If you are looking for a show-stopping appetizer that combines creamy, melty cheese with a bright, tangy burst of fruity sweetness, the Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe is your new best friend. This dish brings together the rich, buttery texture of baked Brie and the vibrant, zesty flavor of homemade cranberry sauce, all wrapped up in flaky puff pastry or simply served warm with a topping. Whether you are hosting holiday gatherings, cozy parties, or just craving something indulgent and festive, this recipe delivers on both flavor and presentation with effortless charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This delightful recipe is so simple to prepare and relies on a handful of fresh, quality ingredients that each enhance its taste and texture in unique ways. From the tartness of cranberries to the flaky golden puff pastry, every element plays a crucial role in creating a perfectly balanced bite.
- Brie cheese wheel (8 ounces): Choose a creamy, high-quality Brie for the best melt and flavor.
- Fresh cranberries (1 to 1.5 cups): They provide a lovely tartness and vibrant color to the sauce.
- Sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cranberry sauce, balancing the berries’ tartness.
- Water or orange juice (1/4 cup): Helps simmer the berries and adds moisture, with orange juice lending extra citrus notes.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice (1 tablespoon): Offers bright acidity and depth to the sauce.
- Orange zest (from one orange): Adds an aromatic citrus twist and freshness.
- Puff pastry sheet: Creates a golden, flaky crust around the Brie (optional but recommended for extra indulgence).
- Chopped pecans or walnuts: Provide crunch and nutty flavor as a topping.
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs: For garnish and an herbal touch that complements the cheese.
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water): Ensures a beautiful golden finish on the pastry.
- Honey or fig jam (optional): Perfect accompaniments to serve alongside for extra sweetness.
How to Make Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Sauce
Start by rinsing your fresh cranberries to remove any debris. Combine them in a small saucepan with sugar, water or orange juice, freshly squeezed orange juice, and orange zest. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the berries burst and the sauce thickens slightly, around 10 to 15 minutes. Let this cool a bit—it’s the perfect tangy burst that will complement the creamy Brie beautifully.
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare the Pastry
Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) so it’s ready when your Brie is wrapped. If you’re using puff pastry, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to ensure even thickness. Place the Brie wheel right in the center. You can sprinkle chopped nuts and fresh herbs on top for added texture and aroma at this point, or keep it plain if you prefer the focus to remain on the cheese and sauce.
Step 3: Wrap the Brie
Gently fold the puff pastry edges up and over the Brie, completely sealing it inside. Take your time here to make sure the cheese won’t leak out during baking. Brush the entire pastry surface with the egg wash to give it a gorgeous golden shine as it bakes. Then place the wrapped Brie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ready for the oven.
Step 4: Baking to Perfection
Bake for 15-20 minutes until the pastry turns a beautiful golden brown and crisp. If you prefer your Brie unwrapped, simply place it on the baking sheet and pop it in to soften and melt slightly—watch carefully for that perfect gooey texture without losing its shape. Avoid overbaking to keep the interior delightfully soft and runny.
Step 5: Serving and Garnishing
Once baked, transfer the Brie to a lovely serving platter. Pile or spoon the cranberry sauce generously over the top or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs to add fresh herbal notes and vibrant color. Your crowd will be drawn to that gorgeous combination of oozy cheese and crimson cranberry jewel, ready to enjoy with crackers, baguette slices, or even fresh fruit.
How to Serve Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh sprigs of rosemary or thyme provide an elegant and aromatic garnish that elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise. For texture, sprinkle chopped toasted nuts such as pecans or walnuts on top right before serving—they add a delightful crunch that contrasts the creamy Brie and luscious cranberry sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like crisp crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh apple and pear slices. The acidity and texture of these sides cut through the richness of the Brie and balance the sweetness of cranberry sauce, making every bite exciting and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, try placing your baked Brie atop a wooden board adorned with seasonal fruits, nuts, and herbs. Alternatively, serve individual portions by cutting the Brie wheel into wedges and topping each slice with a dollop of cranberry sauce and a tiny sprig of herb. These options make it perfect for sharing at gatherings and impressing your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps retain the cheese’s creaminess and keeps the cranberry sauce fresh for 2 to 3 days. Enjoy cold or gently warmed.
