This Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce is a warm, gooey, and festive appetizer that brings elegance to any table with minimal effort. Topped with sweet-tart cranberry sauce, a touch of rosemary, and optional crunchy nuts, it pairs beautifully with crackers, bread, or fresh apple slices.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 wheel (8 oz) brie cheese
1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
Crackers, bread, or apple slices for serving
Directions
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
I place the brie wheel on a parchment-lined baking sheet or into a small oven-safe dish.
I spoon the cranberry sauce over the top of the brie.
I sprinkle the chopped nuts and rosemary over the top, if using.
I bake it for 12–15 minutes, until the brie is soft and gooey in the center.
I remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 2 minutes.
I serve it warm with crackers, bread, or apple slices.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories: Approximately 165 kcal per serving
Variations
I like to use homemade cranberry sauce with a splash of orange juice for extra brightness.
Instead of rosemary, I sometimes sprinkle fresh thyme or even a bit of orange zest for a citrusy note.
For a pastry-wrapped option, I wrap the brie in puff pastry and bake until golden.
I’ve also tried this with fig jam or apricot preserves when cranberries aren’t available.
A drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze adds a delicious finishing touch.
Storage/Reheating
If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I place the brie in a small baking dish and warm it in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or until gooey again. I don’t recommend microwaving, as it can alter the texture of the cheese.
FAQs
How do I know when the brie is fully baked?
I check if the center is soft by gently pressing the top with a spoon. It should feel very soft and almost liquid inside.
Can I make this ahead of time?
I can prepare the brie with the toppings in advance and store it in the fridge. I just pop it into the oven right before serving.
Do I need to remove the rind from the brie?
No, I leave the rind on. It’s edible and helps the cheese hold its shape while baking.
What’s the best cranberry sauce to use?
I prefer homemade sauce with a bit of citrus zest, but store-bought works well, especially if I'm short on time.
Can I freeze baked brie?
I don’t recommend freezing it once baked. The texture of the cheese can become grainy. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Conclusion
Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce is one of those effortlessly elegant dishes that never fails to impress. I love serving it during the holidays, but it’s equally perfect for any gathering where I want to bring a warm, comforting, and beautiful appetizer to the table. With just a handful of ingredients and under 20 minutes from start to finish, it’s a go-to favorite I always keep in my back pocket.
Recipe:
Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce
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- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce is a warm, gooey, and festive appetizer topped with sweet-tart cranberry sauce, rosemary, and optional crunchy nuts. It’s perfect for holidays or elegant gatherings and comes together in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
1 wheel (8 oz) brie cheese
1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
Crackers, bread, or apple slices for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the brie wheel on a parchment-lined baking sheet or into a small oven-safe dish.
- Spoon the cranberry sauce over the top of the brie.
- Sprinkle the chopped nuts and rosemary over the top, if using.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the brie is soft and gooey in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 2 minutes.
- Serve warm with crackers, bread, or apple slices.
Notes
Use homemade cranberry sauce with orange juice for added brightness.
Swap rosemary with fresh thyme or orange zest for a different flavor profile.
Try fig jam or apricot preserves as a substitute for cranberry sauce.
Drizzle honey or balsamic glaze on top for extra flavor.
Wrap in puff pastry and bake for a pastry-wrapped version.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven at 300°F.
Do not microwave leftovers to avoid texture changes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ wheel
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg

