Quick & Easy Cranberry Baked Brie: Your Go-To Holiday Appetizer Recipe

Welcome to the season of cozy gatherings, festive cheer, and, of course, delicious food! This Cranberry Baked Brie is the ultimate secret weapon for stress-free entertaining. It’s an incredibly easy snack you can whip up in just 10 minutes, and it’s perfect for utilizing any leftover cranberry sauce from your Thanksgiving feast. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or Christmas guests, or simply enjoying a quiet evening catching up on your favorite TV shows, this elegant yet simple baked brie will be an instant crowd-pleaser.

We hope you had a truly wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner For Two yesterday! Now that the initial holiday rush is behind us, the exciting countdown to Christmas Dinner For Two has officially begun. The holiday season often brings with it a delightful dilemma: how to host family and friends without feeling overwhelmed. Even if you usually cook for a smaller household, having guests over means you’ll need a little more culinary magic than usual to ensure everyone feels welcome and well-fed.

Serving homemade desserts or elaborate dishes is always a thoughtful gesture, showcasing your hospitality and culinary skills. However, let’s be realistic – sometimes, time is a luxury we simply don’t have. The holiday season is a whirlwind of activity, from juggling a full-time job to tackling an endless list of festive tasks. Think about it: decorating the tree, meticulously shopping for gifts, carefully wrapping each present, indulging in your favorite Christmas movies, and soaking in the beautiful downtown lights while December is still upon us. Amidst all this, finding an hour or two to bake a complicated dessert can feel like an impossible feat.

Even for the most avid home cooks, there are moments when dessert preparations simply aren’t feasible. In such instances, my go-to solution is to artfully arrange an array of delicious snacks in beautiful bowls and dishes. There’s truly nothing more disappointing than having a guest arrive, eager to socialize, only to find there’s nothing readily available to nibble on. A well-presented spread instantly elevates the experience, making everyone feel more comfortable and cherished.

One of the most effective and visually appealing ways to present snacks is by building a stunning cheese board. It’s no secret that I have a profound love for desserts, but my affection for a meticulously curated cheese board runs equally deep. I’ve often boasted about my discipline when it comes to limiting sweets – a cookie or two is usually enough for me. However, when it comes to savory snacks, all bets are off! I could easily devour a whole sleeve of butter crackers in the blink of an eye, completely losing myself in the delightful crunch and flavor.

When I construct my cheese board, I always aim to feature one star cheese that anchors the entire presentation. For today’s festive occasion, that star is undoubtedly Cranberry Baked Brie, generously topped with a vibrant cranberry sauce. Brie is a wonderfully cooperative cheese; it melts with such grace and ease that in a mere 10 minutes, you can transform a simple round of cheese into an irresistibly ooey-gooey, melted delight, perfect for scooping up with your favorite crackers.

To enhance the experience, I’ve added a layer of delightful sweetness with homemade cranberry sauce, providing a wonderful tart-sweet contrast to the rich brie. For an added dimension of texture, I’ve sprinkled chopped pecans over the top, introducing a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy cheese beautifully. This combination isn’t just delicious; it’s a sensory experience that will leave your guests asking for the recipe.

So, even if your schedule is packed, even if you’re making a last-minute stop at the grocery store after work, and even if you only have 15 minutes to prepare something truly special, Cranberry Baked Brie is your perfect answer to quick, elegant, and utterly delicious entertaining. It’s a testament to the fact that impressive doesn’t have to mean complicated.

Essential Ingredients For a Flawless Cranberry Baked Brie

Creating this exquisite Baked Cranberry Brie is surprisingly simple, requiring only three core ingredients that come together to form a truly memorable appetizer. The beauty lies in their quality and how they interact to create a symphony of flavors and textures.

• Brie Cheese Round: Brie typically comes in two shapes: a charming round or a convenient triangle wedge. For this particular recipe, a round brie is highly recommended. Its larger surface area provides ample space for a generous topping of your chosen sauce or jam, ensuring every slice gets a perfect balance of flavors. Look for a good quality brie that promises a creamy, decadent interior once baked.
• Cranberry Sauce: While I’ve opted for cranberry sauce, especially fitting for the cranberry season, the versatility of this recipe means you can truly customize it to your taste. Any variety of fruit jam would work wonderfully here. Consider a fig jam for a more sophisticated touch, apricot preserves for bright sweetness, or even a spicy pepper jelly for an unexpected kick. The key is to choose a topping that offers a delicious contrast to the rich, buttery brie. If using store-bought, opt for a high-quality sauce with real fruit.
• Pecans: The addition of chopped pecans introduces a delightful crunchy texture, providing a much-needed counterpoint to the otherwise incredibly soft and creamy baked brie. However, if you or your guests have nut allergies, or if you simply prefer a nut-free recipe, pecans are entirely optional. You could also substitute them with other chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds, or even toasted pumpkin seeds for a similar textural element.

