Name: Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (8-ounce) cold brie cheese round; 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; 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped nuts (pistachios, almonds, walnuts, or pecans); 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, divided (optional); Assorted store-bought or homemade crackers or crostini

If you’re on the hunt for a quick yet show-stopping appetizer, you’ve hit the jackpot with this Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe. I absolutely love how effortlessly it comes together, and once you try it, you’ll find it’s the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and a little nutty crunch—all baked to melty perfection. Trust me, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that’s become my go-to for holiday parties and casual get-togethers alike.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Elegance: Just a handful of simple ingredients come together in minutes for a fancy-looking dish.
Perfect Balance: The tart cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with rich, gooey brie and crunchy nuts.
Versatile Serving: Works wonders at holiday parties, casual nights in, or as a sweet-savory snack.
Customizable: You can easily switch up nuts or add fresh herbs to make it your own.

A round wheel of soft cheese with a smooth white rind sits at the center, partially oozing creamy yellow cheese onto a white plate with a white marbled texture. On top, there is a thick layer of deep red cranberry sauce spread unevenly, sprinkled with chopped green pistachios, whole almonds, and small green herb leaves. Surrounding the cheese are several round pale crackers, some plain and one topped with a mix of cheese, cranberry sauce, and an almond piece. A small bowl with more bright red cranberry sauce and a spoon is visible at the top right on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce, easy holiday appetizer, flavorful Brie cheese dish, festive cheese appetizer, quick party snack

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a role in the magic. You’ve got creamy brie as your base, a punch of bright cranberry sauce, warm spices, and nuts for texture. I recommend using whole berry cranberry sauce because it gives that lovely burst of fruit in every bite.

Flat lay of a whole round of cold brie cheese with a smooth white rind, a small white ceramic bowl filled with glossy whole berry cranberry sauce showing plump red cranberries, a small white ceramic bowl containing packed light brown sugar with a rich caramel color, a small white ceramic bowl holding clear vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl with finely grated bright orange zest, a small white ceramic bowl of warm brown ground nutmeg powder, a small white ceramic bowl filled with coarsely chopped mixed nuts including pistachios, almonds, walnuts, and pecans, two fresh rosemary sprigs with vibrant green needle-like leaves, and an assortment of golden-brown crackers arranged neatly, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce, easy holiday appetizer, flavorful Brie cheese dish, festive cheese appetizer, quick party snack

Brie Cheese Round: Look for a good-quality 8-ounce wheel; cold brie is best before baking to control melting.
Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce: Adds texture and tartness—homemade or store-bought, either works fine.
Brown Sugar: Balances the tart cranberries with a touch of warmth; I often use dark brown sugar for deeper flavor.
Vanilla Extract: A small splash adds subtle sweetness and complexity.
Orange Zest: Fresh zest brightens the cranberry topping beautifully—grate just the outer peel, avoiding the bitter white pith.
Ground Nutmeg: Just a pinch adds cozy spice without overpowering.
Coarsely Chopped Nuts: Pistachios are my favorite for color and crunch, but almonds or pecans work wonderfully too.
Fresh Rosemary Sprigs (Optional): Adds a woodsy aroma and looks pretty on top—great for presentation.
Assorted Crackers or Crostini: You’ll need these for serving, so opt for something sturdy that can hold up to the warm brie.

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 making this recipe my own depending on the season or mood. You can easily swap out nuts or add fresh herbs to suit your party vibe. Creating your own cranberry sauce is also a game-changer if you want to get fancy.

Nut Variations: Pistachios lend a vibrant pop of green and subtle saltiness—my personal favorite—but walnuts and pecans add a nice earthiness if that’s your thing.
Herb Twists: While rosemary is classic, I’ve tried fresh thyme or sage for a different herbal note that pairs beautifully with the creaminess.
Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Adding a dash of cinnamon or clove to your cranberry sauce gives it a warm holiday vibe.
Gluten-Free Option: Serve with gluten-free crackers or fresh apple slices to keep it accessible for everyone.

How to Make Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Cranberry Topping

Start by stirring together the cranberry sauce, brown sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, and nutmeg in a small bowl. I found that mixing these flavors ahead gives you a nicely balanced topping that tastes like fall in every bite. Be sure to grate just the orange zest finely—it blends better that way without overpowering.

