If you’re looking for an easy yet show-stopping appetizer, you’ve got to try my Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce and Pistachios Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy without any fuss, and every time I serve it, people go absolutely crazy. The creamy melty brie paired with the tart sweetness of cranberry sauce and the satisfying crunch of pistachios creates the perfect balance you never knew you needed!

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Simple to Make: You only need a handful of ingredients and under 15 minutes to wow your guests.
Delicious Flavor Combo: The creamy brie, tart cranberry, and crunchy pistachios harmonize beautifully every time.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday, party, or cozy night in, it fits the bill.
Customizable and Gluten-Free Friendly: Easy to adapt with your go-to nuts or herbs, and naturally gluten-free!

A round baked cheese wheel with a white rind sits on a white bowl, topped with a thick layer of dark red cherry sauce that drips down the sides. The cheese is soft and creamy on the inside with a small hollow visible. The cherry topping is sprinkled with chopped green pistachios and small orange zest pieces, with a few sprigs of fresh green rosemary placed on top. Around the cheese on the bowl are more rosemary sprigs and some red cranberries. Two beige crackers lean against the cheese on the left side. In the background, there is a glass jar of honey with a wooden honey dipper, a stack of white plates, and a smaller white bowl filled with more chopped pistachios. All items sit on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce and Pistachios Recipe are simple yet pack a punch in flavor and texture. I always recommend using good quality Brie and fresh cranberry sauce to really make it shine.

Brie cheese: Choose a whole round, about 8 ounces, with a nice white rind—room temperature is best for even melting.
Cranberry sauce: I love homemade, but store-bought works perfectly here if you’re short on time.
Pistachios: Roughly chopped for crunch and a nutty contrast; you can use salted or unsalted depending on your preference.
Optional garnish: Fresh herb sprigs like rosemary or thyme and a little orange zest add freshness and a pop of color.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce and Pistachios Recipe is—you can tweak it to fit your taste or dietary needs, giving you plenty of room to experiment and make it your own.

Nut Swap: I’ve often switched pistachios for toasted pecans or walnuts when that’s what I have on hand, and it’s still delicious.
Spices in Sauce: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of orange liqueur to cranberry sauce gives it a fun holiday twist.
Vegan Version: You can try vegan Brie alternatives and a nut-based cranberry sauce for plant-based diets—I’ve tested this with good results!
Additional Toppings: Drizzle a bit of honey or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes for a sweet-spicy kick.

How to Make Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce and Pistachios Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Brie

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, unwrap your round of Brie and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. I like using a Brie baker if I have one—it helps keep things tidy and bakes more evenly, but parchment works just fine.

Step 2: Add the Cranberry Sauce and Bake

Spoon the cranberry sauce right on top of the Brie, spreading it gently so it covers the surface. Pop it into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for the Brie to become soft and melty but not totally liquefied—keep an eye on it because ovens vary! That gooey texture is what you want to hit that “wow” moment.

Step 3: Sprinkle Pistachios and Garnish

Once the Brie’s out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped pistachios over the top to add that irresistible crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, toss on some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme and a little orange zest—it brightens up the whole dish and makes it look cafe-worthy.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce and Pistachios Recipe

Room Temperature Brie: Letting the cheese sit out for about 30 minutes before baking ensures it softens evenly and melts beautifully.
Watch the Oven: Timings vary, so start checking at 8 minutes—overbaking can cause the Brie to leak too much and lose that lovely shape.
Use a Sharp Knife for Serving: Brie can stick a bit, so a sharp, thin-bladed knife will help you serve clean slices without a mess.
Make It Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate for up to 4 hours, then bake just before serving to save time.

