all your own!

• Nut options: I once swapped pecans for pistachios—both added amazing texture, but pecans brought a sweeter, buttery vibe.
• Herb add-ins: Rosemary is classic, but thyme or sage also pair beautifully if you want a slightly different herbal note.
• Spice it up: Adding a dash of cayenne to the cranberry sauce turned this into a playful sweet-and-spicy experience my family loved.
• Gluten-free: Serve with gluten-free crackers or apple slices for a naturally gluten-free appetizer.

How to Make Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Make the Cranberry Topping Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While that warms up, combine the whole berry cranberry sauce, brown sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, and nutmeg in a small bowl. Stir well until everything’s evenly mixed and the sugar starts to meld into the sauce. This creates that luscious, aromatic topping that really elevates the baked brie.

Step 2: Prepare Your Brie

Place your cold brie cheese round in a small baking dish or pie plate. If you want to easily transfer the baked cheese to a serving platter afterward, I’ve found that lining the dish with parchment paper works like a charm. It prevents sticking and keeps the presentation neat.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Spoon all that gorgeous cranberry mixture over the top of the brie, then sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of coarsely chopped nuts evenly on top. If you’re using fresh rosemary, tuck one sprig atop the nuts. Now, slide the whole dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 8 to 15 minutes. You’re aiming for the cheese to be soft and slightly wobbly when gently poked, but not fully melted or oozing everywhere. This step is key—overbaking means losing that perfect gooey texture we all crave.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

Once baked, carefully lift the parchment paper to transfer the brie to your serving dish if you used parchment. Discard the rosemary sprig you baked with it and, if you want, add a fresh one for a vibrant touch. Serve it right away with an assortment of crackers or crostini so everyone can dig in while the cheese is still warm and melty.

How to Serve Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding a fresh sprig of rosemary or a few extra whole cranberries on top for a festive vibe. Sometimes I toss on a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to contrast the sweetness, which surprisingly makes the flavors pop even more. These small touches always impress guests and elevate the appetizer’s look and taste.

Side Dishes

For a well-rounded snack or appetizer spread, I pair this baked brie with sliced apples, pears, or grapes. It’s also wonderful alongside a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or some roasted nuts to echo the crunch in the topping. These sides keep things light and balance the creamy richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite presentation tricks is to serve this baked brie on a wooden board surrounded by seasonal fruit and a variety of crackers for color and texture contrast. I’ve also wrapped this brie in puff pastry for a fancier version—though the cranberry topping in this recipe really stands out on its own! It’s a simple way to dress up your appetizer table and wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, which is rare in my house, wrap the baked brie tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to two days, but remember that the texture changes—it’s no longer warm and melty but still delicious when slightly softened at room temperature.

Freezing

Freezing baked brie with cranberry sauce isn’t my favorite method because the cheese texture can become grainy after thawing, and the sauce might separate slightly. If you want to freeze it, I recommend freezing the unbaked brie and cranberry topping separately, then assembling and baking fresh when ready.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, pop the brie into a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through but not melted further. Microwave tends to overcook it quickly, so oven reheating keeps the texture better and preserves the savory flavors.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe has become such a special staple in my kitchen—it’s effortless yet elegant, and every time I bring it out, people are genuinely excited. I love how it balances sweetness, creaminess, and texture so perfectly. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be a recipe you come back to for celebrations, easy entertaining, or even just because you deserve a little cheesy indulgence. Go ahead and whip it up—you’ll thank me later!

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