Imagine a crisp winter evening, friends gathered, laughter echoing through the kitchen. You set down a warm, gooey wheel of brie crowned with vibrant cranberry sauce, and instantly, everyone leans in. That creamy cheese, slightly melted and rich, meeting the sweet-tart burst of cranberry and citrus — it’s not just a dish, it’s a memory in the making.
Behind the Recipe
This dish holds a special place in my heart. I first made it during a last-minute holiday gathering when I needed something fast but impressive. Ever since, it’s become my go-to when I want to bring a little joy to the table without a lot of effort. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier to make.
Recipe Origin or Trivia
Baked brie has French roots, naturally, since brie itself is a beloved French cheese. Pairing it with fruit preserves or sauces has long been a tradition. Cranberries, being native to North America, give this dish a beautiful fusion feel — a little French elegance with American holiday vibes. It’s especially popular around Thanksgiving and Christmas, when cranberry sauce is in abundance.
Why You’ll Love Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce
There’s something universally comforting about warm cheese and sweet fruit. This one’s a total game-changer, and here’s why:
Versatile: Serve it as an appetizer, a holiday snack, or even a dessert board addition.
Budget-Friendly: Just a few simple ingredients create a stunning presentation.
Quick and Easy: From fridge to table in under 20 minutes.
Customizable: Swap in different jams, nuts, or pastry wrappings.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s always the first dish to disappear at a party.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it and bake it fresh just before serving.
Great for Leftovers: If there are any leftovers, they’re delicious spread on toast or crackers.
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Want that brie to ooze just right? Here’s what I’ve learned over the years:
- Always score the top rind lightly to help the sauce soak in.
- Use whole berry cranberry sauce for texture and depth.
- Let the brie rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes before baking.
- Add citrus zest or a rosemary sprig to elevate the flavor.
- Serve immediately while it’s warm and melty.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need much to make this showstopper happen, just the basics:
Baking Sheet: For even heat distribution.
Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
Sharp Knife: For scoring the brie and garnishing.
Zester or Microplane: If adding citrus zest.
Serving Spatula or Cheese Knife: To help with that glorious cheese pull.
Ingredients in Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce
This recipe proves how a few good ingredients can come together to create pure magic. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Brie Wheel: 8 ounces. The star of the show, creamy and rich.
- Cranberry Sauce: ½ cup, preferably whole berry. Sweet and tart, it cuts through the richness.
- Orange Zest: From ½ an orange. Adds brightness and a touch of holiday flair.
- Fresh Rosemary: 1 sprig. Optional, but it gives a lovely earthy aroma.
- Crackers or Sliced Baguette: For serving and scooping.
Ingredient Substitutions
Don’t stress if you’re missing something — here are some quick swaps:
Cranberry Sauce: Try raspberry jam, fig preserves, or apricot chutney.
Orange Zest: Lemon zest or a splash of orange juice works too.
Rosemary: Thyme or sage gives a different but lovely note.
Brie: Camembert is a close cousin with a similar melt.
Ingredient Spotlight
Brie: This soft, bloomy-rind cheese is known for its creamy interior and buttery flavor. When baked, it turns into a dreamy, molten center perfect for dipping.
Cranberry Sauce: Not just for turkey, this vibrant condiment is the perfect blend of sweet and tart. It balances the richness of the cheese beautifully.
Instructions for Making Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce
Get ready to fall in love with how simple this recipe is. Here are the steps you’re going to follow:
-
Preheat Your Equipment:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper. -
Combine Ingredients:
In a small bowl, stir together the cranberry sauce and orange zest. -
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
Place the wheel of brie on the parchment-lined baking sheet. If desired, lightly score the top rind in a crisscross pattern. -
Assemble the Dish:
Spoon the cranberry mixture generously over the top of the brie. Add a rosemary sprig for garnish. -
Cook to Perfection:
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the brie feels soft and melty when gently pressed. -
Finishing Touches:
Let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer carefully to a serving plate using a spatula. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh fruit. Trust me, you’re going to love this.
