Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe – Easy Holiday Appetizer
Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce recipe is a show-stopping appetizer perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any special occasion. This dish combines creamy, gooey brie cheese with the sweet and tart flavor of cranberry sauce, all encased in flaky, golden puff pastry. It’s easy to prepare, yet it looks elegant and tastes absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself, this recipe brings together beautiful textures and flavors in every bite.
Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Recipe – Easy Holiday Appetizer
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Sugar: 9g
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Active Time: 15 minutes
- Resting Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisines: French-inspired, American
- Course: Appetizer
- Servings: 6-8 servings
- Calories: 290 kcal per serving
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin (if needed for pastry)
- Sharp knife
- Small mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) wheel of brie cheese
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
- Optional garnish: fresh rosemary, thyme, or walnuts
- Crackers, sliced baguette, or apple slices for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. - Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Place the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out gently to smooth any creases if needed. - Assemble the Brie:
- Place the brie wheel in the center of the puff pastry.
- Spoon the cranberry sauce on top of the brie, spreading it evenly. If you want extra flavor, sprinkle fresh thyme or crushed walnuts on top of the cranberry sauce.
- Wrap the Brie:
- Fold the edges of the puff pastry over the brie and cranberry sauce, gathering and pressing to seal. Trim any excess pastry if needed.
- Optional: Use extra pastry to create decorative shapes like stars or leaves to place on top.
- Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush the entire surface of the puff pastry with the egg wash to achieve a golden, shiny crust. - Bake:
Transfer the wrapped brie onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crisp. - Rest and Serve:
Remove the baked brie from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the cheese to settle. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with fresh rosemary, thyme, or walnuts. - Serve Warm:
Serve the baked brie with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or apple slices for dipping. Enjoy immediately while the brie is warm and gooey.
Tips
- Substitute for Cranberry Sauce: If cranberry sauce isn’t available, you can use raspberry jam, fig spread, or apricot preserves.
- Make it Ahead: Assemble the baked brie and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 day before baking. Just brush with egg wash and bake when ready.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this baked brie with a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay, to complement the creamy cheese and tart cranberry flavors.
Enjoy this decadent Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce as the star appetizer of your holiday table! It’s simple, elegant, and loved by all.
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.