Description
Warm, gooey baked brie topped with a sweet and tart cranberry compote. This elegant appetizer takes just 20 minutes and is perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or any special occasion.
Ingredients
1 wheel brie cheese (8–13 ounces)
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (optional)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup orange juice
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon orange zest
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Pinch of salt
¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (optional)
Crackers, sliced baguette, or apple slices for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Remove brie from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
3. Score the top rind of brie in a crosshatch pattern with a sharp knife.
4. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, brown sugar, orange juice, honey, orange zest, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
5. Bring cranberry mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to simmer.
6. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and mixture thickens.
7. Remove from heat and stir in chopped nuts. Set aside to cool slightly.
8. If using puff pastry, roll out slightly and place brie in center. Fold edges over brie and brush with beaten egg. Cut small vents in pastry.
9. Place unwrapped or wrapped brie on prepared baking sheet.
10. Bake for 12-15 minutes (unwrapped) or 20-25 minutes (wrapped) until cheese feels soft when gently pressed and pastry is golden brown.
11. Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes.
12. Transfer baked brie to serving platter and top with warm cranberry mixture.
13. Garnish with fresh rosemary and drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired.
14. Serve immediately with crackers, baguette slices, and apple wedges.
Notes
Brie can be brought to room temperature up to 1 hour before baking for even melting.
Cranberry topping can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored refrigerated in an airtight container.
If wrapping in pastry, assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Watch carefully near end of baking time to prevent overbaking and runny cheese.
Leftover baked brie can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated at 300°F for 8-10 minutes.
For a savory version, replace cranberry topping with caramelized onions and mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of wheel
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: baked brie, baked brie with cranberries, cranberry brie, holiday appetizer, cheese appetizer, entertaining recipe