If you’re looking to wow your guests with something irresistibly gooey, festive, and downright delicious, this Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce (Holiday Appetizer) is your new best friend. The creamy, melting brie pairs beautifully with the sweet-tart zing of cranberry sauce and a hint of honey, creating a perfect balance of flavors that feels cozy and festive all at once. It’s an appetizer that comes together quickly but leaves a lasting impression, making it the ideal star for any holiday gathering or cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but incredibly essential in creating the magic of this dish. Each component plays a unique role—from the creamy texture of the brie to the vibrant, fruity burst of cranberry sauce and the subtle sweetness of honey that adds a lovely glaze.
- Brie wheel (1): Choose a whole wheel of brie for the perfect melting texture that oozes out wonderfully when baked.
- Cranberry sauce (½ cup): Fresh or store-bought cranberry sauce adds that signature tartness and festive color.
- Honey (1 tbsp): A drizzle of honey adds a touch of natural sweetness and a glossy finish.
- Optional: rosemary: Adds a fragrant, herbal note that complements the richness of the cheese.
- Optional: nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans lend a delightful crunch and earthy flavor.
How to Make Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce (Holiday Appetizer)
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Brie
Start by preheating your oven to 190°C / 375°F. Place the brie wheel in a small ovenproof dish to catch any melting cheese and make serving easy. Lightly score the top rind with a knife—this helps the flavors soak in and makes for a more beautiful presentation.
Step 2: Layer on the Cranberry Sauce and Honey
Take your cranberry sauce and spoon it evenly over the brie, making sure the whole surface gets covered with that gorgeous ruby red color. Then, drizzle the honey over the top; this will give it a nice shine and just the right hint of sweetness.
Step 3: Bake Until Perfectly Soft
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for the brie to become soft and a little gooey in the center—when you press it gently, it should ooze slightly, inviting everyone to dig in.
Step 4: Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let the baked brie rest for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the cheese to firm up just enough to make serving clean and easy while still staying wonderfully melty inside.
How to Serve Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce (Holiday Appetizer)
Garnishes
Fresh rosemary sprigs not only add a lovely visual green pop but also an aromatic herbaceous note that awakens the palate. Sprinkle some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top for a gorgeous crunch contrast against the soft cheese.
Side Dishes
Serve this baked brie alongside an assortment of crunchy crackers or warm slices of crusty bread. The combination of textures elevates the experience, making every bite perfectly balanced and satisfying. Apples or pear slices also pair amazingly well for a fresh, crisp bite.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress even more, place the baked brie on a wooden serving board garnished with festive sprigs of rosemary and some extra fresh cranberries scattered around. You can also add a small bowl of extra cranberry sauce on the side for guests who want an extra burst of fruitiness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, wrap the baked brie tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. Consume within 2 days for the best flavor and texture, although baked brie is usually too tempting to leave behind!
Freezing
Freezing baked brie is not recommended because the texture of the cheese can change and get grainy after thawing. Instead, store any unused cranberry sauce separately in the freezer if you want to prep ahead and assemble the dish fresh when ready.
Reheating
To reheat leftover baked brie, place it in a 180°C / 350°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can overcook or unevenly melt the cheese.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of brie?
While brie is ideal due to its creamy texture and mild flavor, you can experiment with camembert, which is quite similar in texture and taste. Hard cheeses won’t melt as smoothly, so stick to softer varieties.
Is homemade cranberry sauce better for this recipe?
Homemade cranberry sauce adds freshness and lets you control the sweetness or spices, but good-quality store-bought cranberry sauce works wonderfully if you’re short on time.
Can I prepare this appetizer vegan or dairy-free?
Traditional brie is dairy-based, so for vegan or dairy-free options, look for plant-based soft cheeses designed to melt or skip the cheese entirely and bake the cranberry topping on puff pastry as an alternative.
How long can I make this appetizer ahead?
You can assemble the brie with cranberry sauce shortly before baking, but avoid adding honey until right before or after baking to maintain its lovely texture and shine.
What is the best way to serve this at a holiday party?
Serve warm on a central platter with an assortment of crackers, sliced baguettes, and fresh fruit. Keep some extra cranberry sauce on the side for dolloping.
Final Thoughts
If you want your next holiday party or cozy night in to be unforgettable, the Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce (Holiday Appetizer) is an absolute must-try. It’s simple, elegant, and bursting with flavor that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite festive treat!
PrintBaked Brie with Cranberry Sauce (Holiday Appetizer)
Gooey, sweet, and perfect for late-night holiday snacking, this baked brie with cranberry sauce offers a delightful combination of creamy cheese and tart sweetness, enhanced with a touch of honey and optional rosemary and nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cheese
- 1 wheel Brie
Toppings
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- Optional: fresh rosemary sprigs
- Optional: nuts (such as walnuts or pecans), chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and place the brie wheel in a small baking dish suitable for the oven.
- Score the Brie: Lightly score the top rind of the brie with a sharp knife to help the cheese melt evenly and allow flavors to penetrate.
- Add Toppings: Spoon the cranberry sauce evenly over the top of the brie. Drizzle honey over the cranberry sauce to add a glossy finish and a touch of sweetness.
- Bake: Bake the brie in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is soft in the center and just beginning to ooze slightly when gently pressed.
- Rest and Serve: Let the baked brie rest for 5 minutes to allow it to set slightly. Garnish with optional rosemary and chopped nuts if desired. Serve warm with crackers or slices of bread for dipping.
Notes
- Do not overbake to avoid the cheese melting completely and losing its shape.
- Use fresh or well-strained cranberry sauce for the best texture.
- Pair with crusty bread, water crackers, or a mild-flavored cracker to complement the brie.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle a few fresh rosemary leaves on top before baking or after resting.
- This appetizer is best served warm.