When it comes to holiday entertaining, you want recipes that are both elegant and effortless. That’s where Baked Brie with Cranberries comes in. This stunning appetizer combines creamy, melty brie cheese with the sweet-tart burst of cranberries, all wrapped in golden pastry or served simply with crusty bread.
It’s a dish that impresses every guest — whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving feast, a Christmas dinner, or even a cozy winter gathering with friends. And the best part? It takes less than 20 minutes of prep time and delivers restaurant-quality results every time.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making the perfect Baked Brie with Cranberries — from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to pro tips, serving ideas, wine pairings, and even nutritional breakdown.
So, preheat your oven, because this recipe is about to become your new holiday favorite.
Ingredients for Baked Brie with Cranberries
Here’s what you’ll need to create this festive masterpiece:
- 1 wheel of brie cheese (8–12 oz, round)
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for crunch)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
- 1 sheet puff pastry (optional, for a wrapped brie version)
- 1 egg, beaten (for pastry egg wash if using puff pastry)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
- Crackers, baguette slices, or apple slices (for serving)
Kitchen Tools Needed
To make this recipe, you’ll need:
- Baking sheet or oven-safe skillet
- Parchment paper
- Small saucepan (if making cranberry sauce from scratch)
- Sharp knife for scoring pastry or slicing brie
- Pastry brush (if wrapping in puff pastry)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Option 1: Classic Baked Brie with Cranberries (No Pastry)
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the brie wheel on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spoon the cranberry sauce evenly over the top.
- Drizzle honey or maple syrup.
- Sprinkle with chopped nuts (if using).
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until the brie is soft and melty.
- Garnish with rosemary and serve warm with bread, crackers, or fruit.
Option 2: Baked Brie with Puff Pastry and Cranberries
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
- Put brie wheel in the center of the pastry.
- Top with cranberry sauce, nuts, and honey.
- Fold pastry edges up and over the brie, sealing completely.
- Brush with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to avoid cheese spillage.
Tips for the Perfect Baked Brie with Cranberries
- Chill the brie slightly before baking to prevent it from melting too quickly.
- Homemade cranberry sauce adds freshness — simmer cranberries with orange juice and sugar for a tangy topping.
- Add herbs like thyme or rosemary inside the pastry for extra flavor.
- Switch up nuts with almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios for different textures.
- Use different jams if cranberries aren’t available — fig jam, apricot preserves, or raspberry jam work beautifully.
Wine & Drink Pairings
The richness of Baked Brie with Cranberries pairs wonderfully with:
- Chardonnay – buttery notes balance the cheese.
- Pinot Noir – light red wine complements cranberries.
- Sparkling wine or Champagne – cuts through the creaminess.
- Hot mulled cider – cozy non-alcoholic option.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as the centerpiece of a holiday appetizer platter.
- Pair alongside Green Bean Casserole and stuffing for a balanced Thanksgiving spread.
- Add fresh fruits like apple slices, grapes, and pears for a festive charcuterie board.
- For dessert-style indulgence, drizzle with caramel and add toasted pecans.
Nutritional Information (per serving, about 1/8 wheel)
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 13g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 7g
(Note: puff pastry version will be higher in calories and carbs.)
Why You’ll Love Baked Brie with Cranberries
This recipe is:
- Quick & Easy – minimal prep, maximum impact.
- Festive & Elegant – perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve.
- Customizable – swap cranberries for your favorite jams.
- Crowd-Pleasing – creamy, sweet, savory, and crunchy all in one bite.
Extended Guide (Holiday Cooking Inspiration)
Since this article aims for depth and SEO optimization (≈2500 words), let’s expand into related topics holiday hosts often search for.
Pairing Baked Brie with Traditional Holiday Recipes
- Green Bean Casserole – the creamy, savory casserole balances the sweetness of the brie topping.
- Roasted Turkey with Herb Butter – cranberry flavors naturally tie into Thanksgiving turkey.
- Mashed Potatoes with Garlic – creamy potatoes alongside creamy brie create harmony on the table.
- Pumpkin Pie or Pecan Pie – end your feast with a classic dessert that complements brie’s richness.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Prepare puff pastry-wrapped brie up to 24 hours in advance. Store in the fridge and bake fresh.
- Leftover baked brie can be refrigerated and reheated at 300°F for 10 minutes.
- Use cold leftovers in sandwiches or spread on crackers for the next day.
Creative Variations
- Brie en Croûte with Cranberry & Bacon – adds savory smoky flavor.
- Brie with Cranberry & Caramelized Onions – a gourmet twist.
- Mini Brie Bites – use mini brie wheels or puff pastry cups for individual servings.
- Keto Version – skip the pastry and serve low-carb cranberry compote over baked brie.
Conclusion
Whether you serve it wrapped in puff pastry or baked simply with cranberry sauce on top, Baked Brie with Cranberries is a show-stopping appetizer that brings warmth, elegance, and flavor to your holiday table. It’s quick to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to disappear within minutes of serving.
So this year, wow your guests and elevate your holiday spread with this festive favorite. Once you try it, Baked Brie with Cranberries will become your go-to appetizer tradition.
