Baked Brie with Cranberries is a warm and cheesy treat perfect for sharing! The creamy brie is topped with sweet and tangy cranberries, all wrapped up in golden, flaky pastry.
This dish is a hit at parties! Everyone loves to scoop up that melty cheese. I like to serve it with crisp crackers or fresh bread—it’s hard to resist going back for more! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brie Cheese: Use a round Brie for the best melting texture. If you can’t find Brie, Camembert is a great alternative as it offers a similar creaminess.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries have the best flavor, but if they’re out of season, frozen cranberries work well. Just thaw and drain them before use.
Granulated Sugar: I stick with regular sugar, but for a different taste, try brown sugar. It adds a rich caramel flavor to the cranberry topping!
Orange Juice and Zest: Fresh orange juice and zest brighten the dish! No fresh oranges? Use bottled juice, but zest can be skipped or substituted with lemon for a different zing.
Thyme: Fresh thyme gives an earthy contrast to the sweet cranberries. Dried thyme can work if fresh isn’t available, but use less since it’s more concentrated.
How Do You Get the Perfectly Melted Brie?
Baking Brie until it’s melting while keeping its round shape is key. Here’s how to nail it:
- Preheat your oven well; 350°F (175°C) is ideal.
- Don’t rush it; bake for 12-15 minutes. It should be soft to the touch but still intact.
- Check it often towards the end of baking. You want gooey, not overflowing.
These tips help ensure your Brie is melt-in-your-mouth soft, paired perfectly with the sweet and tangy cranberry topping! Enjoy!
Baked Brie With Cranberries
Ingredients:
- 1 round (8 oz) wheel of Brie cheese
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
- 1 small crusty loaf of bread or baguette, cut for serving
Time Needed:
This delicious appetizer takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, so you’ll be ready to serve it in about 25 minutes total!
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, take your Brie wheel and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet—this makes for easy cleanup and keeps the cheese from sticking!
2. Bake the Brie:
Pop the Brie into the oven and bake it for about 12-15 minutes. You’re aiming for it to be soft and just starting to melt inside while still holding its shape. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t overflow.
3. Make the Cranberry Topping:
While the Brie is baking, start on the cranberry topping. In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, fresh orange juice, and orange zest over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook until the cranberries begin to burst and the mixture thickens a bit, which should take about 8-10 minutes.
4. Final Touches:
Once the cranberry mixture is bubbling and thickened, stir in the fresh thyme leaves for flavor. If you like pepper, add a little freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Assemble and Serve:
As soon as the Brie is finished baking, take it out of the oven, careful not to burn yourself! Transfer it to a serving plate, and then generously spoon the warm cranberry topping right on top of the Brie. Garnish with a few extra thyme sprigs for a pop of color.
6. Enjoy:
Serve the warm Brie immediately with slices of your crusty bread or crackers for dipping. Get ready to enjoy the creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors all together—it’s a delightful festive treat that everyone will love!
Can I Use A Different Cheese Instead Of Brie?
Absolutely! While Brie is best known for its creamy texture, you can substitute Camembert for a similar effect. Cream cheese or goat cheese also work, but the flavor and texture will differ.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the cranberry topping in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Bake the Brie just before serving for the best texture and flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, cover the Brie tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can reheat it gently in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through, but the texture may slightly change.
Can I Use Dried Cranberries Instead?
Yes, you can use dried cranberries! Just soak them in warm water or orange juice for about 10 minutes before cooking to soften them up, then follow the recipe as usual for the topping.
