Gooey Baked Brie with Honey-Balsamic Cranberry Sauce Recipe

A golden wheel of creamy brie with honey-balsamic cranberry sauce beckons cheese lovers everywhere.

Melted edges promise pure indulgence with minimal effort.

Rustic charm meets sophisticated flavor in this simple yet elegant appetizer.

Seasonal cranberries add vibrant color and tangy brightness to the rich, buttery cheese.

Entertaining becomes delightfully easy when you can whip up such an impressive dish.

Crusty bread or crisp crackers make perfect companions for this irresistible starter.

Prepare to wow your guests with a showstopping appetizer that feels like a gourmet celebration.

Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce Ingredients

• Brie Cheese: Soft and creamy French cheese perfect for baking.

• Cranberries: Tart berries that create a vibrant holiday sauce.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that balances cranberry tartness.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Rich and tangy liquid that adds depth.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweet caramel-like complexity.

• Pecans, Pomegranate Seeds: Crunchy and fresh additions for texture.
• Fresh Rosemary: Optional herb that provides aromatic brightness.

• Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface for easy baking.
• Crackers, Baguette Slices, Fresh Fruit: Serving suggestions for dipping and enjoying.

Brie Baking Guide with Cranberry Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Fire up the oven to a cozy 350°F so it’s ready for your cheesy adventure.

Step 2: Unleash the Brie

Place the whole Brie wheel right in the center of your prepared baking sheet. Let it bake for 15-20 minutes until it’s gloriously soft and just starting to melt around the edges.

Step 3: Craft Cranberry Magic

• Fresh cranberries
• Honey
• Balsamic vinegar
• Brown sugar

Simmer the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Watch the cranberries burst and transform into a luscious sauce that will make your taste buds dance. Cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 4: Dress the Brie

Carefully transfer the melted Brie to a beautiful serving dish. Generously spoon the warm cranberry sauce over the top, letting it cascade down the sides of the cheese.

Step 5: Add Gorgeous Garnishes

• Chopped pecans
• Pomegranate seeds
• Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional but recommended)

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Present your masterpiece with an array of accompaniments like crispy crackers, crusty baguette slices, or fresh seasonal fruit. Invite friends to dive in while it’s warm and irresistible.

Brie Tips That Make Cranberry Balsamic Flavor Pop

• Select Quality Cheese: Choose a full-fat, ripe Brie wheel that feels soft when gently pressed for the best melting texture and rich flavor.
• Control Melting Time: Watch the Brie closely while baking to prevent overcooking; remove from oven when edges start to bubble but before cheese completely collapses.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Stir cranberry sauce frequently and adjust heat to create a thick, glossy sauce that coats the back of a spoon without being too runny or dry.
• Elevate Presentation: Arrange garnishes like pecans and pomegranate seeds strategically around the cheese to create visual interest and add delightful texture contrast.
• Serve Temperature Matters: Enjoy the Brie immediately after baking for optimal creaminess, ensuring guests experience the luxurious, warm melted cheese at its peak moment.

Keep Baked Brie With Cranberry Sauce Delicious Later

• Store leftover Brie with cranberry sauce in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the cheese covered to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the Brie tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Note that the texture might slightly change upon thawing.
• Preheat oven to 300°F, place Brie on parchment-lined baking sheet, warm for 5-7 minutes until cheese softens. Watch carefully to prevent overheating.
• Heat in 10-15 second intervals on low power, checking consistency to ensure even warming without melting completely.

Flavor Partners for Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce

• Pair Rustic Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais that complements the creamy brie and tangy cranberry sauce with its fruity undertones.
• Combine Crisp Sparkling Beverage: Choose a sparkling white wine or champagne to cut through the rich cheese and provide a refreshing contrast with its effervescent character.
• Match Artisan Craft Cocktail: Create an herbal gin-based cocktail with rosemary or thyme to echo the herb garnish and enhance the complex flavor profile of the baked brie.
• Balance Sweet Dessert Wine: Select a late-harvest Riesling or port wine that matches the sweetness of the honey-balsamic cranberry sauce while providing a luxurious drinking experience.

