Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s incredibly easy to prepare yet feels fancy, you’re in the right place. This Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe is one of those perfect bites that’s sweet, tangy, creamy, and nutty all at once — and trust me, it will steal the show at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just want an impressive snack, I absolutely love how this turns out and I can’t wait to share the step-by-step with you.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each one plays a key role — from the luscious brie to the bright pops of cranberry and the textural crunch of nuts. I always recommend choosing a creamy, good-quality brie, and if possible, make or grab a fresh cranberry sauce with a touch of spice to elevate the flavors even more.

• Brie cheese: I like to use an 8-ounce wheel that’s cold for easier handling and even baking.
• Whole berry cranberry sauce: If you can find a spiced or homemade version, it adds incredible depth compared to regular jelly.
• Brown sugar: Adds just the right hint of caramelized sweetness to balance the tart berries.
• Vanilla extract: A secret ingredient I discovered that brings warmth and rounds out the cranberry flavors beautifully.
• Orange zest: Freshly grated is key! This brightens up the whole dish with citrusy zing.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds cozy spice notes — just a pinch is enough.
• Mixed nuts: I love pistachios or pecans chopped coarsely for crunch and a bit of nuttiness.
• Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional): They add a lovely herbal fragrance and look pretty too.
• Crackers or crostini: Your choice here — I usually go for a sturdy cracker that can hold up to the soft cheese.

Variations

I love customizing this Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand — it’s amazing how a little tweak here or there can make it feel new every time. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

• Swap the fruit: Once, I tried fig jam instead of cranberry sauce for a richer, deeper sweetness — it was a hit with friends who aren’t cranberry fans.
• Nut options: Pecans bring warmth and a buttery finish, while almonds add a subtle crunch without overpowering.
• Herb twist: Instead of rosemary, fresh thyme sprinkled on top adds an earthy aroma that pairs beautifully with brie.
• Make it savory: I’ve added a drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking for a tangy contrast that’s unexpectedly delightful.

How to Make Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Cranberry Topping

Start by stirring together your whole berry cranberry sauce with brown sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, and a pinch of nutmeg in a small bowl. This homemade spiced cranberry sauce is where all the flavor magic begins. The orange zest and vanilla extract add layers of fragrance and warmth, so don’t skip them! I like to taste it and adjust the brown sugar if I want it a bit sweeter.

Step 2: Prepare the Brie

Place your cold brie round in a small baking dish or pie plate. If you plan to move the cheese after baking, lining it with parchment paper will save you from sticky situations — trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way when I tried to lift it straight out of a plain dish. The cold brie holds its shape well but softens beautifully when baked.

Step 3: Layer on the Toppings

Spoon the cranberry mixture evenly over the top of the brie. Sprinkle the chopped nuts across the sauce for crunch and texture. If you’re using rosemary, tuck a sprig on top — it adds that lovely piney aroma while baking. The colors here look so pretty already, and your guests will be lured in by the aroma.

Step 4: Bake Carefully

Bake at 350°F for about 8 to 15 minutes. You’ll want to watch carefully—you’re aiming for the cheese to feel soft to the touch but not melted into a puddle. This perfect melty-but-intact texture gives you the best mouthfeel. If you bake it too long, the cheese collapses and it’s just not the same. My tip? Start checking at 8 minutes and poke gently with a fingertip.

Step 5: Serve Fresh and Warm

If you baked on parchment, gently lift the paper and slide the cheese onto a pretty serving plate. Toss the old rosemary sprig and replace it with a fresh one for a bright look. Serve immediately with your favorite crackers or crostini for scooping up every last bit of cheesy, fruity goodness.

How to Serve Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I almost always garnish the baked brie with a fresh rosemary sprig — it gives a gorgeous hint of piney fragrance that complements the cranberry sauce perfectly. Plus, some extra chopped nuts sprinkled on top right before serving add an irresistible crunch. If I’m feeling festive, a light dusting of powdered sugar around the serving plate works wonders to elevate the presentation.

Side Dishes

This baked brie pairs beautifully with a simple mixed greens salad tossed with a bright vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For the party platter, I like to serve alongside slices of crisp apple and pear, prosciutto, and an assortment of crackers or toasted baguette slices to provide contrasting textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun way I’ve served this at holiday parties is in individual mini ramekins for personal-sized portions. Wrapping the brie with puff pastry or phyllo sheets before baking — essentially making a “crispy brie parcel” — transforms it into a stunning centerpiece. For a rustic vibe, serve baked brie on a wooden board surrounded by fresh cranberries and sprigs of herbs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), wrap the baked brie tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The texture changes a bit once chilled, so I recommend gently reheating before serving again for the best experience.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze baked brie because the texture of the cheese changes when thawed, and the cranberry sauce can become watery. But if you want to freeze it unbaked, wrap the entire assembled brie tightly in plastic and foil — then thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking fresh.

Reheating

For reheating leftovers, I pop the brie in a preheated 325°F oven for about 10 minutes — just until it softens again but doesn’t melt beyond recognition. This gentle warming preserves the creamy texture and the fresh flavors of the topping. You could also do this in the microwave on low power carefully for 20-30 seconds if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that has truly won over my family and friends every time I serve it. It’s simple, elegant, and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen — but honestly, it’s ready in a flash. Next time you want to impress without the stress, give this recipe a try. I promise you’ll thank me when everyone keeps coming back for more!

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