Craving something a little more on the savory side rather than sweet? You’re in luck! Explore my enticing Savory Baked Brie recipe, featuring the rich, aromatic flavors of olive oil. It’s another fantastic option for those who adore the creamy texture of baked brie but prefer a less sweet profile.

Don’t have cranberry sauce or looking for a different flavor profile? No problem at all! You can easily swap it out for one of these delightful small-batch jams, each offering a unique twist to your baked brie:

• Raspberry Jalapeno Jam – This one is truly a personal favorite! The incredible balance of sweet and spicy notes in this jam is reminiscent of a delectable pepper jelly, adding an exciting zing to your brie.
• Raspberry Jam Without Pectin – A classic choice, offering a burst of tart and sweet berry flavor.
• Strawberry Jam Without Pectin – Sweet and familiar, a comforting choice that everyone loves.
• Blueberry Jam Without Pectin – Offers a lovely deep fruit flavor and beautiful color.
• Peach Jam Without Pectin – A delicate, summery sweetness that provides a wonderful contrast.
• Sour Cherry Jam – For those who appreciate a more complex, tangy fruit flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make Baked Brie With Cranberry Sauce

Preparing your mouthwatering cranberry brie is incredibly straightforward, promising a gourmet appetizer with minimal effort. Here’s how to achieve that perfect ooey-gooey center:

1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, prepare your baking vessel. Place your brie round onto a baking sheet that you’ve lined with either parchment paper or aluminum foil. This step is crucial, as it will catch any potential leaks if the brie decides to be particularly melty, making cleanup a breeze.
2. Bake the brie for a short period, typically 5-8 minutes. The goal is for the inside of the cheese to become wonderfully softened and gloriously gooey, while the outside rind miraculously remains intact, holding its shape like a delicious cheesy fortress. Keep a close eye on it, as oven temperatures can vary, and brie can go from perfectly soft to excessively runny quite quickly.
3. Once baked to perfection, very carefully transfer the baked brie to your chosen serving plate. Exercise caution during this step; you absolutely do not want to break that delicate outside rind, as it’s what contains all that melted goodness! A wide, thin spatula can be helpful here.
4. Immediately after transferring, generously top the warm brie with your vibrant cranberry sauce and sprinkle with the chopped pecans for that delightful crunch. Serve this magnificent creation immediately with an assortment of crackers, crusty bread, or apple slices. The warmth of the brie is key to its irresistible texture and flavor.

For baking, you have a few options beyond a standard baking sheet. You can use an oven-proof bowl (specialized baking dishes designed specifically for brie are also available and work wonderfully), or even a small cast iron skillet. Essentially, any oven-safe vessel that comfortably accommodates your cheese will do the trick. Just ensure it’s shallow enough to allow for easy topping and serving.

Do you remove the rind before baking brie?

This is a common question, and the answer is a resounding *no*! The rind on brie is entirely edible, and crucially, it serves a very important structural purpose during baking. Keeping the rind on is essential as it helps the brie maintain its elegant round shape while baking. Without it, you would simply end up with a delicious but shapeless puddle of melted cheese, making it much harder to serve and enjoy. Embrace the rind – it’s part of the authentic brie experience!

Should brie be at room temperature before baking?

Another excellent question for those seeking peak efficiency! The good news is, there’s absolutely no need to wait for your brie to come to room temperature before popping it into the oven. You can bake your brie straight from the fridge, which makes the entire preparation process even faster and more convenient. This means less waiting and more enjoying your delicious, warm appetizer!

Crafting the Perfect Baked Brie Board for Festive Entertaining

While your Cranberry Baked Brie is undeniably a star on its own, it truly shines when elevated into a full-fledged snacking cheese board, especially perfect for holiday entertaining. A thoughtfully assembled board transforms a simple appetizer into a dynamic centerpiece, inviting guests to explore and indulge. The key is to create a balance of flavors, textures, and colors that complement your show-stopping baked brie.

