Description
Delightfully simple and festive, this Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce is the perfect holiday appetizer. Creamy brie cheese is topped with a vibrant cranberry sauce infused with vanilla, orange zest, and warm spices, then baked to a soft, melty perfection and garnished with crunchy nuts and fresh rosemary. Serve with an assortment of crackers or crostini for an elegant and crowd-pleasing starter.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Toppings
- 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)
To Serve
- Assorted store-bought or homemade crackers or crostini
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare cranberry topping: Heat the oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup whole berry cranberry sauce, 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest, and 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Stir well to blend the flavors.
- Place brie for baking: Put the cold 8-ounce brie cheese round in a small baking dish or pie plate. If you plan to transfer the baked brie to a serving dish, line the dish with parchment paper first for easy removal.
- Add cranberry mixture and toppings: Spoon the cranberry sauce mixture evenly over the top of the brie. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of coarsely chopped nuts and place 1 sprig of fresh rosemary on top if using.
- Bake the brie: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 15 minutes, until the cheese feels soft when gently poked but not melted to the point of oozing or collapsing.
- Serve: If baked on parchment paper, carefully slide the brie onto a serving dish using a spatula. Discard the baked rosemary sprig and replace with a fresh one if desired. Serve immediately with assorted crackers or crostini.
Notes
- This recipe is the easiest holiday appetizer with minimal prep but impressive presentation and flavor.
- Do not overbake the brie; it should be soft but not fully melted or oozing.
- Use a mix of nuts that you prefer for added texture and flavor.
- Fresh rosemary is optional but adds a lovely aromatic touch.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 231
- Sugar: 8.6 g
- Sodium: 112.8 mg
- Fat: 14.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 7.4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14.3 g
- Fiber: 0.8 g
- Protein: 11.3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