How to Serve Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce and Pistachios Recipe

A round wheel of creamy, soft cheese with a white rind is placed in the center of a shallow white bowl. The cheese is topped with a layer of dark red roasted cherries or similar fruit that are shiny and slightly wet, spilling some juice down the sides. On top of the fruit, there are small pieces of green nuts and slivers of orange zest scattered with thin rosemary sprigs. A knife lifting a gooey, melted portion of the cheese reveals its stretchy, creamy inside. Around the cheese, there are several light brown crackers leaning against it, along with fresh rosemary sprigs and bright red cranberries resting inside the bowl. The whole setting is on a white marbled surface, with a stack of plain white plates, a small white bowl with nuts, and a glass jar with honey in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and a little bit of orange zest—these not only make the dish look beautiful but add aromatic freshness that elevates every bite. If you love a little color contrast, pomegranate seeds are also a fun touch around the edges.

Side Dishes

This baked Brie pairs wonderfully with a variety of crackers or slices of crusty baguette. I’m partial to rosemary garlic crackers, especially when entertaining gluten-free guests. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to nestle the baked Brie onto a wooden cheese board surrounded by fresh fruit like grapes, apple slices, or figs. You can also wrap the Brie in puff pastry for a decadent twist—although that changes it from this simple recipe, it’s a fun way to surprise your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), wrap the Brie tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. It should stay good for up to 2 days. The cranberry sauce and pistachios may lose a bit of their crunch and texture, but it’s still tasty.

Freezing

I don’t typically freeze baked Brie with cranberry sauce because the texture changes, but if you want to try, freeze the unbaked Brie and cranberry sauce separately. Thaw fully before baking for the best results.

Reheating

To reheat, place the Brie in a warm oven (about 300°F) for 5-7 minutes until it’s soft and warmed through again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the nice melted, gooey texture without making it rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberry sauce for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen cranberry sauce thawed in the refrigerator works just fine. Just make sure it’s not watery—if it looks too liquidy, drain some of the excess before topping your Brie to avoid sogginess.
Is it necessary to remove the rind from the Brie?

Not at all! The rind is edible and helps the cheese keep its shape while baking. It softens along with the cheese, so I like to leave it on for presentation and flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the Brie and cranberry sauce up to 4 hours ahead, cover with plastic wrap, refrigerate, then bake just before serving to keep the Brie perfectly melty.
What should I serve with baked Brie?

Classic options like crackers, baguette slices, and fresh fruit all work wonderfully. For a more filling spread, add a green salad or charcuterie meats to balance the richness.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

Yes, by using a plant-based Brie alternative, and ensuring your cranberry sauce doesn’t contain honey or animal products. I’ve tried some vegan Brie brands and they melt nicely, making this a delicious plant-based appetizer.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce and Pistachios Recipe never fails to impress without any fuss. It’s become my go-to appetizer whenever I have guests or just want a special treat. The combination of warm, gooey cheese, tangy cranberry, and crunchy nuts feels indulgent but is so simple to pull together. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again—a true crowd-pleaser that feels like a special celebration in every bite.

Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce and Pistachios Recipe

4.5 from 135 reviews

Author: Megane
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This delicious Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce is a perfect appetizer for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in. A creamy round of Brie cheese is topped with sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, baked until melty, and finished with crunchy pistachios and optional fresh herb and orange zest garnishes. Simple yet elegant, this recipe highlights the perfect balance of flavors and textures that are sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

Cheese

8 ounce round Brie cheese

Topping

½ cup cranberry sauce
2 tablespoons roughly chopped pistachios

Optional Garnish

Fresh herb sprigs
Orange zest

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prep the Brie. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet or inside a Brie baker to prepare for baking.
Top and bake. Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the top of the Brie. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese becomes soft and melty.
Serve. Remove the Brie from the oven and sprinkle the chopped pistachios on top. Garnish with fresh herb sprigs and a bit of orange zest if using. Serve immediately while warm and gooey.

Notes

For a gluten-free serving option, pair the baked Brie with gluten-free crackers that have complementary flavors like garlic and rosemary.
Be careful not to overbake the Brie to avoid it becoming too runny or too firm.
Fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary work well as garnishes to complement the cranberry flavor.
Make sure to keep an eye on baking times as ovens vary, and the cheese consistency is the best indicator of doneness.