Description
This Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce recipe combines creamy, warm brie cheese with a festive cranberry topping infused with vanilla, orange zest, and nutmeg, all baked to perfect softness and topped with crunchy nuts and fresh rosemary. Served with crackers or crostini, this elegant appetizer is perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 1 (8-ounce) cold brie cheese round
Cranberry Topping
- 1/3 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (such as Spiced Cranberry Sauce)
- 2 tablespoons packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest (from 1/2 medium orange)
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped nuts (such as pistachios, almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, divided (optional)
To Serve
- Assorted store-bought or homemade crackers, or crostini
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the brie.
- Prepare the cranberry mixture: In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup whole berry cranberry sauce, 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest, and 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Stir well to blend the flavors.
- Arrange the brie: Place the cold 8-ounce brie round in a small baking dish or pie plate. If you plan to serve it on a different dish afterward, line the baking dish with parchment paper for easy transfer.
- Add the topping: Spoon the prepared cranberry mixture evenly over the top of the brie. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of coarsely chopped nuts, then place one sprig of fresh rosemary on top if desired.
- Bake the brie: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 15 minutes until the cheese feels soft to gentle touch but not melted to the point of oozing or collapsing.
- Transfer and garnish: If you lined the dish with parchment paper, carefully lift and slide the brie onto a serving dish using a spatula. Discard the baked rosemary sprig and replace it with a fresh sprig for garnish.
- Serve: Serve immediately with a selection of crackers or crostini for dipping and spreading.
Notes
- Do not overbake the brie to prevent it from melting completely and losing its shape.
- Feel free to use any type of nuts you prefer for topping to customize flavor and texture.
- The cranberry sauce can be homemade or store-bought; spiced varieties enhance the festive taste.
- Serve warm as an appetizer for best flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (approx. 50g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
