Baked Brie with Cranberry and Walnuts (Easy Party Appetizer)
This Baked Brie with Cranberry and Walnuts is the ultimate easy holiday appetizer, combining molten gooey cheese with sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, crunchy walnuts, and a touch of honey for a festive and elegant treat perfect for any party.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6-8 as an appetizer 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 1 wheel of Brie (about 8 ounces)
Toppings
- ⅓ cup cranberry sauce or jam
- ¼ cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 sprig rosemary (optional)
To Serve
- Crackers or sliced baguette
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Brie: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Place the Brie wheel in a small baking dish and lightly score the top in a crisscross pattern. This allows the cheese to open up nicely and ooze evenly when baked.
- Add Toppings: Spoon the cranberry sauce or jam evenly over the top of the Brie. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans over the cranberry layer. Finally, drizzle the honey on top for added sweetness and a glossy finish. Optionally, place a sprig of rosemary on top for a fragrant touch.
- Bake the Brie: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Check gently by pressing the center; it should feel soft but not completely collapsed. Be careful not to overbake, as the Brie can lose its shape and texture.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the Brie from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows it to thicken slightly for easier serving. Serve warm with crackers or sliced baguette for dipping.
Notes
- Use room-temperature Brie for more even and faster melting.
- Substitute walnuts with pecans or your favorite nuts for variety.
- Optional rosemary adds a fresh herbal aroma but can be omitted.
- Pair with dry white wine or sparkling cider for a complete holiday experience.
- Do not overbake to avoid the cheese collapsing and becoming too runny.