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Cranberry Baked Brie is a festive and elegant appetizer that combines creamy, melty brie with sweet-tart cranberry sauce. Baked to gooey perfection, this crowd-pleasing dish is ideal for the holidays or any special gathering. It’s simple, delicious, and ready in just 15 minutes—perfect for when you want something impressive without the fuss.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 (8-ounce) wheel of brie cheese
⅓ cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Crackers, crostini, or apple slices (for serving)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the brie wheel on the baking sheet. Top with cranberry sauce and drizzle with honey, if using.
Bake for 10–12 minutes until the brie is soft and gooey.
Optionally sprinkle with nuts after baking.
Serve immediately with crackers, crostini, or fruit slices.

Nutrients (estimated per serving, based on 6 servings)

Calories: ~170
Protein: ~6g
Fat: ~12g
Saturated Fat: ~7g
Carbohydrates: ~7g
Sugar: ~5g
Fiber: ~0.5g
Sodium: ~180mg
Calcium: ~100mg

A Holiday Favorite That Feels Luxurious

Cranberry Baked Brie is synonymous with holiday entertaining, and for good reason. Its visual appeal, luxurious texture, and bold flavor contrast make it an irresistible centerpiece for any party spread. As soon as the brie begins to ooze gently from its rind, inviting guests to dip crackers, crostini, or apple slices into its luscious center, the dish becomes more than just an appetizer—it becomes an experience.

The cranberry topping not only adds a festive touch of color but also provides a bright, tangy counterpoint to the rich, buttery brie. The result is a balanced, flavorful bite that’s both comforting and celebratory—just what you want during the winter holidays.

An Elegant Appetizer in Just 15 Minutes

One of the most appealing aspects of Cranberry Baked Brie is how fast and easy it is to prepare. With just five minutes of prep and a quick 10–12 minutes in the oven, it’s an ideal choice when you’re short on time but still want to impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a potluck contribution, or putting together a last-minute snack board, this dish delivers maximum impact with minimal effort.

Because it uses ingredients you can often keep on hand—like store-bought cranberry sauce and a wheel of brie—it’s easy to whip up at a moment’s notice. If you’re using homemade cranberry sauce, even better—it adds a touch of homemade charm to this fast and fabulous appetizer.

The Perfect Flavor Pairing: Brie and Cranberries

Brie and cranberries make a natural pairing. Brie’s mild, creamy flavor and soft, bloomy rind provide the perfect backdrop for cranberries’ tart sweetness. As the brie warms and softens in the oven, its center becomes luxuriously gooey, almost molten, while the cranberry topping seeps slightly into the cheese, creating a fusion of flavors in every bite.

The cranberry sauce also brings a subtle acidity that cuts through the richness of the cheese, keeping each bite from feeling too heavy. This interplay of textures and flavors makes Cranberry Baked Brie a standout among party appetizers—sophisticated, balanced, and utterly craveable.

A Crowd-Pleaser That Feels Personal

Despite its elegant appearance, Cranberry Baked Brie is one of those rare dishes that appeals to nearly everyone. Cheese lovers adore the creamy texture and indulgent feel, while fruit fans appreciate the burst of flavor from the cranberries. It’s vegetarian-friendly, easy to scale up for larger gatherings, and versatile enough to suit a wide range of palates.

Its size and single-serving presentation also make it feel personal—guests can scoop their preferred amount onto a cracker or piece of fruit without needing utensils or fuss. It’s a dish that brings people together, often drawing them to the appetizer table more than once throughout an event.

Customizable to Fit Your Occasion

Another reason to love Cranberry Baked Brie is its flexibility. While the classic version is delicious as-is, you can easily customize it to fit your tastes or the season. Try adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts on top for crunch and nuttiness, or a drizzle of honey to enhance the sweetness and add a glossy finish.

Want to take it a step further? Add a few sprigs of rosemary or thyme for an herbal note that complements the richness of the cheese. Swap cranberry sauce for other fruit preserves—fig, apricot, raspberry, or even a spicy pepper jelly—to create a completely new flavor profile with the same easy method.

You can also wrap the brie in puff pastry for a more substantial and decorative version, though this takes a little more time and effort. The puff pastry adds a flaky, golden crust that encases the gooey cheese, elevating the presentation even further.

Serving Suggestions for a Beautiful Spread

Cranberry Baked Brie pairs beautifully with a variety of dippers and accompaniments. Serve it with thin slices of French baguette, seeded crackers, or crunchy crostini. For a fresher twist, apple or pear slices add a crisp, juicy contrast to the warm cheese. You can even include roasted nuts, dried fruits, or olives on the side to round out a festive cheese board.

For drinks, pair this appetizer with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay. Sparkling wines and rosés also work well, especially during the holidays. Non-alcoholic options like sparkling apple cider or citrus-infused water provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheese.

Cranberry Baked Brie is best served warm, straight from the oven, but it remains delicious as it cools to room temperature—making it ideal for events where guests are grazing over a period of time.

Nutritional Highlights and Portion Guidance

While brie cheese is undeniably rich, it also offers a respectable amount of protein and calcium. The cranberry topping adds antioxidants and a small dose of natural sugar, creating a dish that feels indulgent but isn’t overly heavy when enjoyed in moderation. Each serving (based on six servings from a standard 8-ounce wheel) clocks in around 170 calories, with 6 grams of protein and a decent amount of calcium.

Since this is a shared appetizer, portion sizes tend to stay moderate, especially when served with light dippers like sliced fruit or whole grain crackers. It’s a great way to satisfy cravings for something rich and creamy without overindulging.

Tips for Melting Brie Perfectly

For the best results, allow the brie to come to room temperature for about 15–20 minutes before baking. This helps it warm evenly and reduces the risk of overheating or cracking. Place it on parchment paper or in a small baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Keep an eye on the oven during the last few minutes of baking—brie can go from perfectly gooey to over-melted quickly. You’ll know it’s ready when the sides feel soft and the center has a gentle wobble when nudged. If desired, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for a slightly caramelized top.

Once out of the oven, let it sit for 2–3 minutes to stabilize slightly before serving—this makes it easier to scoop and prevents accidental spills.

Conclusion

Cranberry Baked Brie is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer—simple, stunning, and bursting with flavor. With its creamy interior, tangy-sweet topping, and melty indulgence, it brings elegance and warmth to any gathering. Whether you’re entertaining a crowd or looking for a quick appetizer that impresses without stress, this dish delivers every time.

Perfectly suited for the holiday season but welcome any time of year, this recipe combines minimal effort with maximum reward. Its beautiful presentation, delicious taste, and versatile nature make it a favorite among hosts and guests alike. Keep the ingredients on hand, and you’ll always be just 15 minutes away from a showstopping appetizer that everyone will remember.