Step 2: Set Up the Brie for Baking

Place your cold brie round into a small baking dish or pie plate. I like to line the dish with parchment paper if I plan to move the brie after baking because it makes transferring it a breeze without any sticking or mess.

Step 3: Add Cranberry Mixture and Nuts

Spoon the cranberry topping evenly over the brie. Then sprinkle the chopped nuts right on top. I always add one fresh rosemary sprig here for that classic herby aroma that hits right when the cheese comes out of the oven.

Step 4: Bake with Care

Bake at 350°F for 8 to 15 minutes, but here’s the trick: keep a close eye on it. The cheese should feel soft when you gently poke it but not be completely oozing or melted down—that’s when it’s perfectly warm, gooey, and ready. I learned this the hard way—overbaking makes it leak and loses that perfect texture.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

If you used parchment paper, gently lift the brie out and onto a serving dish with a spatula. Replace the rosemary sprig with a fresh one for a nice pop of color. Serve it right away with your favorite crackers or crostini. Trust me, warm baked brie doesn’t wait around long!

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Pro Tips for Making Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Keep the Brie Cold: Starting with cold brie helps control melting so it softens perfectly without oozing everywhere.
Watch Baking Time Closely: Ovens vary—check at 8 minutes and keep an eye to avoid overdoing it.
Use Parchment Paper: It’s a game-changer for easy removal and cleaner serving.
Fresh Zest is Key: Adding fresh orange zest brightens the flavors better than dried or bottled extracts.

How to Serve Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe

A round soft cheese wheel is placed in the center of a white plate on a white marbled surface. The cheese has a creamy pale yellow inside and a smooth white rind. On top, there is a layer of thick dark red jam spread unevenly, sprinkled with chopped almonds, pistachios, and small green herb leaves. Around the cheese, there are many round pale beige crackers forming a loose circle. A woman's hand is holding one cracker with melted cheese dripping slightly onto the cracker. To the top right, there is a small wooden bowl filled with the same dark red jam and a spoon inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce, easy holiday appetizer, flavorful Brie cheese dish, festive cheese appetizer, quick party snack

Garnishes

I stick with fresh rosemary sprigs for that classic look and scent—it really elevates the dish visually and aromatically. If you want to get fancy, a sprinkle of extra chopped nuts or a few fresh cranberries scattered around can look stunning for holiday gatherings.

Side Dishes

This baked brie appetizer loves company! Serve it alongside seasonal salads, roasted nuts, or a crisp apple and pear platter. I especially enjoy pairing it with a sparkling wine or flaky crackers that can hold up to the melty cheese without falling apart.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I served this on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh herbs, tiny bowls of extra cranberry sauce, and mixed nuts—friends loved picking at the spread. For holiday parties, try individual mini brie rounds in ramekins for personal portions that feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (and sometimes I do, but rarely!), wrap the baked brie tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. It’s best enjoyed the same day but will keep well for up to 2 days if stored properly.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing baked brie before, and honestly, the texture changes a bit after thawing, so I don’t recommend it. Instead, it’s better to freeze the brie before baking if you want to prep ahead.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I preheat the oven to 325°F, place the brie in a baking dish, and warm it for about 5-7 minutes until soft again—watch carefully so it doesn’t over-melt and lose its shape.

FAQs

Can I make baked brie with cranberry sauce ahead of time?

You can prepare the cranberry topping and assemble the brie shortly before baking, but I recommend baking just before serving to enjoy the cheese at its softest, creamiest state.
What type of nuts work best?

Pistachios, almonds, walnuts, or pecans all add great texture and flavor. I personally like pistachios for their vibrant color and mild flavor, but use whatever you prefer or have on hand.
How do I avoid the brie from melting too much?

Start with cold brie and bake at 350°F while checking at about 8 minutes. Stop baking once the cheese feels soft but before it starts oozing or collapsing.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Baked brie obviously relies on cheese, so it’s tricky to make truly dairy-free. However, you could try a vegan cheese substitute that melts well, though results may vary. Testing ahead is key.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s the kind of simple recipe that feels truly special. I love pulling it out when friends drop by unexpectedly or during the holidays when I want something fast but impressive. It’s a little bit sweet, a bit nutty, and oh-so-creamy—just the combo you want to wow your guests without breaking a sweat in the kitchen. Give it a go and let me know how your crowd goes crazy for it too!