If you’re looking for a delightful twist on a classic holiday appetizer, this Baked Brie with Cranberries for Christmas Recipe is an absolute winner. Creamy, melty brie topped with vibrant cranberry sauce and crunchy roasted pecans brings together the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and festive flavors that everyone will love.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Effortlessly Elegant: In just 15 minutes, you can create a stunning centerpiece that looks like it took hours to prepare.
Festive Flavors: The tartness of cranberries paired with creamy brie and nutty pecans brings classic Christmas vibes to every bite.
Versatile Serving: This dish pairs wonderfully with crackers, bread, or even fresh fruit, making it adaptable to any holiday spread.
Great for Sharing: It’s the perfect appetizer to gather around with friends and family, sparking conversation and holiday cheer.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Keeping this Baked Brie with Cranberries for Christmas Recipe simple is key—each ingredient plays an essential role, from the rich creaminess of the brie to the bright acidity of the cranberry sauce and the satisfying crunch of roasted pecans that add texture and color.
- Brie Cheese: Use a whole 8-ounce wheel with rind; the rind helps keep the cheese soft and melty inside as it bakes.
- Cranberry Sauce: Fresh or homemade cranberry sauce works best to add that bright, tangy pop of flavor.
- Roasted Pecans: These add a lovely nutty crunch—feel free to substitute with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- Fresh Rosemary Sprigs: Adds an aromatic touch to garnish and complements the festive flavors perfectly.
How to Make Baked Brie with Cranberries for Christmas Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350℉ and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this will ensure your brie won’t stick and will transfer easily to a serving plate later. Keeping the parchment paper is a small step that makes a big difference, so don’t skip it!
Step 2: Bake the Brie
Place the whole brie wheel onto the prepared baking sheet and slide it into the oven. Bake for about 15 minutes, just until the cheese is gooey and soft without the rind hardening—watch closely so it doesn’t overbake. This melty moment is where the magic happens.
Step 3: Top and Garnish
Remove the brie from the oven and let it rest for a minute or two, then transfer it carefully to a serving platter. Spoon the vibrant cranberry sauce generously over the top, scatter the roasted pecans for a crunchy layer, and finish with a few fresh rosemary sprigs for that perfect festive aroma and look.
How to Serve Baked Brie with Cranberries for Christmas Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, add extra rosemary sprigs or a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect. You can also sprinkle a few fresh cranberries around the platter for a vibrant holiday touch that invites guests to dig in.
Side Dishes
This buttery, fruity brie pairs beautifully with a variety of sides like crusty baguette slices, crisp apple or pear wedges, and an assortment of your favorite crackers. Add some charcuterie meats or a simple green salad to round out your festive spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the cheese board! Serve the baked brie inside a hollowed-out bread bowl for a rustic look or place it on a wooden serving platter surrounded by nuts, fruits, and herbs. You can even drizzle a touch of honey or balsamic reduction over the top for an extra layer of decadence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (though they’re often gobbled up fast!), cover the brie tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to two days. The flavors will still be lovely, and it’s easy to enjoy again later.
Freezing
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh because freezing can change the texture of both the cheese and cranberry sauce. For best results, avoid freezing baked brie with cranberries.
Reheating
To bring that melty magic back after storing, pop the leftover brie in a preheated oven at 350℉ for 8-10 minutes or until it’s warmed through and gooey again. Avoid microwaving as it can overcook or harden the cheese.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen cranberry sauce for this recipe?
Yes! Frozen cranberry sauce works perfectly once thawed. Just make sure it’s fully defrosted and drained of excess liquid to keep the toppings neat and prevent sogginess on the brie.
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Should I remove the rind before baking the brie?
Nope! The rind actually helps trap the cheese inside, keeping it wonderfully melty while baking. Removing it could cause the cheese to leak out and lose texture.
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How can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?
You can swap the brie for a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well and choose a vegan-friendly cranberry sauce to keep the dish festive yet dairy-free.
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What’s the best way to serve this at a party?
Serve the baked brie warm with plenty of crackers, sliced baguette, and maybe some fresh fruit. Having small knives or spreaders nearby makes it easy for guests to enjoy without mess.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Brie with Cranberries for Christmas Recipe is a true holiday crowd-pleaser that’s as simple to prepare as it is stunning to serve. I can’t wait for you to try it—it’s guaranteed to become a star on your festive table and bring smiles all around. Happy baking and happy holidays!
Print
Baked Brie with Cranberries for Christmas Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delightful Baked Brie with Cranberries recipe is a festive and easy appetizer perfect for Christmas gatherings. Creamy, melty brie cheese baked to perfection and topped with tangy homemade cranberry sauce and crunchy roasted pecans offers a wonderful contrast of flavors and textures. Garnished with fresh rosemary, this elegant dish is ideal for serving with crackers or bread at holiday parties.
Ingredients
Cheese
- 8 oz round brie cheese
Topping
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade recommended)
- 1 cup roasted pecans
Garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make transferring easier.
- Bake the brie: Place the whole round of brie cheese on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes until the cheese is soft and melty inside but the rind remains intact.
- Rest and transfer: Remove the brie from the oven and let it rest for 1-2 minutes. This brief resting period helps the cheese settle slightly for easier handling. Then transfer the baked brie carefully onto a serving platter.
- Add toppings and garnish: Spoon the cranberry sauce evenly over the top of the warm brie. Sprinkle roasted pecans on top and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for an aromatic touch.
- Serve immediately: Serve the baked brie warm with crackers, slices of bread, or your favorite dippers. Enjoy the melty, flavorful appetizer right away for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Do not remove the rind before baking; it helps keep the cheese melty inside and prevents it from leaking out.
- Avoid overbaking as the brie can harden and lose its creamy texture.
- Using parchment paper is crucial to easily transfer the hot brie from the baking sheet to a serving platter without sticking.
- To store leftovers, tightly cover the brie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- To reheat, place the covered brie in a preheated oven until warmed through and melty again.
