Baked Brie Cranberry (Easy Holiday Appetizer Recipe) (2024)

This baked brie cranberry is the perfect appetizer for any season. With its rich, creamy brie and tart cranberry sauce, it’s just the right amount of tart and sweet! Plus, it’s not just delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for last-minute gatherings!

This baked brie cranberry truly stands out for its simplicity and the perfect balance of flavors. The sweetness of the honey or maple syrup compliments the tartness of the cranberries, creating a sauce that's just right. And the pecans add a delightful crunch, making every bite absolutely delicious.

Baked brie cranberry is different from your average gluten-free recipe. It’s one of the best easy appetizers that's both delicious and healthy, with the cranberries providing a good dose of vitamins and antioxidants. The creamy brie cheese, when baked, becomes irresistibly gooey and pairs perfectly with the cranberry sauce.

This recipe is also versatile. While it is perfect as an appetizer, it can also be served as a dessert. Pair it with gluten-free crackers or sliced apples for an incredible contrast of textures. It’s an appetizer that's guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the cranberry sauce. Made with frozen Cape Cod select cranberries, it’s a sauce that's both tart and sweet. The brie becomes wonderfully melty in the oven, creating a perfect pairing with the cranberry sauce.

Serve this baked brie cranberry at your next gathering, and watch it disappear in no time. It’s a dish that's not just delicious but also looks great on any holiday table. Try this recipe today, and you’ll know exactly why it’s my new go-to appetizer!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Brie Cranberry

• Quick and Easy: This baked brie cranberry recipe is perfect for those last-minute gatherings. With a prep time of just five minutes and a total cook time of about twenty, you can whip up a delicious appetizer in no time! It’s a true crowd favorite!
• Gluten-Free: Are you or any of your guests gluten-intolerant? No worries! This recipe is completely gluten-free, making it a safe and tasty option for everyone at the table which is why it’s one of my favorite appetizers!
• Simple Ingredients: You don't need to be a gourmet chef to make this dish. All you need is a brie cheese wheel, some frozen or fresh cranberries, water, honey or maple syrup, and pecans. Easy to find and simple to prepare for one of the easiest appetizers!
• Holiday-Ready: The combination of brie and cranberries gives this dish a festive touch, making it a perfect addition to your holiday table. Plus, the vibrant color of the cranberries adds a pop of holiday cheer to any spread, especially Thanksgiving dinner.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Who doesn't love the combination of melty cheese and sweet-tart cranberries? This baked brie with cranberry sauce is a guaranteed hit at any gathering during the holiday season!

Ingredients

The beauty of this cranberry baked brie recipe lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are not only easy to find but also contribute to a rich, flavorful appetizer. You can find all of these at your local grocery store, making it a convenient option for a quick and delicious appetizer.

• Brie: Brie is a soft, creamy cheese that melts beautifully and is the star of our appetizer. It forms the delicious core of our baked brie cranberry. Once baked, it becomes a warm, creamy treat that pairs perfectly with the tartness of the cranberries.
• Cape Cod Select Cranberries: These frozen cranberries bring a delightful tartness to the dish. When combined with the brie, they create a perfect balance of creamy and tangy flavors. You can also use fresh cranberries or use leftover homemade cranberry sauce.
• Water: Water is used to create a sauce with the cranberries. It helps to break down the cranberries and blend the flavors together.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: A touch of honey or maple syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness to counteract the tartness of the cranberries. Feel free to adjust the quantity to suit your preference. Remember, this warm baked brie with cranberry sauce can be as sweet as you want it to be!
• Pecans: Chopped pecans add a nice crunch to the dish, providing a contrasting texture to the creamy brie and soft cranberries. They also add a subtle nutty flavor that compliments the overall taste of the dish.

How to Make Baked Brie Cranberry

Here's how to make a delicious baked brie cranberry! For a detailed step-by-step guide and nutritional information, check out the recipe card below.

Step 1.

Preheat and Prepare Brie: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Now, place your brie on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2.

Prepare Cranberry Sauce: Now it’s time to prepare your cranberry sauce. Combine cranberries, water, and honey in a small pot and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Remember to stir often to prevent sticking.

Step 3.

Simmer Sauce: Once your sauce is boiling, turn down the heat to low and let it simmer for about five minutes. Keep stirring regularly until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 4.

