Baked Brie with Cranberries: A Simple Appetizer

If there’s one appetizer that always steals the show at a gathering, it’s baked brie with cranberries. It’s melty cheese heaven with just the right balance of sweet and savory, making it the perfect dish to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, this is one of those recipes that makes you look like a gourmet chef, but in reality, it’s so simple you’ll be wondering why you haven’t been making it for every occasion. Let’s dive into this delicious dish and talk about how to make it, what to serve with baked brie, and even some tasty variations like baked brie with walnuts and cranberries.

Why You’ll Love Baked Brie with Cranberries

First, let’s talk about why baked brie with cranberries is such a crowd-pleaser. Brie is a soft cheese that’s mild and creamy and pairs beautifully with tart cranberries. When you bake the brie, it melts into a gooey, decadent treat that’s perfect for scooping up with crackers or bread. Add the cranberries for a burst of flavor and a touch of sweetness, and you’ve got a dish that feels festive, looks beautiful, and tastes even better.

Another bonus? It’s versatile. You can serve it at a holiday dinner, a casual wine night with friends, or as a fancy snack for yourself (because you deserve it). The combination of textures and flavors makes it a total winner no matter the occasion.

How to Make Baked Brie with Cranberries

Now, onto the recipe. The beauty of baked brie with cranberries is that it’s so easy to make, yet the presentation looks like you spent hours perfecting it.

Ingredients

• 1 Round of Brie cheese (8 oz is standard, but you can go larger for more guests)
• 1/4 cup Cranberry Sauce
• 2 T Dried Cranberries
• 1 T Honey
• ¼ cup Chopped Walnuts (optional, but highly recommended)
• Fresh Rosemary for garnish (optional, but adds a nice touch)
• Crackers, baguette slices, or apple slices for serving

Instructions

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Serves: 4

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While the oven heats up, let your brie sit out at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This helps it bake evenly and melt perfectly.
2. Prepare the Brie: Place the round of brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a small, oven-safe dish. You can leave the rind on – it’s completely edible, and it helps keep all the gooey goodness inside.
3. Bake: Pop the brie in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and melty. You don’t want it to completely melt into a puddle, just enough so that when you cut into it, it oozes out slightly.
4. Add Toppings: Remove brie from the oven, and using two forks, gently expose the creamy layer beneath the crusty top of the cheese. Spread the cranberry sauce on top of the cheese, followed by the dried cranberries and walnuts. Drizzle with honey.
5. Finish Baking: Return the brie to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes or until all the toppings are warm and the brie is heated to your desired temperature.
6. Garnish and Serve: Once the brie is out of the oven, garnish with fresh rosemary if you’re feeling fancy. It adds a lovely pop of color and a fragrant note. Serve immediately with crackers, baguette slices, or apple slices.

What to Serve with Baked Brie

You might be wondering, what to serve with baked brie? The beauty of this dish is that it pairs with so many things. Whether you want something sweet, savory, or crunchy, there’s a perfect sidekick for your baked brie.

• Crackers: A no-brainer! Choose something sturdy like whole grain or seeded crackers to scoop up that melty brie.
• Baguette Slices: Warm, crusty bread is perfect for slathering with gooey brie and cranberries. You can toast the slices for extra crunch.
• Apple Slices: If you want to add a refreshing, crisp contrast, apple slices are an excellent choice. The sweetness of the apple complements the tart cranberries and rich cheese.
• Veggies: Use veggies, like carrots and cauliflower, to enjoy the brie. They will have a nice crunch and make a wonderful snack.
• Nuts: If you’re a fan of textures, serve some extra walnuts, pecans, or almonds on the side for a crunchy element.
• Honey: A drizzle of honey on the side lets your guests add an extra layer of sweetness if they’d like.

The goal is to create a balance of flavors and textures, so feel free to mix and match based on your preference.

Baked Brie with Walnuts and Cranberries

If you’ve never tried baked brie with walnuts and cranberries, you’re in for a real treat. The walnuts add this unexpected crunch that makes the whole experience even more satisfying. There’s something about the combo of creamy brie, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts that just works. It’s like the perfect trifecta of flavors and textures.

Plus, the walnuts bring a little warmth and earthiness to the dish, which is especially cozy during the fall and winter months. You can also try toasting the walnuts beforehand for an even richer flavor – it’s a small step, but it makes a big difference!

Variations on Baked Brie with Cranberries

The beauty of baked brie with cranberries is that it’s such a versatile recipe. You can tweak it depending on your mood or what ingredients you have on hand. Here are a few fun variations to try:

• Baked Brie with Cranberries and Pecans: Swap out the walnuts for pecans. They’re slightly sweeter and have a buttery texture that works wonderfully with the brie.
• Baked Brie with Cranberries and Fig Jam: Add a layer of fig jam under the cranberries for a sweet, rich twist.
• Baked Brie with Cranberries and Puff Pastry: For an extra indulgent appetizer, wrap the brie in puff pastry before baking. The result? A flaky, golden crust that holds in all that melty cheese.
• Baked Brie with Cranberries and Pomegranate Seeds: Add some fresh pomegranate seeds on top for a burst of tart flavor and a stunning pop of color.

Hosting Tips for Serving Baked Brie with Cranberries

When serving baked brie with cranberries, presentation is key. Here are a few tips to make it look as good as it tastes:

• Use a Beautiful Serving Dish: Since the brie is the star of the show, place it on a nice cheese board or serving dish. A marble board or wooden cheese board adds a touch of sophistication.
• Add Garnishes: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme make the dish look vibrant and fresh. A sprig of rosemary on top of the cranberries is a simple but elegant touch.
• Serve it Warm: Baked brie is best served warm, right out of the oven. If it cools down, don’t worry – you can pop it back in the oven for a few minutes to reheat it.

Some of my favorite serving dishes are from Coton Colors. If you’re in Tallahasse, learn about the Coton Colors Warehouse Sale to shop some great deals!

Baked brie with cranberries is the ultimate appetizer for any occasion. It’s easy to make, versatile, and always a hit with guests. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, a casual get-together, or just treating yourself to something special, this dish is guaranteed to impress. And don’t forget – if you’re feeling adventurous, try the baked brie with walnuts and cranberries for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Whatever variation you choose, it’s bound to be delicious.