Freezing
While Brie doesn’t freeze perfectly due to texture changes, you can freeze the cranberry sauce separately in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
Reheating
To reheat your baked Brie, place it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 10 minutes or until warm and melty again. Avoid microwaving to preserve the texture of both the cheese and the puff pastry.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just keep in mind they may release a bit more liquid while cooking, so cook the sauce a little longer to thicken properly.
What can I substitute if I don’t have puff pastry?
If puff pastry isn’t an option, you can bake the Brie unwrapped or wrap it with phyllo dough for a similar crisp texture. Alternatively, serve the Brie warm with cranberry sauce on top without any wrapping.
Is there a non-alcoholic way to enhance the flavor of this dish?
Yes! Using freshly squeezed orange juice and zest, as in this recipe, adds wonderful citrus notes without any alcohol. Avoid wine or liqueurs if you want to keep it alcohol-free.
Can I prepare the cranberry sauce in advance?
Definitely! The cranberry sauce can be made a day or two before serving and stored in the refrigerator. This lets the flavors meld even more beautifully and saves time during your event.
How do I prevent the Brie from leaking during baking?
Wrapping the Brie securely in puff pastry and ensuring the edges are well sealed will minimize leakage. Also, avoid overbaking, as too much heat can cause the cheese to ooze excessively.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the combination of warm, gooey Brie and zesty homemade cranberry sauce wrapped in golden puff pastry. This Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe is as crowd-pleasing as it is easy to prepare, making it the perfect centerpiece for any special occasion or cozy night in. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your loved ones—the smiles and compliments will absolutely flow!
Print
Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This elegant Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce recipe combines creamy, gooey Brie cheese wrapped in golden puff pastry with a tangy, sweet homemade cranberry sauce. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion, this easy-to-make appetizer is beautifully garnished with chopped nuts and fresh herbs, served alongside crackers or fresh fruit for a delightful starter.
Ingredients
Brie and Pastry
- 8 ounces Brie cheese wheel
- 1 sheet puff pastry (enough to wrap the Brie)
- 1 egg (beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash)
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (for topping)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (for garnish)
Cranberry Sauce
- 1 to 1.5 cups fresh cranberries (or frozen)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water or orange juice
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
- Zest of one orange
- Honey or fig jam (optional, to serve alongside)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberry Sauce: Rinse 1 to 1.5 cups of fresh cranberries thoroughly. In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries with 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup water or orange juice, 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice, and the zest of one orange. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pastry: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to ensure it’s large enough to fully wrap the Brie wheel. Place the Brie in the center of the rolled pastry. If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts and fresh herbs on top of the Brie before wrapping.
- Wrap the Brie in Puff Pastry: Fold the puff pastry edges up and over the Brie, sealing it completely to enclose the cheese. Brush the outside of the pastry generously with the prepared egg wash to help achieve a golden, glossy finish. Transfer the wrapped Brie onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Bake the Brie: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Bake until the puff pastry turns golden brown and crispy, or if unwrapped, until the Brie becomes soft and gooey inside. Be careful not to overbake in order to keep the cheese melted but maintain its shape.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the baked Brie from the oven and transfer it to a serving platter. Spoon the homemade cranberry sauce generously over the top or serve it on the side. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs to add aroma and a beautiful visual touch. Serve immediately with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh fruit. Optionally, accompany with honey or fig jam for added sweetness.
Notes
- Using frozen cranberries is fine if fresh are not available; just thaw slightly before cooking.
- Egg wash helps achieve a golden, shiny puff pastry crust.
- Allow cranberry sauce to cool a bit before spooning over Brie to prevent sogginess.
- For a nut-free version, skip the chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Serve promptly as baked Brie is best enjoyed warm and melty.
