This warm baked brie topped with sweet cranberries is a crowd-pleaser! The creamy cheese melts just right, making every bite feel cozy and special.
Honestly, it’s so easy to whip up. I just pop the brie in the oven and let the magic happen while I snack on crackers. Perfect for sharing with friends! 🧀❤️
Ingredients & Substitutions
Brie Cheese: The star of this dish! Use a soft, creamy brie for the best melt. If you’re looking for a lighter option, camembert works well too. You can even try a vegan cheese alternative if needed.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries give a bright, tart flavor. However, if they’re out of season, use frozen cranberries—just don’t thaw them before cooking! Dried cranberries are a sweeter substitute, but they won’t provide the same texture.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard, but honey or maple syrup offers a natural sweetness. If you want a healthier twist, consider using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute. Adjust sweetness to your preference!
Thyme: This herbal note enhances the flavors beautifully. If thyme isn’t your thing, rosemary or even a bit of sage can add a lovely taste. Fresh herbs are preferred, but dried herbs can work too—just use less.
How Do You Bake Brie Without Making a Mess?
Baking brie can get messy if not done right! Here’s how to keep the deliciousness under control:
- **Use Parchment Paper:** Line your baking sheet or dish. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- **Watch the Time:** Bake until the brie is soft but not oozing out everywhere—about 10-15 minutes is perfect. Keep an eye on it!
- **Spoon the Topping Carefully:** After baking, gently spoon the cranberry mixture on top. Let the beautiful cheese shine through without spilling too much.
With these tips, you’ll have a stunning appetizer ready to impress!
Baked Brie With Cranberries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 round (8 oz) wheel of brie cheese
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 small baguette or round bread loaf for serving, cut into slices or cubes
- Honey (optional, for drizzling)
- Black pepper (optional, freshly ground)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious baked brie recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and another 10-15 minutes to bake. So, in roughly 30 minutes, you’ll have a warm, gooey, and flavorful appetizer ready to impress your guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your brie bakes evenly and gets perfectly melty while you prepare everything else.
2. Make the Cranberry Topping:
In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, water, orange juice, and orange zest. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally. Cook until the cranberries burst and the mix thickens slightly, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh thyme leaves. Set this aside to cool slightly while you prepare the brie.
3. Prepare the Brie:
Place the wheel of brie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a small oven-safe dish. This makes it easy to remove after baking and helps with cleanup too!
4. Bake the Brie:
Put the brie in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to soften and start melting but not leak out entirely—this will create a creamy texture as you enjoy it.
5. Top with Cranberries:
Once the brie is out of the oven, carefully spoon your warm cranberry mixture evenly over the top. It will look beautiful and inviting!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Transfer the baked brie onto a serving plate and sprinkle a few extra thyme leaves on top for that lovely touch. Serve immediately alongside sliced baguette or bread cubes for dipping. For an extra treat, drizzle some honey over the top and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper for added flavor.
Enjoy this warm, creamy baked brie topped with tart-sweet cranberries as a perfect appetizer or delightful snack for your next gathering!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While brie is the classic choice for this recipe, you can experiment with camembert or even a creamy goat cheese for a different flavor. Just keep an eye on baking time, as softer cheeses may melt faster.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Cranberries?
If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen cranberries work perfectly! Just use them straight from the freezer without thawing. Alternatively, you can substitute with dried cranberries, but reduce the sugar since they are sweeter.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cranberry topping a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, bake the brie as directed and then top it with the chilled cranberry mixture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftover baked brie, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds or warm it in the oven at a low temperature until it’s gooey again!
