Description
Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce is a festive, creamy appetizer that pairs the rich, velvety melt of Brie cheese with tangy, homemade cranberry sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for holiday parties, cozy nights, or any occasion where you want a show-stopping starter with minimal effort. Optional puff pastry adds a golden, flaky crust for an elegant presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 8 ounces Brie cheese wheel
Cranberry Sauce
- 1 to 1.5 cups fresh cranberries (or frozen)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water or orange juice
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
- Zest of one orange
Optional Ingredients
- Puff pastry sheet (enough to wrap the Brie)
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (for topping)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (for garnish)
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for brushing pastry)
- Honey or fig jam (optional, to serve alongside)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberry Sauce: Rinse 1 to 1.5 cups fresh cranberries. In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup water or orange juice, 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice, and orange zest. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for 10-15 minutes until berries burst and sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Preheat and Prep the Brie: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). If using puff pastry, roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Place the Brie wheel in the center. Optionally, top the Brie with nuts and herbs before wrapping or baking plain.
- Assemble the Brie: If wrapping with puff pastry, fold the edges up and over the Brie, sealing it completely. Brush the pastry with an egg wash for a golden finish. Place the wrapped or plain Brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake the Brie: Bake for 15-20 minutes until puff pastry is golden and crispy or the Brie is soft and gooey if unwrapped. Avoid overbaking to maintain a melty interior and keep the shape intact.
- Serve with Cranberry Sauce: Transfer baked Brie to a serving platter. Spoon cranberry sauce generously over or alongside. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme if desired. Serve immediately with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh fruit.
Notes
- Use room temperature Brie for even melting by letting it sit out for 30 minutes before baking.
- Simmer cranberry sauce gently on low to medium heat to prevent sugar burning.
- Monitor baking time carefully to achieve a creamy texture without drying out the Brie.
- Customize cranberry sauce by mixing in chopped nuts or warm spices like cinnamon or cloves.
- Serve baked Brie warm immediately for the best gooey texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg