If you’re looking to impress your guests or treat yourself to something irresistibly cozy and flavorful, this Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe is an absolute game changer. Warm, melty cheese paired with the sweet-tart zing of cranberry sauce creates a combination that’s both elegant and comforting. Whether it’s the centerpiece of your holiday spread or a lovely appetizer for a cozy night in, this dish brings out the best in simple ingredients with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a cabinet full of fancy ingredients—the few you choose bring fantastic texture and balance to the dish. Each element plays a vital role, from the creamy Brie that melts delectably to the cranberry sauce providing that seasonal pop of color and brightness, and puff pastry adding a golden, flaky crunch if you decide to go for a more indulgent version.
- Brie cheese: Choose a good-quality wheel for the perfect soft and creamy center that melts beautifully in the oven.
- Cranberry sauce: Sweet and tart, this topping adds vibrant color and a delicious contrast to the mild brie.
- Puff pastry (optional): Adds crunch and a buttery, flaky crust that elevates this appetizer to something truly special.
How to Make Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Brie
Start by placing your wheel of brie on a baking dish. If you’re using puff pastry, roll out the pastry and wrap the brie completely, sealing the edges well so the cheese doesn’t leak out during baking. The pastry adds beautiful texture but leaving the brie unwrapped is just as delicious and quicker to prep.
Step 2: Add the Cranberry Sauce
Spoon a generous amount of cranberry sauce over the top of the brie or wrapped pastry. This adds that signature burst of flavor and keeps the dish looking festive. The sauce will warm as it bakes, becoming glossy and incredibly inviting.
Step 3: Bake Until Melty
Pop your prepared brie into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake it until the cheese is soft and just starting to ooze—about 15 to 20 minutes. The puff pastry, if used, should be golden brown. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t overcook but allow enough time for that melty texture.
Step 4: Let It Cool Slightly and Serve
After baking, remove the brie and let it rest for a few minutes. This step is important so the cheese is warm but not scorching hot when you serve. Then, pair it with crackers or fresh baguette slices for dipping into that luscious cheese and tangy cranberry topping.
How to Serve Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh rosemary or thyme adds a fragrant, earthy note that complements the richness of the cheese and the brightness of the cranberries. Toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans add an extra layer of crunch and warmth that’s simply irresistible.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a standalone appetizer but it’s also fabulous alongside a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette or a bowl of roasted winter vegetables. The fresh and roasted flavors contrast beautifully with the creamy, sweet-tart baked brie.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve your Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe right on the puff pastry itself for a rustic pie feel? Or create individual mini baked brie bites by using smaller rounds of cheese wrapped in pastry. Another fun idea is to add a drizzle of honey over the top before serving for an added touch of sweetness that layers perfectly with the tart cranberries.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume within 2 to 3 days to enjoy the brie at its freshest.
Freezing
While freezing fresh baked brie isn’t usually recommended because it can affect the texture of the cheese, you can freeze the cranberry sauce separately if homemade. Then assemble and bake fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the brie gently in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes until soft again. Avoid microwave reheating as it can make the cheese rubbery and the crust (if using puff pastry) soggy instead of crisp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberry sauce in this Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe?
Yes, frozen cranberry sauce works just fine as it will thaw and warm nicely during baking. Just make sure it’s well thawed and not too watery to avoid soggy pastry or dish.
Is puff pastry necessary for this recipe?
Puff pastry is optional but highly recommended if you want a flaky, buttery crust surrounding the cheese. If you’re short on time or prefer simplicity, you can bake the brie without it and still get incredible results.
What should I serve Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe alongside?
Think crackers, sliced baguette, and fresh fruit like apple or pear slices. These provide a crunchy or fresh contrast to the warm, creamy cheese and tangy cranberry topping.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the brie wrapped in puff pastry and cranberry sauce ahead, then refrigerate it. Bake it fresh when you are ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.
How do I know when the brie is perfectly baked?
The brie is ready when it feels soft to the touch and you see it starting to ooze slightly around the edges. It should be melty inside but not completely collapsed.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about the Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe that makes it a go-to whenever you want an appetizer that feels special but is ridiculously easy. It’s the kind of recipe that sparks happy conversations and warm smiles around the table, perfect for all kinds of gatherings or quiet nights in. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a beloved classic you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce recipe features warm, melty Brie cheese topped with a sweet and tart cranberry sauce. It’s an elegant and easy appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings, enhanced by the option of wrapping the cheese in flaky puff pastry for an indulgent touch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 wheel (8 ounces) Brie cheese
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash, if using puff pastry)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the Brie until soft and melty.
- Prepare the Brie: Place the Brie wheel on a baking dish. If using puff pastry, wrap the Brie completely with the thawed pastry sheet and seal the edges. Brush the pastry surface lightly with beaten egg to promote a golden crust.
- Add Cranberry Sauce: Spoon the cranberry sauce over the top of the Brie (or pastry-wrapped Brie), spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Bake the Brie in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese inside is soft and melty and the puff pastry (if used) is golden brown.
- Cool Slightly and Serve: Let the baked Brie cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly. Serve warm with crackers, sliced baguette, or bread for dipping.
Notes
- You can use homemade cranberry sauce for a fresher, more tangy flavor, or store-bought for convenience.
- Wrapping Brie in puff pastry is optional but adds a delicious, flaky texture and presentation.
- Keep an eye on the Brie while baking to avoid overcooking and leaking of cheese.
- This appetizer is best served warm soon after baking for optimal melty texture.
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