Looking for an easy holiday appetizer that everyone will love? This baked cranberry brie with warm, gooey cheese, tart cranberries and candied nuts is loaded with holiday flavor!
There’s nothing like the combination of creamy brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and a crunchy nut topping to kick off a festive gathering. This appetizer recipe is easy to pull together, bakes in minutes, and is guaranteed to disappear fast.
Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to elevate a cozy evening, this baked cranberry brie is a must-try for the holidays!
Here's what you'll need
Here are the ingredients you'll need for this baked brie:
Ingredients
- Brie cheese wheel: A soft cheese with a mild, buttery flavor, creamy brie is the perfect base for this easy appetizer recipe. Use a whole wheel of brie so it holds its shape when baked. (If you use a wedge, the cheese will run out when it melts.)
- Fresh cranberries: For a quick, tangy cranberry sauce to top the brie.
- Walnuts: Candied walnuts add crunch and sweetness to the cranberry topping.
- Pistachios: Shelled whole or chopped pistachios add extra crunch and a pop of color.
- Honey: Used to cook the cranberries and for drizzling over the brie before serving.
- Rosemary: Adds a fragrant herb flavor to the cranberry mixture.
- Sugar: For caramelizing the walnuts.
Equipment
A brie baker is optional, but it makes serving straight from the oven a breeze. If you don’t have one, line a baking dish with parchment paper to make transferring the brie to a serving platter easier after baking.
How to make it
Here's how to put together this cranberry and brie appetizer.
Caramelize the walnuts: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring occasionally. Once fully melted and golden brown, add the walnuts. Stir quickly to coat the walnuts in caramel, then transfer them to a sheet of parchment paper to cool and harden.
Make the cranberry topping: Cook the fresh cranberries, honey, and rosemary in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to soften and burst. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Prep the brie: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the brie in a small oven-safe dish lined with parchment paper. Optional: slice off the top rind of the brie or score the top by making a crisscross pattern. Be sure to keep the sides intact so the cheese doesn’t run out while baking.
Top with cranberries and bake: Spoon the cranberry mixture on top of the brie, pressing gently to keep it in place. Bake until the brie is soft and gooey.
Top with honey and nuts: Remove the brie from the oven and drizzle it with extra honey. Top with the caramelized walnuts and sprinkle with pistachios.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with crackers, sliced baguette, or apple slices for dipping. And don’t forget to add a festive touch with a bubbly drink like this holiday mimosa cocktail.
Variations and Substitutes
Baked brie is an appetizer you can easily customize. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Fig jam: Replace the cranberry topping with fig jam for a sweeter flavor. Its notes of honey and slight seed crunch add complexity and texture.
- Different nuts: Try candied pecans or almonds in place of the walnuts and pistachios.
- Camembert: Substitute brie with camembert cheese for a similar creamy texture and stronger flavor.
- Canned cranberry sauce: For a shortcut version, swap fresh cranberries for store-bought whole cranberry sauce.
No matter how you make it, this cranberry baked brie recipe is sure to be a favorite at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner—or any holiday gathering!
More Easy Appetizer Recipes
Need more appetizer inspiration? These quick and easy recipes are perfect for your next gathering:
- Tortilla pinwheels: With an easy tuna salad filling, these pinwheels are perfect to make ahead for a party.
- Shrimp deviled eggs: A seafood twist on the classic deviled egg.
- Pumpkin cream cheese dip: A creamy, sweet dip featuring warm holiday spices. Serve with apple slices, pretzels or ginger snaps.
Baked Brie with Cranberries and Caramelized Walnuts
Ingredients
Caramelized Walnuts
- ¼ cup walnuts roughly chopped
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Cranberry Topping
- ½ cup fresh cranberries
- 2 tablespoons honey plus extra for drizzling
- 1 sprig of fresh rosemary or tablespoon finely chopped
Brie
- 1 8 oz round of Brie cheese
- ¼ cup shelled pistachios roughly chopped (for garnish)
- Crackers sliced baguette, or apple slices for serving
Instructions
- Caramelize the Walnuts: In a small skillet over medium heat, add ¼ cup granulated sugar and let it melt, stirring occasionally. Once the sugar is fully melted and turns golden brown, add the walnuts. Stir quickly to coat the walnuts in caramel, then transfer them to a sheet of parchment paper to cool and harden.
- Make the Cranberry Topping: In a small saucepan over medium heat, add fresh cranberries, 2 tablespoons honey, and rosemary. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cranberries begin to soften and burst, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prep the Brie: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the brie in a small oven-safe dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Assemble and Bake: Spoon the cranberry mixture on top of the brie, pressing gently to keep it in place. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the brie is softened and gooey.
- Finish with Honey and Nuts: Remove the brie from the oven and immediately drizzle it with extra honey. Top with the caramelized walnuts and sprinkle with pistachios.
- Serve: Serve warm with crackers, sliced baguette, or apple slices.
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