The key to this delicious baked brie is often using a small amount of something extra to give it extra depth of flavour. In this case we have used a little orange zest mixed into our cranberry sauce. This gives the brie a nice zing and enhances the tartness of the cranberries. This is a great appetiser and has a lovely gooey texture with a sweet and savoury taste. Easy to make!
Baked Brie with cranberry
This warm, gooey brie, crowned with vibrant cranberry and a hint of citrus, is the ultimate crowd-pleasing delight.
Ingredients
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- 1 (8-ounce) wheel of Brie cheese
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- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned whole berry)
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- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about half an orange)
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- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
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- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
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- Crackers, apple slices, or baguette for serving
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Necessary Utensils & Equipment
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- Small baking dish or oven-safe skillet (like a small cast iron pan)
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- Parchment paper (optional, for easier cleanup)
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- Mixing bowl
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- Spoon
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- Measuring cups and spoons
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- Cutting board
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- Paring knife or cheese knife
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- Microplane or fine grater (for orange zest)
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Instructions
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- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re using parchment paper, line your baking dish or skillet.
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- Carefully remove the brie from its packaging. You can leave the rind on; it helps hold the cheese together and is perfectly edible. Place the brie wheel in the center of your prepared baking dish.
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- In a small mixing bowl, combine the cranberry sauce and orange zest. If you’re using them, stir in the chopped pecans/walnuts and brown sugar.
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- Spoon the cranberry mixture generously over the top of the brie wheel, spreading it evenly.
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- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the brie is visibly softened, gooey, and beginning to bubble slightly around the edges. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks like it’s about to burst out of its rind!
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- Carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to serve without it running everywhere.
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- Serve warm directly from the baking dish with your choice of crackers, baguette slices, or fresh apple slices. Dig in and enjoy!
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What To Do with Your Baked Brie
Getting this right is key. Whilst it’s difficult to get wrong, there are a few things you can do to take your baked brie the extra mile.
The first time I made baked brie, I was super excited and cooked it for too long. It exploded in the oven! Whilst it was still tasty, it definitely wasn’t as picture perfect as I would have liked. This taught me to keep an eye on the timer (and the cheese!). You want it to be gooey but not fully melted.
Choosing Your Brie Wisely
Any decent quality brie can be used here. An eight ounce wheel is usually perfect for six to eight people. If you are using a smaller wheel it will take less time to cook and if you’re using a bigger wheel you will need to add a few extra minutes.
No need to remove the rind! You can eat it and gives the brie it’s special texture and extra flavour. The rind also makes a little edible dish to hold your melted cheese.
Flavor Variations to Try
This recipe is a canvas for your creativity! If cranberries aren’t your jam, or you just want to switch things up, here are some ideas:
- Fig Jam & Thyme: Use a good quality fig jam, and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the top before baking. It’s a sophisticated combination.
- Apple & Caramel: Thinly slice an apple, arrange it on top of the brie, and drizzle with a little caramel sauce (or just a spoonful of brown sugar) before baking.
- Pesto & Sun-Dried Tomato: For a savory twist, spread a layer of pesto, then top with chopped sun-dried tomatoes. You could even add a few pine nuts.
- Honey & Walnuts: Simply drizzle honey over the brie, then sprinkle with chopped walnuts. This is a classic for a reason!
Pro Tip: For easy slicing and less mess, place your brie in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes before baking. A slightly chilled brie holds its shape better, especially if you plan to score the top or wrap it in puff pastry.
Serving Suggestions Beyond Crackers
While crackers and baguette slices are the go-to, try these other options:
- Fresh Fruit: Crisp apple slices, pear slices, or even grapes offer a refreshing counterpoint to the rich cheese.
- Vegetable Sticks: Think carrot sticks, celery, or bell pepper strips for a healthy crunch.
- Toasted Crostini: Brush baguette slices with olive oil and toast them until golden brown for a fancy touch.
Storing and Reheating
If you have any leftovers (which isn’t too common), wrap your baking dish tightly with cling film and store in the fridge. Baked brie can be tricky to reheat and can become very dry.
The best option would be to place in an oven that has been preheated to 300°F/150°C for around 5-10 mins until it becomes gooey again. Keep an eye on it whilst reheating. If you are short on time you could use the microwave on a low setting, though this may affect the texture.
This dish is very easy to play around with, there is a lot of forgiveness. What is your favourite way to eat baked brie?
