Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce and Nuts Recipe

Introduction

Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce is a warm, elegant appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in. The creamy brie pairs beautifully with the tangy, spiced cranberry topping and crunchy nuts, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• 1 (8-ounce) cold brie cheese round
• 1/3 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (such as Spiced Cranberry Sauce)
• 2 tablespoons packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest (from 1/2 medium orange)
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped nuts (such as pistachios, almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, divided (optional)
• Assorted store-bought or homemade crackers, or crostini

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the brie.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the cranberry sauce, packed brown sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, and ground nutmeg. Stir well to blend the flavors.
3. Step 3: Place the cold brie round in a small baking dish or pie plate. For easy transfer later, line the dish with parchment paper if desired.
4. Step 4: Spoon the cranberry mixture evenly over the top of the brie. Sprinkle with the coarsely chopped nuts and place one sprig of fresh rosemary on top, if using.
5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 15 minutes, until the cheese feels soft to the touch but hasn’t melted to the point of oozing or collapsing.
6. Step 6: If you used parchment paper, carefully lift and slide the baked brie onto a serving dish. Discard the baked rosemary sprig and replace it with a fresh sprig for garnish.
7. Step 7: Serve immediately with a selection of crackers or crostini for dipping and spreading.

Tips & Variations

• Try using different nuts like pecans or almonds for varying flavors and textures.
• Add a drizzle of honey over the cranberry topping before baking for extra sweetness.
• If you prefer, wrap the brie in puff pastry for a more decadent presentation.
• Fresh rosemary is optional but adds a lovely aromatic touch—feel free to omit if you’re not a fan.

Storage

Store any leftover baked brie covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (about 300°F / 150°C) until warmed through but not fully melted. It’s best enjoyed warm and fresh.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of brie?

While brie is ideal for its creamy texture and mild flavor, camembert or a mild goat cheese can be used as alternatives, though the texture and baking time may vary.

Can I prepare the cranberry topping in advance?

Yes, the cranberry mixture can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before spreading over the brie and baking.

Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce and Nuts Recipe

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4.7 from 99 reviews

Delight in this warm, gooey Baked Brie topped with a sweet and tangy whole berry cranberry sauce infused with brown sugar, vanilla, orange zest, and nutmeg. Finished with crunchy chopped nuts and aromatic rosemary, it’s an elegant appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese

• 1 (8-ounce) cold brie cheese round

Cranberry Sauce Mixture

• 1/3 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (such as Spiced Cranberry Sauce)
• 2 tablespoons packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest (from 1/2 medium orange)
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Toppings & Garnish

• 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped nuts (such as pistachios, almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, divided (optional)

To Serve

• Assorted store-bought or homemade crackers, or crostini

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the brie.
2. Prepare the cranberry mixture: In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup whole berry cranberry sauce, 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest, and 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Stir well to blend the flavors.
3. Arrange the brie: Place the cold 8-ounce brie round in a small baking dish or pie plate. If you plan to serve it on a different dish afterward, line the baking dish with parchment paper for easy transfer.
4. Add the topping: Spoon the prepared cranberry mixture evenly over the top of the brie. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of coarsely chopped nuts, then place one sprig of fresh rosemary on top if desired.
5. Bake the brie: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 15 minutes until the cheese feels soft to gentle touch but not melted to the point of oozing or collapsing.
6. Transfer and garnish: If you lined the dish with parchment paper, carefully lift and slide the brie onto a serving dish using a spatula. Discard the baked rosemary sprig and replace it with a fresh sprig for garnish.
7. Serve: Serve immediately with a selection of crackers or crostini for dipping and spreading.

Notes

• For easier transfer after baking, line the baking dish with parchment paper.
• Do not overbake the brie; it should be soft but not fully melted or runny.
• Swap nuts to your preference: pistachios, almonds, walnuts, or pecans all add great texture.
• Fresh rosemary enhances aroma but can be omitted if preferred.
• Use whole berry cranberry sauce for a more textured and flavorful topping.
• Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy texture and warm flavors at their peak.

Keywords: baked brie, cranberry sauce, holiday appetizer, cheese appetizer, easy appetizer, baked cheese, festive appetizer