For my ideal board, I aimed for a harmonious blend of sweet and salty elements, creating a delightful journey for the palate. Here’s what I included to achieve this:

• Crackers: A variety of crackers is essential for any good cheese board. Many stores now offer multi-pack boxes containing six different shapes and sizes, which is fantastic for adding visual interest and textural diversity without the need to buy six separate boxes. Think crisp water crackers, buttery club crackers, hearty whole-grain options, or even artisanal flatbreads. Each offers a different canvas for the melted brie.
• Nuts: Nuts are a must-have for their healthy fats, satisfying crunch, and earthy flavor. You have a wide array of choices: crunchy pistachios, rich almonds, the comforting sweetness of pecans, buttery cashews, classic peanuts, or a vibrant mix of them all. Lightly toasting nuts before serving can significantly enhance their flavor and aroma, adding another layer of sophistication to your board.
• Chocolate: To beautifully balance the savory notes of the cheese and the salty crunch of the nuts and crackers, a touch of sweetness is indispensable. I love using chopped chocolate bars – dark chocolate for a sophisticated bitterness, milk chocolate for classic indulgence, or even white chocolate for a creamy, sweet element. Chocolate-covered pomegranates add an extra layer of fruity delight and a lovely textural pop. Consider chocolate-covered pretzels for a sweet and salty combo!
• Fresh Fruit: Trust me on this one – after indulging in all that rich cheese and sweet chocolate, your body will absolutely thank you for incorporating some refreshing fresh fruit. It provides a light, palate-cleansing counterpoint and adds vibrant colors to your board. Some perennial favorites include juicy grapes (both red and green), sweet strawberries, crisp apple slices (consider a mix of tart and sweet varieties), and bright, zesty orange segments. Seasonal fruits like figs, pear slices, or even fresh berries are also wonderful additions.

Beyond these, feel free to get creative! You can include delightful cookies for an extra sweet treat, various dried fruits like apricots, cherries, or dates for concentrated flavor, and even a selection of cured meats to transform your spread into a full-blown charcuterie board. Think thinly sliced prosciutto, salami, or coppa for a savory, umami-rich component.

Seriously, there’s no strictly “right” or “wrong” answer when it comes to building your board. The goal is to offer a variety of flavors and textures that excite the senses. *However*, one important caveat: please, please do not use fresh, raw cranberries. While beautiful, they are incredibly tart when eaten uncooked and won’t contribute positively to the flavor profile of your board. Stick to cranberry sauce for that signature taste!

To curate my assortment of snacks for holiday entertaining without breaking the bank or compromising on quality, I often turn to ALDI. Their aisles are a treasure trove of affordable yet high-quality ingredients perfect for such occasions. If you ever find yourself stuck for inspiration, a leisurely browse through their snack section is guaranteed to spark ideas and quickly fill up your cart with delicious possibilities.

Perfect Pairings: What To Serve With Cranberry Baked Brie

No truly complete cheese board or appetizer spread is finished without the perfect beverage pairings! To elevate your Cranberry Baked Brie experience, consider pouring a glass of your favorite wine – a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, a light-bodied Pinot Noir, or even a sparkling Prosecco would complement the rich cheese beautifully. Alternatively, explore these delightful recipes:

• Cranberry Sangria – A festive and fruity choice, perfect for holiday gatherings.
• Red Apple Cider Sangria – A warm, spiced sangria that screams autumn and winter comfort.
• Pomegranate Punch (with or without alcohol) – A vibrant, sparkling option that feels celebratory and can be enjoyed by everyone.
• Thick Hot Chocolate – For a cozy, indulgent, non-alcoholic pairing, especially perfect on a cold evening.
• Pear Ginger Mocktail by Kiip Fit – A refreshing and sophisticated non-alcoholic option with a lovely spicy kick.

Cranberry Baked Brie

Yield:
4-6 servings

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
10 minutes

Total Time:
20 minutes

This Cranberry Baked Brie is the easiest snack you can make in 10 minutes and uses up leftover cranberry sauce. Make it for entertaining Thanksgiving or Christmas guests or for catching up on your favorite TV shows.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Homemade Cranberry Sauce
• 8 ounces brie cheese round
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F (175°C). Place the brie cheese on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking and catch any potential leaks.
2. Bake for 5-8 minutes, or until the inside of the cheese is beautifully softened and gooey, but the outside rind remains intact and holds its shape. Keep a close eye on it to prevent over-melting.
3. Carefully transfer the baked brie to a serving dish, being mindful not to break the rind. Immediately top with the cranberry sauce and sprinkle generously with chopped pecans. Serve without delay with your favorite crackers, crusty bread, or fruit slices for a delightful appetizer.

Notes

• For a savory twist instead of sweet, consider my Savory Baked Brie recipe, prepared with fragrant olive oil. It offers a wonderful alternative for different flavor preferences.
• Don’t have fresh pecans? Walnuts or almonds make excellent substitutes. For a nut-free option, you can omit them entirely or use toasted pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch.
• Experiment with different fruit jams if cranberry isn’t your preference! Apricot, fig, or even a spicy pepper jelly can create unique and delicious flavor combinations.

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First published December 5, 2016