Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe

If you’re looking to impress your guests with something that’s both elegant and ridiculously easy, then you’re going to adore this Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe. It’s one of those recipes I keep up my sleeve for last-minute gatherings or holiday parties when you want to serve something that looks fancy but comes together in under 10 minutes. Seriously, this is the perfect balance of melty, creamy cheese paired with bright, tangy cranberry sauce—and a little crunch from pistachios that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients create a wonderful mix of creamy, sweet, nutty, and tart flavors that work so well together. When you shop, look for a good-quality Brie, and if you like, homemade cranberry sauce—it really takes the flavor up a notch.

• Brie cheese: Choose a soft, fresh round of Brie with the rind on—it melts beautifully and has that signature buttery flavor.
• Cranberry sauce: Either homemade or store-bought works, but pick something with a little texture and zing.
• Pistachios: Roughly chopped for a fun crunch and a slightly nutty contrast to the creamy Brie.
• Fresh herb sprigs (optional): Think rosemary or thyme for a fragrant garnish that adds a pop of green.
• Orange zest (optional): Adds a bright citrus note that complements the cranberries beautifully.

Variations

I love how flexible this Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe is—you can tweak it to fit the season, your mood, or your pantry. Don’t hesitate to make it your own.

• Swap nuts: I often trade pistachios for pecans or walnuts depending on what I have; they add great texture and depth.
• Spice it up: Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the cranberry sauce gives a nice unexpected kick that my family adores.
• Herb variations: Thyme and rosemary both work, and sometimes I sprinkle in fresh sage for that earthy note.
• Add sweetness: Drizzle a tiny bit of honey or maple syrup on top right after baking for a luscious finish.

How to Make Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Brie for Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, place your Brie round on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a Brie baker if you have one. I usually leave the rind on because it helps the cheese keep its shape while baking and adds flavor, but if you prefer, you can trim the top rind—just be gentle so it doesn’t fall apart.

Step 2: Top and Bake the Brie

Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the top of the Brie. This not only adds a beautiful splash of color but lets the tartness slowly seep into the warm cheese as it bakes. Pop it in the oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want the cheese to get soft and melty but not completely liquified—watch closely as ovens vary! You’ll know it’s ready when you see the cheese gently ooze at the edges.

Step 3: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped pistachios right on top for a fresh crunch. If you have fresh herb sprigs like rosemary or some orange zest, scatter those on for added color and aroma. Serve immediately with sliced baguette, crackers, or fresh veggies—trust me, your guests will love digging into this warm, melty, tangy treat.

How to Serve Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick with fresh rosemary sprigs and a little orange zest because they brighten the plate and add a lovely fragrance right as you bring it out. Plus, those green and orange pops make the dish look really festive—perfect for holiday tables!

Side Dishes

Honestly, this baked Brie is so rich it pairs well with light, crunchy sides like sliced apples, pear slices, or crisp crackers. For a bigger spread, I add a few bowls of mixed nuts, olives, and some charcuterie to round things out.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite ways to serve this for parties is on a wooden cheese board surrounded by fresh cranberries, sprigs of herbs, and small festive ornaments scattered around for a seasonal touch. I even once made individual mini baked Bries by wrapping Brie wedges in puff pastry—topped with cranberry sauce—that was a huge hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the fridge. Brie won’t keep its perfect texture for long, so I recommend eating leftovers within 1-2 days for the best flavor and creaminess.

Freezing

Freezing baked Brie isn’t something I usually do because the texture changes and gets crumbly after thawing. However, if you must, freeze the unbaked Brie with cranberry sauce wrapped tightly, and thaw in the fridge before baking fresh.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, place the Brie in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cheese rubbery and overpower the delicate flavors.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for holidays and anytime I want to add a little wow factor to my snack or appetizer spread. I love how easy it is to make yet feels so special when served. Give it a try—you’ll see just how quickly it disappears! Trust me, it’s a recipe that’s as much fun to serve as it is to eat.

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