Festive Christmas Baked Cranberry Brie Recipe That Wows Guests

Warmth radiates through every festive christmas baked cranberry brie slice, promising a delectable journey into holiday indulgence.

Soft cheese melts beneath a ruby-red cranberry blanket, creating a stunning appetizer that sparks conversation.

Rustic charm meets elegant flavors in this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, promising a memorable culinary experience that delights your senses.

Guests will marvel at the rich, tangy combination of creamy brie and tart cranberries.

Perfectly balanced and incredibly easy to prepare, this recipe transforms ordinary gatherings into extraordinary celebrations.

Your next holiday party needs this showstopping appetizer that blends tradition with modern culinary creativity.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this recipe festive?

The combination of cranberry sauce, honey, pecans, and rosemary creates a classic holiday flavor profile that feels warm and celebratory, perfectly capturing the Christmas spirit.

• Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or sliced almonds work wonderfully as alternatives and will still provide a delicious crunch to complement the creamy Brie.

• Is this recipe good for entertaining?

Yes, this Brie appetizer is perfect for holiday gatherings. It’s visually appealing, easy to prepare, and looks impressive with minimal effort. Guests will love the gooey cheese and sweet-savory topping.

• How do I know when the Brie is perfectly baked?

The Brie is ready when it looks soft and slightly puffy, and the top is golden. When you gently press the center, it should feel soft and yielding, indicating it’s perfectly melted and ready to serve.

Baked Cranberry Brie Details That Steal the Show

• Whip Up Holiday Magic: Impress friends and family with a show-stopping appetizer that looks sophisticated but takes minimal effort to prepare.
• Savor Festive Flavors: Combine sweet cranberry sauce, rich honey, and creamy Brie for a mouthwatering taste explosion that captures the essence of holiday indulgence.
• Quick and Easy Entertaining: Prepare this delectable dish in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or spontaneous holiday get-togethers.
• Create Memorable Moments: Elevate your holiday spread with a gorgeous, aromatic appetizer that sparks conversation and brings people together around the table.

Cranberry Baked Brie Ingredients

• Brie: Creamy and rich French cheese that melts beautifully.

• Cranberry Sauce: Sweet and tangy holiday favorite.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that complements the cranberry.

• Pecans, Rosemary Sprig: Adds crunch and herbal aroma.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking during baking.

• Crackers, Baguette: Perfect for scooping melted cheese.

Baking Christmas Cranberry Brie with Style

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F. Get that baking sheet lined with parchment paper ready for cheesy magic.

Step 2: Prepare the Brie Centerpiece

Gently place the whole Brie wheel on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, create a playful crisscross pattern across the top of the cheese, letting it breathe and absorb all the festive flavors.

Step 3: Create the Cranberry Bliss Mixture

• Cranberry sauce
• Honey
• A pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Stir until the ingredients dance together in perfect holiday harmony.

Step 4: Dress the Brie

Lovingly spread the cranberry-honey mixture over the scored Brie, making sure every inch gets some festive love.

Step 5: Add Nutty Crunch

Sprinkle a generous handful of chopped pecans across the top, creating a delightful textural contrast.

Step 6: Herb It Up

Crown your creation with a delicate sprig of fresh rosemary, adding a touch of woodland elegance.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Let the Brie transform for 15-20 minutes until it becomes a molten pool of cheesy goodness.

Step 8: Serve and Celebrate

• Crisp crackers
• Sliced baguette
• Apple slices
• Crostini

Watch as your guests dive into this irresistible holiday treat that screams festive cheer!

Brie Baking Tips That Highlight That Cranberry Swirl

• Select Quality Brie: Choose a soft, creamy wheel of Brie at room temperature for best melting results.
• Control Baking Time: Watch carefully to prevent over-melting; remove from oven when edges start bubbling and center softens.
• Enhance Flavor Combinations: Experiment with different honey varieties like lavender or wildflower to complement the cranberry sauce.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for homemade cranberry sauce or high-quality store-bought sauce for richer, more authentic holiday flavor.
• Serve Smart: Arrange on a festive wooden board with assorted crackers, fresh herbs, and additional whole pecans for an elegant presentation.