Baked Brie Flavor Spins

• Vegan Cheese Alternative: Replace Brie with dairy-free cashew cheese or almond-based soft cheese, using plant-based honey substitute and coconut oil.
• Gluten-Free Option: Serve with gluten-free crackers or vegetable crudités instead of traditional bread, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Sugar Version: Swap brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener, use sugar-free honey alternative, and reduce overall sauce sweetness while maintaining flavor complexity.
• Mediterranean Remix: Substitute cranberries with roasted red pepper spread, add za'atar spice blend, and use olive oil drizzle for a Middle Eastern-inspired appetizer.

FAQs

• What ingredients do I need to make this Baked Brie recipe?

You’ll need a wheel of Brie cheese, fresh cranberries, honey, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, pecans, pomegranate seeds, and optional fresh rosemary for garnish.

• Can I substitute any ingredients if I don't have exactly what the recipe calls for?

Yes, you can use dried cranberries instead of fresh, maple syrup instead of honey, and walnuts instead of pecans. Just keep the proportions similar.

• Is this recipe good for entertaining guests?

Absolutely! It’s an impressive appetizer that looks elegant but is actually quite simple to prepare. The combination of warm, melted Brie with the sweet-tangy cranberry sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser.

• How long can I prepare the cranberry sauce ahead of time?

You can make the cranberry sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before serving over the Brie.

The Crowd Appeal of Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce

• Wow Guests with Minimal Effort: This baked Brie recipe requires simple ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks at any experience level.
• Create Stunning Appetizer: The vibrant cranberry sauce and elegant presentation transform this dish into a showstopping starter that looks professionally prepared, despite being incredibly easy to make.
• Holiday Party Perfect: Bursting with seasonal flavors like cranberries, honey, and rosemary, this recipe becomes an instant crowd-pleaser for festive gatherings and special celebrations.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair with multiple accompaniments like crackers, baguette slices, or fresh fruit, ensuring flexibility for different dietary preferences and making it adaptable for various entertaining scenarios.

Baked Brie With Honey-Balsamic Cranberry Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Savory baked brie with honey-balsamic cranberry sauce brings Mediterranean elegance to holiday gatherings. Creamy cheese melts beneath tart cranberry glaze, offering sophisticated comfort perfect for sharing with guests.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Cheese:

• 1 round brie cheese (about 8 ounces / 226 grams)

Fruits and Nuts:

• 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
• Fresh rosemary (optional, for garnish)

Sauce and Sweeteners:

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

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Instructions

1. Arrange the baking sheet with a parchment paper liner, creating a pristine surface for the cheese preparation.
2. Position the wheel of Brie centrally on the prepared baking surface, allowing it to melt gracefully in the preheated oven at 350°F for approximately 15-20 minutes until luxuriously soft.
3. Simultaneously craft the vibrant cranberry sauce by combining tart cranberries, golden honey, rich balsamic vinegar, and deep brown sugar in a compact saucepan, encouraging the ingredients to simmer and meld together over medium heat.
4. Gently coax the cranberries to burst and release their crimson essence, stirring periodically until the mixture transforms into a luscious, thick compote with a glossy finish.
5. Carefully extract the molten Brie from the oven, transferring it to an elegant serving platter with precision.
6. Cascade the warm cranberry sauce over the cheese, allowing it to elegantly drape and pool around the creamy wheel.
7. Enhance the presentation by scattering a constellation of chopped pecans and jewel-like pomegranate seeds across the surface.
8. For an aromatic flourish, delicately sprinkle fresh rosemary sprigs to elevate the visual and sensory experience.
9. Accompany the dish with an array of crisp crackers, rustic baguette slices, or a selection of fresh seasonal fruits for a complete gustatory journey.

Notes

• Choose a high-quality, creamy Brie wheel with a soft rind for the best melting texture and rich flavor profile.
• Let the Brie sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking to ensure even melting and smooth consistency.
• Stir the cranberry sauce frequently to prevent burning and achieve a perfect jammy thickness that coats the cheese beautifully.
• Swap honey for maple syrup to make the recipe vegan-friendly, and use gluten-free crackers for those with wheat sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg