Cranberry Baked Brie

Introduction

Cranberry Baked Brie is a show-stopping appetizer that combines the creamy richness of warm, melted brie with the sweet-tart flavor of cranberries. Encased in a golden, flaky puff pastry or simply baked on its own, this dish is a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Whether served during the holidays, at gatherings, or as an elegant snack, Cranberry Baked Brie is guaranteed to impress.

I remember the first time I made this for a holiday party. The moment I cut into the golden pastry, the gooey brie and glistening cranberries spilled out, creating the most irresistible bite. Everyone gathered around, eager to scoop up the warm, melty cheese with crackers and toasted bread. What I love about Cranberry Baked Brie is how easy it is to customize—you can add a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness, a sprinkle of nuts for crunch, or even a touch of fresh rosemary for an herby twist.

Despite its elegant presentation, this appetizer is surprisingly simple to make. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a stunning dish ready in no time. Whether you’re hosting a festive celebration or just treating yourself to something special, Cranberry Baked Brie is always a crowd-pleaser!

Perfect for:

• Holiday parties
• Family gatherings
• Cheese lovers
• Elegant appetizers
• Cozy nights in

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Cranberry Baked Brie will become your new go-to appetizer:

• Creamy and Decadent: Warm, gooey brie melts beautifully, creating a rich, creamy center.
• Sweet-Tart Cranberries: The cranberries add a delightful burst of tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the brie.
• Golden, Flaky Pastry (Optional): Wrapping the brie in puff pastry adds a crispy, buttery contrast to the creamy cheese.
• Simple Yet Elegant: With just a few ingredients, you get a gourmet-looking appetizer with minimal effort.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can enjoy it wrapped in pastry, topped with nuts, or paired with various accompaniments.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 8g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Cranberry Baked Brie:

For the Brie:

• 1 round (8-12 oz) brie cheese
• ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped (optional)

For the Puff Pastry Version (Optional):

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

For Serving:

• Crackers, toasted bread, or crostini
• Sliced apples or pears
• Extra cranberry sauce for dipping

Ingredient Highlights

• Brie Cheese: A creamy, mild cheese that melts beautifully when baked.
• Cranberry Sauce: Adds a sweet and tart contrast to the rich cheese.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Enhances the natural sweetness of the cranberries.
• Puff Pastry: Creates a crispy, golden shell around the brie (optional).
• Nuts and Herbs: Provide added texture and flavor for an extra gourmet touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Option 1: Classic Baked Brie (Without Puff Pastry)

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Brie: Place the wheel of brie on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Add Toppings: Spread the cranberry sauce over the top of the brie. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup and sprinkle with chopped nuts and fresh herbs, if using.
4. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the brie is soft and gooey in the center.
5. Serve Immediately: Transfer to a serving plate and serve warm with crackers, toasted bread, or fruit slices.

Option 2: Baked Brie in Puff Pastry

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
3. Assemble the Brie: Place the brie in the center of the pastry. Top with cranberry sauce, honey or maple syrup, and nuts.
4. Wrap the Brie: Fold the pastry around the brie, sealing the edges. Brush the top with beaten egg for a golden finish.
5. Bake: Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
6. Cool Slightly & Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving with crackers, bread, or fruit slices.

How to Serve

Cranberry Baked Brie pairs well with a variety of accompaniments:

• With Crackers or Crostini: Serve with a mix of crunchy crackers or toasted baguette slices.
• With Fresh Fruit: Sliced apples, pears, or grapes complement the creamy and tangy flavors.
• With Extra Cranberry Sauce: Serve with a small bowl of extra cranberry sauce for more sweetness.
• As a Charcuterie Centerpiece: Pair with nuts, dried fruit, and mild cheeses for an elegant board.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make the best Cranberry Baked Brie:

• Do Not Overbake: Brie should be warm and gooey but not completely melted. Keep an eye on it after 15 minutes.
• Use Room Temperature Brie: Let the brie sit out for 10-15 minutes before baking for even melting.
• Thaw Puff Pastry Properly: If using puff pastry, ensure it’s fully thawed but still cold before wrapping the brie.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle toasted nuts or pomegranate seeds on top for extra texture.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a sweet and spicy kick.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 delicious ways to customize your Cranberry Baked Brie:

• Cranberry & Orange Baked Brie: Add orange zest to the cranberry sauce for a citrusy touch.
• Apple Pecan Baked Brie: Swap the cranberry sauce for apple compote and pecans.
• Fig and Walnut Baked Brie: Use fig jam instead of cranberry sauce and top with chopped walnuts.
• Berry Medley Baked Brie: Combine cranberries with raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry topping.
• Spiced Cranberry Baked Brie: Stir cinnamon and nutmeg into the cranberry sauce for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Honey & Almond Baked Brie: Replace cranberry sauce with honey and top with slivered almonds.
• Savory Herb Baked Brie: Skip the fruit and top with caramelized onions, rosemary, and thyme.
• Pomegranate Baked Brie: Replace cranberries with pomegranate seeds for a fresh, juicy topping.
• Mango Cranberry Baked Brie: Mix cranberry sauce with diced mango for a tropical twist.
• Vegan Brie Alternative: Use dairy-free brie for a plant-based version.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: If using puff pastry, assemble the brie and freeze before baking. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Special Equipment

• Baking Sheet: Essential for even baking.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Pastry Brush: If using puff pastry, a brush helps apply the egg wash evenly.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing the warm, gooey brie easily.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes! Assemble everything and refrigerate until ready to bake.
2. Can I use a different cheese?
   Yes, camembert is a great alternative with similar creaminess.
3. What if I don’t have puff pastry?
   You can bake the brie without it for a simpler version.
4. Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?
   Absolutely! Just choose a high-quality sauce for the best flavor.
5. How do I know when the brie is ready?
   The edges should look soft and slightly melted, but not completely oozing out.

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Conclusion

Cranberry Baked Brie is an easy yet elegant appetizer that combines the rich creaminess of melted brie with the sweet and tart flavors of cranberry sauce. Whether wrapped in flaky puff pastry or baked simply with a generous topping of cranberries, this indulgent dish is perfect for any occasion.

With its warm, gooey center and irresistible contrast of flavors, Cranberry Baked Brie is a show-stopping appetizer that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Serve it with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh fruit for a stunning centerpiece at holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or cozy nights in.

This recipe is simple to prepare yet impressively flavorful, making it a go-to dish when you want something quick, easy, and sophisticated. Whether you enjoy it as a festive treat or an everyday indulgence, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

I’d love to see your Cranberry Baked Brie creations! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me so I can admire your delicious masterpiece. Happy baking!