Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce and Nuts Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the brie.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
