Cranberry Baked Brie

Cranberry Baked Brie is a festive and irresistible appetizer that combines creamy, melted brie with tart cranberry sauce, warming spices, and nutty crunch. It’s the kind of dish that instantly elevates any holiday table simple, indulgent, and stunningly beautiful.

This easy recipe features a golden brie round topped with a sweet-tart cranberry mixture and fragrant orange zest. Served with crackers or crostini, it’s the ultimate holiday party starter. Once baked, the cheese becomes rich and gooey, pairing perfectly with every dip or spread.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Baked Brie

Cranberry Baked Brie combines elegance and ease in one showstopping appetizer. It captures all the warmth of the season with creamy brie, tart cranberries, citrus zest, and a touch of spice. The melted cheese contrasted with the sweet-tangy topping makes every bite crave-worthy.

This dish is festive, fuss-free, and guaranteed to impress guests. Whether you serve it for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or a cozy winter gathering, it’s a timeless seasonal classic that always feels special.

Ingredients

• 1 (8-ounce) cold brie cheese round
• ⅓ cup whole berry cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 tablespoons packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest (from ½ medium orange)
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped nuts (pistachios, almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, divided (optional)
• Assorted crackers or crostini, for serving

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Preheat and prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Remove the brie from its packaging and place it in the center of the sheet. If desired, lightly score the top of the rind in a crisscross pattern with a sharp knife to help the topping sink into the cheese while baking.

Step 2: Make the cranberry topping

In a small bowl, combine the whole berry cranberry sauce, brown sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, and ground nutmeg. Stir until well blended. This mixture should smell wonderfully fruity and aromatic with hints of spice.

Step 3: Assemble

Spoon the cranberry mixture evenly over the top of the brie. Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the cranberry topping and place one sprig of rosemary on top for a festive touch (save the second sprig for garnish after baking).

Step 4: Bake

Bake the brie for 12–15 minutes until it’s warm and the edges begin to soften. The cranberry topping will become glossy and slightly caramelized from the brown sugar.

Optional: If you prefer your brie more melted, keep it in for up to 18 minutes just watch closely so it doesn’t overflow.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Remove the brie from the oven and let it rest for a minute or two. Carefully transfer it to a serving platter using a spatula. Garnish with the remaining rosemary sprig and serve immediately with assorted crackers or crostini.

Slice into or scoop with crackers while warm the melted brie will ooze beautifully from beneath the cranberry layer.

Expert Tips for Success

• Use cold brie: Chilling helps it hold its shape while baking.

• Don’t overbake: Once softened, it’s ready too long can cause the cheese to spill from the rind.

• Balance flavors: Adjust sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar to suit your taste.

• Nut choice matters: Pistachios add color, while walnuts or pecans add classic warmth.

• Serve warm: Brie stiffens as it cools; reheat briefly if needed before serving.

Tasty Variations to Try

• Cranberry-orange perfection: Add a tablespoon of orange juice to the topping for bright acidity.

• Maple version: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup for a deeper, earthy sweetness.

• Nut-free option: Use toasted coconut flakes or omit nuts entirely.

• Savory cranberry brie: Add a pinch of rosemary or thyme directly into the cranberry mix for a herbal twist.

• Pastry-wrapped brie: Wrap the brie and cranberry topping inside puff pastry before baking for a flaky, golden presentation.

Serving Ideas

• Holiday centerpiece: Place the warm brie on a decorative Christmas board surrounded by crackers, fruit, and rosemary sprigs.

• Dinner party starter: Serve with champagne or sparkling cider as your guests arrive.

• Cheese platter addition: Include it among other cheeses for a festive contrast of flavors.

• Snack indulgence: Pair with toasted baguette slices for an easy afternoon treat.

• Giftable dish: Bake in a small, oven-safe dish, cool slightly, and wrap for host gifts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can assemble the brie with cranberry topping up to 4 hours in advance. Keep covered in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving.

Should I remove the rind?

No need! Brie rind is edible and helps contain the melted cheese. If you prefer, lightly trim the edges for texture preference.

How long does baked brie stay good?

Serve right away for best texture. Leftovers can be chilled and reheated gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5–10 minutes.

Can I use canned cranberry sauce?

Yes, just make sure it includes whole berries for the best tart, textured finish.

What can I serve with it?

Crackers, crostini, apple slices, or pretzel crisps all pair wonderfully with the melted cheese and cranberry topping.

Cranberry Baked Brie

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• Author: Emma Hart
• Total Time: 25
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Warm, elegant holiday appetizer with creamy brie, tangy cranberry sauce, aromatic orange zest, and a nutty crunch. Perfect served with crackers or crostini for festive winter gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (8-oz) brie cheese round, cold
• ⅓ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
• 2 tbsp packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp finely grated orange zest (from ½ orange)
• ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 tbsp chopped nuts (pistachios, walnuts, or pecans)
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, divided (optional)
• Crackers or crostini, for serving

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a small baking sheet with parchment. Place brie in center; optionally score rind lightly.
2. Combine cranberry sauce, brown sugar, vanilla, orange zest, and nutmeg. Stir until smooth and fragrant.
3. Spoon cranberry mixture over brie. Sprinkle nuts on top and add one rosemary sprig for decoration.
4. Bake 12–15 minutes until softened and glossy, or up to 18 minutes for extra meltiness. Watch carefully to prevent overflow.
5. Transfer to platter. Garnish with remaining rosemary. Serve warm with crackers or crostini. Slice or scoop for gooey bites.

Notes

Keep brie chilled before baking to preserve shape.

Brie rind is edible and contains melted cheese.

Adjust sweetness by varying brown sugar.

Reheat cooled leftovers at 325°F for 5–10 minutes.

Pistachios add bright color; pecans or walnuts add warmth.

• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 15
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American / Holiday

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/8 round
• Calories: 195
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: cranberry baked brie, holiday appetizer, baked brie with nuts, festive cheese dip, brie cranberry recipe