Texture & Flavor Secrets
This dish is all about contrast. The brie becomes silky and rich, the cranberry sauce is sticky and bright, and a bit of citrus zest lifts everything up. Add a crisp cracker, and you’ve got creamy, tart, crunchy — all in one perfect bite.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Here are a few helpful hints to keep your brie looking and tasting its best:
- Let the brie come to room temp for 10–15 minutes before baking.
- Use a baking dish with edges if you’re worried about overflow.
- Garnish after baking if you want your herbs to look fresh and vibrant.
What to Avoid
Even the simplest recipes can have pitfalls. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Overbaking: Brie can explode if left too long. Keep it soft, not soupy.
- Using low-quality brie: The flavor really matters, so choose a good one.
- Serving cold: This dish is best enjoyed while warm and gooey.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: Approximately 210
Note: These are approximate values.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
You can prep the whole thing ahead — just keep the cranberry mixture in a separate container and assemble just before baking. Store leftovers tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F until warm and melty again.
How to Serve Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce
Serve this warm and bubbling right out of the oven with a spread of crackers, crostini, or fresh fruit slices. For a holiday twist, add spiced nuts and a glass of sparkling cider on the side.
Creative Leftover Transformations
Got a little brie and cranberry left? Lucky you.
- Spread on toast for an indulgent breakfast.
- Fold into a warm sandwich with arugula.
- Melt over roasted veggies for a fancy twist.
Additional Tips
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for crunch.
- If you want more sweetness, drizzle with a little honey after baking.
- Use a cheese dome or cloche for serving to keep it warm longer.
Make It a Showstopper
Presentation matters, especially for holiday parties. Place the baked brie on a wooden board, surround it with crackers, sliced pears or apples, and scatter fresh rosemary sprigs for that festive vibe. A tiny spoon or cheese knife nearby makes it easy to dive in.
Variations to Try
- Puff Pastry Wrapped: Wrap the brie in puff pastry for an extra golden crust.
- Maple Cranberry Brie: Add a dash of maple syrup to your cranberry sauce.
- Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped candied pecans on top.
- Spiced Orange Brie: Add cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce.
- Savory Herb Brie: Use fig jam and thyme instead of cranberry.
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I use frozen cranberry sauce?
Yes, just thaw it completely and stir well before using.
Q2: Do I need to remove the rind?
Nope, the rind is edible and adds flavor. It also helps hold the cheese together when baked.
Q3: Can I make this in a toaster oven?
Absolutely, just watch the temperature and timing closely.
Q4: Is this gluten-free?
Yes, the brie and cranberry sauce are gluten-free. Just serve with gluten-free crackers.
Q5: How long does it stay warm?
It stays melty for about 20–30 minutes after baking. Use a warming tray if needed.
Q6: Can I add nuts inside the brie?
Definitely. Slice it horizontally, add chopped nuts, and sandwich it back together.
Q7: Will it smell too strong?
Not at all. Brie is mild and creamy when baked.
Q8: Can I bake it in foil?
You can, but parchment paper is better for even heat and easy serving.
Q9: Is it okay at room temp?
Yes, it’s safe for about 2 hours. After that, pop it back in the fridge.
Q10: What wine pairs best?
Try a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or a fruity red like Pinot Noir.
Conclusion
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just need something comforting on a chilly night, this Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce is a simple yet elegant crowd-pleaser. It’s creamy, tangy, sweet, and totally irresistible. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite.
Print
Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce is a warm, melty, and festive appetizer perfect for holidays or cozy evenings. Creamy brie meets tangy cranberry and a hint of citrus for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
- 8 oz Brie Wheel
- 1/2 cup Cranberry Sauce (whole berry preferred)
- Zest from 1/2 an Orange
- 1 Fresh Rosemary Sprig (optional, for garnish)
- Crackers or Sliced Baguette (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine cranberry sauce and orange zest.
- Place the brie wheel on the baking sheet. Score the top lightly in a crisscross pattern if desired.
- Spoon the cranberry mixture over the top of the brie. Add rosemary sprig if using.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the brie is soft and gooey.
- Let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer carefully to a serving plate.
- Serve warm with crackers, baguette, or fruit slices.
Notes
- Let the brie come to room temperature for even baking.
- Use parchment paper to avoid sticking and messy cleanup.
- Add honey or nuts for extra sweetness and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 wheel
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg