There is nothing quite as inviting and festive as a warm, gooey Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe to start your holiday gathering. This appetizer combines the creamy, luscious texture of melted Brie cheese with the vibrant, tart burst of homemade cranberry sauce, creating an irresistible flavor harmony. Best of all, it comes together in under 10 minutes, making it an effortless showstopper that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a few simple ingredients, you can easily create a crowd-pleaser full of contrasting textures and flavors. Each component plays a vital role in delivering richness, sweetness, crunch, and freshness that perfectly complement the Brie.
- 8 ounce round Brie cheese: The star of the dish, offering melty, buttery creaminess that forms the perfect base.
- ½ cup cranberry sauce: Adds a bright, tangy sweetness that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
- 2 tablespoons roughly chopped pistachios: Introduces a lovely crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that elevates the overall texture.
- Optional garnish: fresh herb sprigs and orange zest: These brighten the dish with fresh, aromatic notes and a pop of color for presentation.
How to Make Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Brie
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your round of Brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet or pop it into a Brie baker if you have one handy. This ensures easy cleanup and even baking.
Step 2: Top and Bake
Spoon the cranberry sauce generously over the top of the Brie, letting the vibrant crimson color peek out beautifully. Slide the cheese into the oven and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes, until the Brie is gloriously soft and oozy but not completely melted away.
Step 3: Add the Finishing Touches
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped pistachios over the top for a fantastic crunch. Add a few sprigs of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, and if you like, some fresh orange zest for a lively citrus aroma. Your Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe is now ready for serving!
How to Serve Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is your chance to add that final flourish. Fresh herb sprigs such as thyme or rosemary provide an earthy aroma that contrasts wonderfully with the tart cranberry sauce. Orange zest not only adds a hint of brightness but also gives an elegant touch that will impress your guests.
Side Dishes
Serve your baked Brie alongside gluten-free crackers or crusty artisan bread for scooping up each melty bite. For a festive spread, consider adding sliced apples or pears—they pair beautifully with the creamy cheese and sweet cranberry topping, balancing each mouthful perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, place the baked Brie on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh cranberries and pistachios. You can also nestle it in a shallow bowl lined with festive napkins or even wrap the Brie in puff pastry before baking for a golden, flaky crust. The options for impressive serving are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though unlikely!), wrap the cooled Brie tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated and consume within 2 days to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing baked Brie is not recommended, as the texture of the cheese can change and become grainy upon thawing. It’s best to prepare this Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe fresh for optimum cheesiness and presentation.
Reheating
To reheat, place the Brie in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid using a microwave if possible to retain that perfect, melted consistency without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberry sauce for this recipe?
Yes! Frozen cranberry sauce works just as well as fresh or canned. Just thaw it completely before topping your Brie so it warms evenly while baking.
Is it necessary to use pistachios, or can I use other nuts?
Pistachios add a unique flavor and vibrant green color, but you can absolutely swap in walnuts, pecans, or almonds depending on your preference and what you have on hand.
Can I prepare this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Since Brie is a dairy cheese, this recipe is traditionally not vegan. However, you can experiment with plant-based cheeses designed to melt similarly, paired with cranberry sauce and toppings for a dairy-free version.
How long can Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe sit out before serving?
For food safety, it’s best to keep baked Brie out for no more than 2 hours at room temperature. Beyond that, bacteria can grow on soft cheese, so refrigerate leftovers promptly.
What is the best way to serve this appetizer at a party?
Serve warm with an assortment of crackers, sliced baguette, and fresh fruit. Place it centrally on a beautiful serving platter so guests can easily help themselves to this buttery, sweet, and nutty delight.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe enough for your next holiday or special occasion—it brings so much warmth, flavor, and festive cheer to the table with such little effort. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again!
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Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 13-15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce is a perfect festive holiday appetizer that combines creamy, melty Brie cheese with sweet-tart cranberry sauce and crunchy pistachios. Ready in under 10 minutes, it’s an easy and elegant dish to impress your guests during any celebration.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounce round Brie cheese
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
- 2 tablespoons roughly chopped pistachios
Optional Garnish
- Fresh herb sprigs
- Orange zest
Instructions
- Prep the Brie: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Brie cheese on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a dedicated Brie baker to prepare for baking.
- Top and bake: Spread the cranberry sauce evenly on top of the Brie. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese becomes soft and melty.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the chopped pistachios on top for a crunchy contrast. Garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of orange zest if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For gluten-free guests, serve with gluten-free crackers that have garlic and rosemary flavor to complement the baked Brie perfectly.
- Ensure not to overbake the Brie, as it can become too runny and lose its shape.
- You can substitute pistachios with other nuts like walnuts or pecans based on preference.
- Fresh herb sprigs like thyme or rosemary enhance the aroma and presentation.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
