Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe

If you love easy, elegant appetizers that impress without the stress, then this Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe is going to become your new go-to. I absolutely love how this simple dish combines creamy, melty brie with the tart sweetness of cranberry sauce and a cozy hint of warm spices. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, casual get-togethers, or even a special weekend treat. Stick with me—I’ll take you through everything you need to know to nail this recipe every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe is how simple but intentional the ingredients are—each one pulls its weight to create a party-perfect appetizer you can whip up without a fuss. Here’s a quick rundown of why these ingredients work together harmoniously.

• Brie Cheese: I always use a cold, full 8-ounce round because it melts beautifully without losing its shape too fast.
• Cranberry Sauce: Whole berry style adds texture that I love; homemade or store-bought works great.
• Brown Sugar: This brings just the right caramel-like sweetness to balance the tart cranberries.
• Vanilla Extract: A subtle warmth that deepens the flavor of the cranberry sauce.
• Orange Zest: Bright citrus notes cut through the richness—that fresh zest really makes a difference.
• Ground Nutmeg: Just a pinch adds a cozy holiday vibe without overpowering the dish.
• Chopped Nuts: Pistachios, almonds, walnuts, or pecans—choose your favorite for crunch and nuttiness.
• Fresh Rosemary: Optional but highly recommended—it adds a fragrant, piney touch that elevates the whole appetizer.
• Crackers or Crostini: Your vehicle for scooping up this melty, jammy goodness; go for something sturdy and crunchy.

Variations

What I love about this Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on your mood, diet, or what’s in your pantry. Feel free to make it your own—the recipe’s pretty forgiving and welcomes creativity.

• Swap the Nuts: I once picked pecans for a buttery crunch and pistachios for a pop of color, and both were hits—try what you like!
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or ground ginger to the cranberry mix for a cozy twist I stumbled upon last winter.
• Make It Vegan-Friendly: Use a plant-based brie alternative and your favorite vegan cranberry sauce to keep the magic but suit dietary needs.
• Go Boozy: Splash in a teaspoon of bourbon or orange liqueur with the cranberry sauce for an adult-only flavor boost I discovered experimenting with holiday cocktails.

How to Make Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Cranberry Topping

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, mix together the cranberry sauce, brown sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, and nutmeg in a small bowl. This combo is the heart of the Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe—the spices and vanilla bring the cranberry sauce to life in a new way. Stir it well until the sugar dissolves a bit and the zest is evenly distributed. I like to use fresh orange zest because it adds brightness that canned can’t match.

Step 2: Setting Up the Brie

Place your cold brie round in a small baking dish or pie plate. Here’s a tip I learned: if you think you might want to transfer the baked brie onto a nicer serving platter after baking, line your dish with parchment paper first—it makes sliding it out so much easier without breaking the cheese. If you serve it straight from the baking dish, you can skip this step.

Step 3: Topping and Baking

Spoon the cranberry mixture evenly over the top of the brie. Then sprinkle the chopped nuts over everything, and add one fresh rosemary sprig on top if you’re using it. This little herb step is optional, but I highly recommend it for that extra holiday-inspired aroma. Pop the whole thing into your preheated oven and bake for about 8 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to feel soft to the touch but not completely melted or oozing—that’s the sweet spot where the texture is just right for scooping with crackers.

Step 4: Serving

If you lined your baking dish with parchment, carefully slide the cheese out onto a serving platter using a spatula. Remove and replace the baked rosemary sprig with a fresh one for that vibrant look and scent. Serve immediately with an assortment of your favorite crackers or crostini. Trust me, once you taste that warm, creamy brie layered with that cranberry topping, you’ll be reaching for the crackers over and over!

How to Serve Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top mine with freshly chopped nuts and a sprig of rosemary because it’s festive and gives a lovely crunch and fresh herbal note. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, I add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh thyme—both add an extra layer of flavor and look gorgeous on the platter.

Side Dishes

This cozy appetizer pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a light charcuterie board featuring prosciutto, figs, and olives. On cooler days, I love serving it alongside hot mulled wine or a sparkling cider to complete the indulgent vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve wrapped the baked brie in puff pastry before baking to add a flaky crust—that’s a showstopper! Another fun idea I tried was using mini brie wheels baked in individual ramekins topped with custom cranberry mixtures—perfect for portion control and a cute presentation when entertaining. You can also serve it on a wooden cheese board surrounded by fresh fruit, nuts, and edible flowers for a stunning centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though honestly, mine never last long!), store the baked brie in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best eaten within 1-2 days for freshness and texture, but it will still taste delicious. Let it come to room temperature before serving again to soften it up.

Freezing

I don’t typically freeze baked brie with cranberry sauce because the texture of the melted cheese and the sauce doesn’t stay quite the same after thawing, but if you want to prepare the cranberry topping in advance, that freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge and then warm it slightly before assembling and baking the brie.

Reheating

To gently reheat leftover baked brie, I pop it in a 300°F oven for about 5–7 minutes until it softens nicely again. Avoid microwaving because it can get rubbery or melt unevenly. If you removed the nuts before storing, sprinkle fresh ones on top after reheating for that satisfying crunch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe has become one of those recipes I turn to when I want to wow guests without being stuck in the kitchen for hours. It’s simple yet feels so special, and I find myself making it year-round, not just for holidays. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this as much as I do—it really does bring people together around the table. Give it a try and watch the smiles light up your kitchen!

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