Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe

If you love easy, elegant appetizers that make a statement without much fuss, you’re going to adore this Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and a little bit crunchy—just what you want to wow guests or enjoy a cozy night in. I remember the first time I made this for a holiday get-together; my family went crazy for it, and honestly, it’s become my go-to when I want something that looks gourmet but takes only minutes to prep. Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make it a total success in your kitchen!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

I find the ingredient list for this Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe beautifully simple, with each element playing a key role. The combination of brown sugar and vanilla with citrusy orange zest gives the cranberry sauce an irresistible depth, while the nuts add texture that kicks things up a notch.

• Brie cheese: Choose a whole small wheel—around 8 ounces—for perfect melting without losing shape.
• Whole berry cranberry sauce: Using a good quality store-bought or homemade sauce with berries intact really makes this special.
• Brown sugar: Both light or dark work, just adds sweetness and a slight molasses richness.
• Vanilla extract: A splash brings subtle sweetness and complexity to the topping.
• Orange zest: Freshly grated is best, and it gives the cranberry mixture a bright citrus lift.
• Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch adds warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
• Coarsely chopped nuts: Pistachios, walnuts, pecans, or almonds—your pick for crunch and color.
• Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional): For aroma and an elegant garnish that also pairs beautifully with brie.
• Assorted crackers or crostini: Choose a variety of sturdy, flavorful crackers to scoop up every bite.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your taste or occasion. Feel free to experiment with your favorite nuts or add an extra burst of flavor in the toppings—the sky’s the limit here!

• Add a splash of bourbon: I once tried mixing a tablespoon of bourbon into the cranberry sauce before baking, and it gave the topping a lovely warm kick that guests loved.
• Swap nuts for seeds: For a nut-free option, try toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds instead—still crunchy and flavorful.
• Herb variations: Rosemary is classic, but thyme or sage leaves can add interesting aroma and pair wonderfully with the brie.
• Use fig jam or apricot preserves: If you want a different fruit flavor, these jams offer a sweet contrast that works just as well as cranberry sauce.

How to Make Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Cranberry Topping

Start by stirring together the whole berry cranberry sauce, brown sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, and ground nutmeg in a small bowl. I love this step because it transforms the cranberry sauce into something so aromatic and layered—it smells like holiday magic already! Make sure to mix well so the brown sugar dissolves and the zest distributes evenly.

Step 2: Get Your Brie Ready

Place your cold brie wheel into a small baking dish or pie plate. If you want to transfer it to a prettier serving plate after baking, I recommend lining the dish with parchment paper—that trick saved me from a sticky mess more than once. The parchment lets you slide the baked brie out effortlessly.

Step 3: Build and Bake

Spoon the cranberry mixture evenly over the top of the brie. Then sprinkle on your chopped nuts and tuck one sprig of rosemary on top if you’re using it. I like how the rosemary adds a festive look and fantastic fragrance as it bakes. Slide the dish into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for around 8 to 15 minutes until the cheese is soft to the touch but not oozing out everywhere. Trust me, that timing is key—if it melts too much, it can get a bit messy, so keep an eye on it after 8 minutes.

Step 4: Serve with Style

Once done, carefully lift the parchment paper to slide the brie onto a serving plate if needed. Replace the baked rosemary sprig with a fresh one for a bright pop of green. Serve immediately with an assortment of crackers or crostini so everyone can dig in. This is where you’ll feel like a total kitchen rockstar—because it really is that delicious and impressive!

How to Serve Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I always add a fresh rosemary sprig on top just before serving—that hint of pine scent lifts the whole dish beautifully. Sometimes, I toss a few fresh cranberries or a drizzle of honey over the top for extra visual appeal and sweetness balance.

Side Dishes

Pairing this baked brie with an assortment of crackers and crostini is a no-brainer, but I love serving it alongside a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette to cut through the richness. If it’s the holidays, roasted nuts or sliced pears also make for superb sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I place the baked brie on a wooden board surrounded by a ring of fresh herbs, cranberries, and nuts. It’s an inviting centerpiece that invites guests to help themselves. You can also stuff the brie inside puff pastry for a luxurious twist, but honestly, keeping it simple with cranberry sauce is my favorite way.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers—rare but it happens!—wrap the baked brie tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. It’s best eaten within 2 days for optimal texture and flavor.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing baked brie with cranberry sauce because the texture changes and the nuts can get soggy. Instead, freeze the ingredients separately if you want to prep in advance—like the cranberry sauce or chopped nuts—and assemble right before baking.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, place the brie in a warm oven, about 300°F for 5-7 minutes, just until softened again. Avoid microwaving as it can get rubbery or cause the toppings to lose texture. Reheat gently to preserve that ooey-gooey goodness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it manages to be simple, comforting, and yet show-stopping all at once. Whether you’re entertaining friends or craving a cozy bite for yourself, it’s one of those recipes that always delivers. Give it a try—you’ll love how quickly it becomes a favorite in your home, just like it did in mine!

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