Adjust Sauce: Give your sauce a taste and adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a thinner sauce, feel free to add a bit more water.

Step 5.

Bake Brie: Pour your prepared sauce over the brie. Place it in the preheated oven and let it heat until the brie becomes melty, which should take about 10-15 minutes.

Step 6.

Garnish and Serve: Finally, top your baked brie with pecans and a drizzle of honey. Serve it immediately with your choice of crackers or sliced apples. Enjoy this gluten-free, family-friendly, and absolutely delicious treat!

Variations

• Savory Brie: If you prefer less sweetness in your appetizers, you can omit the honey or maple syrup in this recipe. You can also add a dash of black pepper or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cranberry sauce for a savory twist.
• Nut-Free Baked Brie: If you're allergic to pecans or simply don't like them, you can leave them out of this recipe. The cranberry sauce and melty brie are delicious on their own, or you can top the brie with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or dried fruit for a pop of color and flavor.
• Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Add a little warmth to your cranberry sauce by stirring in some spices. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves all pair beautifully with cranberries and brie. Start with a small amount, taste, and add more as desired.

Helpful Tips

Making baked brie with cranberry sauce is super easy, but here are some helpful tips to ensure your appetizer is a hit every time, especially at your next holiday party!

• Choose the right brie: Opt for a round of brie that is firm and not overly ripe. This will help make sure that it holds its shape well when baked and doesn't become too runny.
• Remove the rind: Cutting off the top rind of the brie allows the cranberry sauce to seep into the cheese, enhancing its flavor. However, be careful not to remove too much as the rind helps to hold the cheese together when it melts.
• Balance the flavors: The cranberry sauce brings a tart flavor that pairs beautifully with the gooey brie. If you prefer it sweeter, feel free to add more honey or maple syrup to your sauce.
• Watch the consistency: When preparing the cranberry sauce, simmer it until you reach your desired consistency. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a little more water.
• Monitor the baking time: Keep an eye on your brie in the oven. It should be in there just long enough to become melty, about ten to fifteen minutes. Overbaking can cause the brie to lose its shape and become too runny.
• Add some crunch: Topping the baked brie wheel with chopped pecans adds a delicious crunch that contrasts well with the creamy cheese and the soft cranberries.
• Serve immediately: Baked brie with cranberry sauce is best served right out of the oven. Pair it with gluten-free crackers or sliced apples for a delicious and healthy appetizer.

Dietary Substitutions

This baked brie cranberry recipe is naturally gluten-free, but it does contain dairy and honey, which aren't suitable for some diets. Here's how you can adapt this recipe to fit specific diets:

To Make This Recipe Paleo and Whole30 Friendly: This recipe is almost paleo and Whole30 compatible. To make it fully compliant, replace the tablespoon of honey or maple syrup with a Whole30-compliant sweetener, like date paste. Be sure to choose a brie that's made with minimal ingredients and no additives.

To Make This Recipe Keto Friendly: This recipe is also almost keto-friendly. The main source of carbs in this recipe comes from the cranberries and the honey or maple syrup. To make it keto, reduce the amount of cranberries to half a cup and replace the honey or maple syrup with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or stevia. Remember, keto diet is all about low-carb, high-fat foods, so feel free to add more cheese or pecans for extra fat content.

Storage Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

Our baked brie cranberry is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. This creamy, tangy, and sweet delight can be the star of your meal or a delicious companion to other dishes. Let's explore some of the serving suggestions:

• Appetizer: Kick off your dinner party with baked brie cranberry as an appetizer. It pairs wonderfully with a glass of white wine and can be served with gluten-free crackers or apple slices for a delicious start to any meal.
• Brunch: Serve baked brie cranberry at your next brunch gathering. It pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salads or a plate of scrambled eggs. Don't forget the gluten-free toast!
• Snack: Looking for a quick and satisfying snack? baked brie cranberry is your answer. Serve it with some gluten-free pretzels or celery sticks for a light and healthy snack.
• Dessert: Yes, you read it right! Serve baked brie cranberry as a unique dessert. Pair it with a sweet wine and serve with gluten-free cookies for a dessert that your guests will talk about long after the meal is over.
• Cheese Board: Elevate your cheese board game by including baked brie cranberry. It pairs wonderfully with other cheeses, fruits, and gluten-free breads, making it a standout on any cheese board.

Recipe Card