Table of Contents
Introduction
When the holidays arrive and the air in New York City fills with the scent of cinnamon and pine, my kitchen shifts into full celebration mode. Among the platters of cookies and trays of roasts, there’s one appetizer that always steals the spotlight: Baked Brie with Cranberries. Warm, gooey cheese topped with sweet-tart cranberries and wrapped in golden pastry (or served simply in its rind), this dish is festive, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy winter gathering, Baked Brie with Cranberries is the kind of appetizer that disappears in minutes.
A Festive Holiday Favorite
A Family Tradition with Cheese and Berries
In my family, cheese has always been more than just food — it’s an occasion. Growing up in Greece, Yiayia would serve rounds of cheese with olives and honey, often placing them in the center of the table to spark conversation. Later, when I married Marek, I discovered that Polish holiday spreads often included baked or warmed cheeses, rich and hearty to sustain cold winter nights. It felt only natural to blend these traditions into my own holiday table.
The first time I made Baked Brie with Cranberries was during a snowy December evening in New York. Emily was still small, and she helped me press sprigs of rosemary into the pastry like little decorations. Marek uncorked a bottle of wine, my mother Elizabeth set the table with evergreen branches, and together we pulled the golden Brie from the oven. When we sliced into it, the molten cheese flowed out, mingling with tart cranberry sauce and crunchy pecans. We all leaned in, tearing bread apart and laughing as the cheese stretched between us. It wasn’t just food — it was an experience.
Why This Appetizer Steals the Show
Baked Brie with Cranberries is the ultimate holiday appetizer because it looks sophisticated yet takes minimal effort. The contrast of creamy, savory Brie with the bright tang of cranberries creates a flavor combination that feels both festive and comforting. Add a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of nuts, or a puff pastry wrapping, and suddenly you have a dish that looks like it came from a gourmet kitchen. For me, it’s the perfect recipe: simple enough to make on a busy holiday morning, yet impressive enough to wow family and friends gathered around the table.
Ingredients & Preparation
The Brie Base
At the heart of this recipe is a wheel of Brie. Choose one that’s about 8–12 ounces, large enough to serve several guests but small enough to melt evenly in the oven. Brie’s edible rind holds the cheese together as it warms, so there’s no need to remove it before baking. If you want a more dramatic presentation, you can wrap the wheel in puff pastry before baking. This creates a golden, flaky crust that locks in the gooey cheese, turning it into a centerpiece-worthy dish.
To prepare, place the Brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a small cast-iron skillet. Lightly score the top with a knife — this helps the toppings sink in and allows the cheese to melt beautifully.
Flavor Boosters & Toppings
The star topping is, of course, cranberries. You can use homemade cranberry sauce, whole fresh cranberries simmered with sugar, or even a store-bought chutney for convenience. The sweet-tart flavor perfectly balances the richness of the cheese. To add texture, scatter chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the top before baking. As they toast in the oven, they bring a nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy Brie.
Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme add an aromatic touch and look gorgeous as a garnish. For extra indulgence, drizzle honey or maple syrup over the Brie before baking — the sweetness blends with the tangy cranberries and creates an irresistible glaze. Serve with crackers, crostini, or slices of baguette so guests can scoop up the molten cheese and cranberry topping with ease.
Insert Ingredients Image here — flat lay on rustic surface with a wheel of Brie, fresh cranberries, cranberry sauce, puff pastry sheet, chopped pecans, rosemary sprigs, honey jar, and slices of baguette.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Baking the Brie
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your Brie wheel on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a small ovenproof dish. If you’re using puff pastry, wrap the Brie completely, sealing the edges and trimming any excess dough. Brush the pastry with a beaten egg for a glossy finish.
Top the Brie with about ½ cup of cranberry sauce or fresh cranberries simmered with sugar until softened. Sprinkle with chopped nuts and a drizzle of honey. If you’re leaving the rind exposed, gently score the top of the Brie in a crisscross pattern with a sharp knife — this allows the topping to seep in and ensures an even melt.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the Brie is soft to the touch and the pastry (if used) is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving — this helps the cheese set slightly while still remaining gooey inside.
Insert Step Image 1 here — wheel of Brie topped with cranberries, nuts, and honey on a baking sheet, ready to go into the oven.
Insert Step Image 2 here — baked Brie fresh out of the oven, gooey cheese oozing with cranberries and nuts on top, garnished with rosemary.
Variations & Flavor Ideas
While cranberries are the classic choice, this recipe adapts beautifully to other flavors. For a fall twist, try topping Brie with fig jam or apple butter. Apricot preserves add brightness, while pomegranate seeds give a festive sparkle. If you prefer a savory edge, swap cranberries for caramelized onions or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. For an extra-special holiday touch, scatter edible flowers or sugared cranberries on top before serving.
