Description
Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce is a warm and elegant appetizer featuring a creamy brie cheese round topped with a sweet and spiced whole berry cranberry sauce, brown sugar, vanilla, orange zest, nutmeg, and crunchy chopped nuts. Baked until just soft and served with crackers or crostini, this festive dish is perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 1 (8-ounce) cold brie cheese round
Cranberry Sauce 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 (pistachios, almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, divided (optional)
To Serve
- Assorted store-bought or homemade crackers, or crostini
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the brie.
- Prepare Cranberry Mixture: In a small bowl, stir together 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 until fully combined and fragrant.
- Arrange Brie: Place the cold 8-ounce brie cheese round in a small baking dish or pie plate. If transferring the cheese after baking, line the dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Add Topping: Spoon the prepared cranberry mixture evenly over the top of the brie. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of coarsely chopped nuts on top. Optionally, place one sprig of fresh rosemary on the brie for added aroma and garnish.
- Bake Cheese: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 15 minutes until the cheese feels soft to the touch. Avoid baking until the brie is completely melted or oozing to maintain its shape and texture.
- Serve: If parchment paper was used, carefully lift and slide the baked brie onto a serving dish with a spatula. Discard the baked rosemary sprig and replace it with a fresh one if desired. Serve immediately alongside assorted crackers or crostini.
Notes
- Do not overbake the brie; it should be warm and soft, not fully melted and runny.
- You can use any variety of nuts you prefer for a different texture and flavor.
- Fresh rosemary adds a lovely aroma but is optional and can be omitted if unavailable.
- For easier cleanup and serving, lining the baking dish with parchment paper is recommended.
- This appetizer pairs beautifully with white wine or sparkling beverages.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (approx. 50g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