Reheating and Storing Christmas Baked Cranberry Brie

• Store leftover Brie in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping it covered to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the cooled Brie tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag, where it can be stored for 1-2 months without losing significant texture.
• Restore the Brie's gooey texture by warming at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, ensuring it's covered with foil to prevent burning and maintain moisture.
• Zap small portions on medium power for 20-30 seconds, watching carefully to avoid overheating and maintaining the creamy consistency.

What to Pair with Cranberry Baked Brie

• Pair with Mulled Wine: Warm, spiced red wine perfectly complements the rich, tangy Brie and sweet cranberry flavors, creating a cozy holiday taste experience.
• Rustic Bread Selection: Choose crusty sourdough, artisan whole grain, or traditional French baguette slices to provide delightful textural contrast and enhance the creamy cheese.
• Holiday Cocktail Match: Create a festive cranberry martini or pomegranate cosmopolitan that echoes the cranberry notes while adding a sophisticated alcoholic touch to the appetizer.
• Sparkling Prosecco Pairing: Light, crisp Italian sparkling wine cuts through the Brie's richness and provides effervescent elegance that elevates the entire appetizer's flavor profile.

Cranberry Brie Bake Twists

• Vegan Cheese Alternative: Replace traditional Brie with a plant-based soft cheese like Miyoko's or Violife, using cranberry compote and maple syrup for a similar festive flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Serve with gluten-free crackers or crisp vegetable slices instead of traditional bread, ensuring everyone can enjoy the appetizer.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use fresh cranberries cooked with stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of honey, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining a tangy flavor profile.
• Nut-Free Adaptation: Skip pecans and replace with toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a crunchy topping that's safe for those with nut allergies.

Christmas Baked Cranberry Brie Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Festive holiday appetizers meet pure indulgence with Christmas Baked Cranberry Brie, a luxurious blend of creamy French cheese and tangy seasonal berries. Melted brie wrapped in golden pastry delivers rich winter warmth that delights guests and adds elegant charm to seasonal gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 wheel brie cheese
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) cranberry sauce

Garnish Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) honey
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) chopped pecans
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary

Serving Accompaniments:

• Crackers
• Sliced baguette

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Instructions

1. Carefully position the creamy Brie wheel on a parchment-covered baking tray, ensuring a stable surface for melting.
2. Create delicate crosshatch incisions across the Brie’s surface, allowing the sweet-tart cranberry mixture to penetrate deeply.
3. Whisk together vibrant cranberry sauce and golden honey in a small mixing vessel, blending the festive flavors harmoniously.
4. Lavishly drape the crimson-hued cranberry-honey glaze over the Brie’s exposed surface, coating it generously.
5. Artfully scatter toasted, roughly chopped pecans across the glossy top, adding a delightful crunch and nutty dimension.
6. Crown the culinary creation with a fragrant rosemary sprig, imparting an aromatic herbal essence.
7. Slide the prepared Brie into a preheated oven, maintained at 350°F, allowing it to transform into a molten, inviting centerpiece.
8. Monitor the cheese carefully, removing when it reaches a lusciously soft and irresistibly gooey consistency, typically within 15-20 minutes.
9. Present immediately alongside crisp crackers or elegantly sliced baguette, inviting guests to indulge in this luxurious holiday appetizer.

Notes

• Opt for high-quality, creamy Brie cheese to ensure a smooth, luxurious texture that melts perfectly.
• Choose homemade or artisanal cranberry sauce for a more vibrant, fresh flavor profile that elevates the dish.
• Swap pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds for different taste variations and added crunch.
• Create a gluten-free version by serving with gluten-free crackers or vegetable crudités for a lighter appetizer option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg