This Baked Brie with Cranberries is a warm, gooey delight that’s perfect for sharing. The creamy cheese pairs wonderfully with sweet and tangy cranberries, creating a lovely balance of flavors!
It’s so easy to make that I sometimes wonder if it should be considered cooking! Just pop the Brie in the oven, top it with cranberries, and enjoy. Your guests will love it! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brie Cheese: The star of this recipe! Brie is creamy and soft, perfect for baking. If you can’t find Brie, Camembert is a great substitute as it has a similar flavor and texture.
Cranberries: Fresh is best, but frozen cranberries also work well. Just don’t add them straight from the freezer; let them thaw first! Dried cranberries can be used in a pinch, but reduce the sugar since they’re already sweetened.
Sugar: Traditional granulated sugar adds sweetness. For a healthier option, try maple syrup or agave nectar instead. You can also use a sugar substitute, just follow the conversion instructions on the package.
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary and thyme are wonderful for this dish. If you’re out of fresh herbs, dried herbs can be used too—just use less since they’re more concentrated in flavor.
Baguette: A French baguette is my go-to, but feel free to use any crusty bread you have on hand! Crackers can also be a nice alternative for added crunch.
How Do I Make Sure the Brie Stays Creamy and Melty?
Getting that perfect gooey Brie can be tricky! The key is to watch the baking time closely. Here are some tips:
- Preheat your oven and place the Brie in a lined baking dish to avoid sticking.
- Keep an eye on it while baking, around 15-20 minutes is enough. It should be soft and starting to ooze, but not completely melted away.
- If you like, you can cut a small cross on the top of the Brie to help it melt evenly and add a decorative touch.
I recommend serving it right out of the oven for the best experience. Enjoy your beautiful appetizer!
How to Make Baked Brie With Cranberries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cheese:
- 1 wheel (about 8 oz) of Brie cheese
For the Cranberry Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 tsp orange zest (optional)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
For Serving:
- French baguette or crusty bread, sliced for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 15-20 minutes to bake. You’ll want to allow time for the cranberry mixture to simmer. Altogether, plan for about 30-40 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the Brie.
2. Prepare the Brie:
While the oven warms up, take your wheel of Brie and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a round oven-safe dish. This will help with cleanup later!
3. Make the Cranberry Sauce:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix together the cranberries, sugar, water, lemon juice, chopped herbs, and optional ingredients like cinnamon and orange zest. Stir occasionally and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook the Cranberries:
Allow the cranberry mixture to cook for about 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cranberries start to burst and the sauce thickens a bit. If you’re adding the honey or maple syrup, stir it in at this point and then remove it from heat.
5. Assemble the Dish:
Carefully spoon the cranberry sauce over the top center of the Brie wheel, letting it settle in nicely.
6. Bake the Brie:
Now it’s time to bake! Place the Brie in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You want the cheese to be soft and gooey, but still holding its shape—so keep an eye on it!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, remove the Brie and garnish with any extra chopped herbs you like. Serve it warm, along with slices of baguette or crusty bread for dipping into that delicious melted cheese!
This Baked Brie with Cranberries is such a crowd-pleaser! It’s perfect for parties, holidays, or just a cozy night in. Enjoy every bite! 🧀🍞
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese Instead of Brie?
Definitely! While Brie is the classic choice for this recipe, you can also try Camembert for a similar flavor and texture. Gouda or Havarti could work as alternatives, but keep in mind that they may melt differently.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, allow the Baked Brie to cool, then cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave; just be careful not to overheat it, as it can change the texture.
Can I Make the Cranberry Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cranberry sauce up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake the Brie, simply reheat the sauce before spooning it on top.
What Should I Serve with Baked Brie?
Pair it with crusty bread, sliced apples, or a variety of crackers. You can also add some nuts or charcuterie for an elevated cheese board experience! Enjoy the mix of flavors and textures!