No matter which version you choose, Baked Brie with Cranberries is always a crowd-pleaser, offering endless ways to make it your own while keeping preparation quick and easy.
Serving & Storage Ideas
Holiday Serving Suggestions
Baked Brie with Cranberries isn’t just delicious — it’s a showstopper on any holiday table. Serve it straight from the oven, still warm and gooey, on a rustic wooden board or in a cast-iron skillet for a cozy presentation. Place sliced baguette, crostini, or sturdy crackers around the cheese so guests can help themselves. For a festive touch, add sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish. Emily loves when I scatter sugared cranberries around the platter, making it sparkle like edible ornaments, while Marek prefers a drizzle of golden honey to tie everything together.
If you’re entertaining, pair the baked Brie with complementary nibbles. Apple slices, pear wedges, or clusters of grapes balance the richness with freshness. Nuts like almonds or pecans echo the flavors baked on top, and a glass of red wine or sparkling cider makes the perfect pairing. As a centerpiece appetizer, it’s guaranteed to have guests gathering around, dipping bread, and sneaking extra bites.
Insert Serving Image here — holiday table with baked Brie topped with cranberries and nuts, surrounded by crackers, baguette slices, rosemary sprigs, sugared cranberries, and a glass of red wine.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Baked Brie is best enjoyed hot and fresh, but you can do some prep ahead of time. Assemble the Brie with toppings or wrap it in puff pastry a few hours before baking, then keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to pop it in the oven.
If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s rare!), you can refrigerate the baked Brie in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. The texture won’t be quite as gooey as when it’s fresh, but the flavors remain delicious.
Print
Baked Brie with Cranberries
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Brie with Cranberries is the ultimate holiday appetizer—creamy, gooey cheese topped with sweet-tart cranberry sauce and crunchy nuts, all baked to perfection. Whether wrapped in golden pastry or served rustic-style, it’s festive, indulgent, and surprisingly easy.
Ingredients
- 1 wheel of Brie (8–12 oz)
- ½ cup cranberry sauce or fresh cranberries simmered with sugar
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for garnish
- 1 sheet puff pastry (optional, for wrapping)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash if using puff pastry)
- Crackers, crostini, or baguette slices for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a small oven-safe skillet.
- Place the Brie wheel in the center. If using puff pastry, wrap the Brie, seal the edges, and brush with egg wash.
- Top with cranberry sauce and sprinkle with chopped nuts. Drizzle honey over the top.
- Gently score the top of the Brie in a crisscross pattern if not wrapped in pastry.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until the Brie is soft and pastry is golden. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with crackers, baguette slices, or fruit.
Notes
You can prep the Brie ahead of time by assembling it with toppings or wrapping it in puff pastry and refrigerating it until ready to bake. Reheat leftovers at 325°F until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Holiday Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you take the rind off Brie before baking?
No, keep the rind on. It holds the cheese together as it melts, and it’s completely edible. If you remove it, the cheese may ooze out too quickly.
Can you make Baked Brie with Cranberries ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the Brie with toppings or wrap it in puff pastry and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just bake fresh before serving.
What do you serve with Baked Brie?
Serve with crackers, crostini, baguette slices, or fresh fruit like apples, pears, and grapes. Nuts and honey also pair beautifully with the creamy cheese.
How long should Brie be baked to melt perfectly?
Bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes. The Brie should feel soft when gently pressed but not completely collapsed. Rest for 5 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Conclusion
Baked Brie with Cranberries is one of those recipes that combines elegance with ease, making it perfect for holiday entertaining. The creamy, gooey Brie paired with sweet-tart cranberries, crunchy nuts, and fragrant herbs creates a dish that feels both festive and comforting. In our family, it’s more than just an appetizer — it’s a tradition that gathers us around the table, from Emily sneaking extra crackers to Marek pouring wine while my mother decorates the table with evergreens. With just a few simple steps, you can create a holiday centerpiece that’s guaranteed to impress, bringing joy and warmth to every celebration.
👉 I hope you enjoyed making this elegant Baked Brie with Cranberries—gooey, creamy cheese topped with sweet-tart cranberries, wrapped in golden pastry (or served rustic-style) for the perfect holiday appetizer. 🧀🍒✨ It’s festive, cozy, and guaranteed to impress your guests.
Looking for more appetizers to pair with it? Our juicy Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites bring a savory balance, while our hearty Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup makes a comforting main course. For something refreshing, try our Gluten-Free Greek Quinoa Salad.
Craving more holiday-ready bites? SANTMD’s Baked Brie with Warm Olives & Herb Oil is a savory twist on this classic, while their Rustic No-Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread makes the perfect dipper for melty brie.
And if you’d like to expand your spread, DanaRecipes has cozy mains like Chicken Alfredo Lasagna or the cheesy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet—both hearty dishes to round out your holiday table.
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