This Cranberry Baked Brie is an easy and elegant appetizer that comes together in just 15 minutes. The creamy brie is filled and topped with a richly spiced, orange-scented cranberry sauce, making it the perfect addition to holiday gatherings. The salty, tart, and sweet combination of flavors, along with the gooey melted cheese, will have everyone asking for more.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 cup homemade cranberry sauce (or 14 oz can of store-bought cranberry sauce, see notes for adjustments)
• 1 8-ounce round wheel of brie, cold
• ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnishing

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet or an oven-safe baking dish with parchment paper.
2. If using store-bought cranberry sauce, mix it with 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar (optional), 1 to 2 teaspoons of orange zest, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of ground allspice. Set aside.
3. Slice the brie in half horizontally to create two equal-sized rounds. Place the bottom half on the parchment paper.
4. Top with about ½ cup of cranberry sauce, leaving a ½-inch margin around the edges.
5. Place the top half of the brie on top, rind side up, and add another ½ cup of cranberry sauce on top.
6. Optionally, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top.
7. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the fruit is warmed and the cheese is softened but not collapsed.
8. Garnish with fresh rosemary and serve immediately with crackers, bread, or crudités.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 291 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 28mg
• Sodium: 184mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 35g

Why Cranberry Baked Brie is Perfect for the Holidays

Cranberry Baked Brie is a versatile and irresistible dish that works wonderfully as an appetizer for holiday meals, dinner parties, or special gatherings. The combination of warm, gooey brie with the tartness of cranberries and the sweetness of brown sugar creates a harmonious balance of flavors. It’s a great dish for making a lasting impression with minimal effort.

The brie melts beautifully in the oven, offering a rich, creamy texture that contrasts perfectly with the cranberry sauce’s slight tartness and sweetness. Whether it’s for a Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve gathering, this dish adds a touch of elegance and festive flair to any spread.

How to Make Cranberry Baked Brie

Making Cranberry Baked Brie is quick and easy. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet or an oven-safe baking dish with parchment paper to prevent the cheese from sticking and make cleanup easier.

2. Prepare the Cranberry Sauce

If you’re using homemade cranberry sauce, you can skip the next step. If you’re using store-bought cranberry sauce, mix it with 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar (optional), 1 to 2 teaspoons of orange zest, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of ground allspice. Stir it all together and set aside. This spiced cranberry sauce adds extra flavor and makes the dish even more special.

3. Prepare the Brie

Slice the 8-ounce round wheel of brie in half horizontally to create two equal-sized rounds. Place the bottom half on the prepared baking sheet or dish.

4. Assemble the Brie

Top the bottom half of the brie with about ½ cup of cranberry sauce, making sure to leave a ½-inch margin around the edges. Place the top half of the brie on top, rind side up, and add another ½ cup of cranberry sauce on top of the cheese.

5. Optional Toppings

If you want to add some extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cranberry sauce. The nuts provide a lovely contrast to the creamy cheese and add a festive touch.

6. Bake the Brie

Place the assembled brie in the preheated oven and bake for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the fruit is warmed through and the cheese is softened but still holds its shape. You want the cheese to melt without collapsing completely, so keep an eye on it while baking.

7. Garnish and Serve

Once the brie is out of the oven, garnish it with fresh rosemary sprigs for a fragrant, colorful touch. Serve immediately with crackers, slices of bread, or fresh crudités like carrots, celery, or apple slices.

Why This Cranberry Baked Brie is Irresistible

What makes this dish so special is its perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors. The brie melts into a luscious, velvety texture that pairs beautifully with the spiced cranberry sauce. The nuts add a satisfying crunch, while the rosemary offers a fresh and fragrant aroma that enhances the overall experience. It’s an appetizer that pleases all the senses—taste, smell, and appearance.

This dish is not only quick and easy to make but also looks stunning when presented. The vibrant red of the cranberries and the golden, gooey cheese make it an attractive centerpiece on any holiday table. It’s an appetizer that is sure to be a conversation starter, and with each bite, guests will be amazed by the balance of flavors.

Nutritional Information for Cranberry Baked Brie

Each serving of Cranberry Baked Brie contains approximately 291 calories, making it a rich and indulgent appetizer. The dish provides 27 grams of carbohydrates, with 35 grams of sugar, mostly from the cranberry sauce. The fat content is 11 grams, including 5 grams of saturated fat, which comes from the brie and butter. While it’s a higher-fat dish, it’s also a source of 7 grams of protein, making it more filling than many other appetizers.

The cheese provides 28 milligrams of cholesterol, while the sodium content is 184 milligrams per serving. The dish also offers 3 grams of fiber, contributing to digestive health. In terms of vitamins and minerals, it’s a good source of Vitamin A (7061 IU), supporting vision and immune health, and a modest amount of Vitamin C (11 mg), which helps with immune function.

Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Baked Brie

Cranberry Baked Brie is a versatile appetizer that pairs well with a variety of sides and drinks. Here are some ideas for serving:

• With Crackers and Bread: Serve the brie with an assortment of crackers or sliced baguette. The crispy crackers and soft bread complement the gooey cheese perfectly.
• With Fresh Fruit: Fresh apple slices, pears, or grapes are a great way to add a sweet contrast to the rich and savory flavors of the brie.
• With Wine: A glass of white wine, like a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, complements the creamy brie and the sweet-tart cranberry sauce beautifully.
• For a Festive Touch: Garnish with a few extra sprigs of rosemary or even some pomegranate seeds for a more festive look.

Conclusion

Cranberry Baked Brie is an easy yet elegant appetizer that brings together creamy, tart, and sweet flavors in one irresistible dish. The combination of warm, melted brie and spiced cranberry sauce is perfect for any holiday gathering or special occasion. It’s simple to make, visually stunning, and sure to impress your guests with its depth of flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or a party, this dish will be a highlight of the meal and will have everyone asking for the recipe!