Written by Sarah Miller
Cranberry Brie Bake is the recipe everyone wants at holiday parties. You know when guests just keep hanging around the appetizer table? Looks familiar, right? That’s definitely what happens whenever I serve it. Folks go back for seconds, sometimes even thirds! If you’re tired of bringing boring snacks that barely get touched, say hello to big flavor with almost no effort.
Hey, speaking of holiday winners, you could also check out this killer recipe for oven baked parmesan brussels sprouts or dive into crowd-pleasing easy roasted green beans next time you need inspiration.
Why You’ll Love It
Okay, listen up: if there’s one thing to love about this dish, it’s gotta be the simplicity. I’m talking just a handful of ingredients, hardly any cleanup, and you guessed it total wow factor. Plus, even the pickiest eaters seem to rave about it. Warm, creamy, gooey Brie matched with tangy cranberry sauce… it just screams comfort (with a little fancy thrown in).
Seriously, I know someone who “doesn’t really like cheese” they took a bite and practically claimed the entire wheel for themselves. I can’t promise you won’t have leftovers because, frankly, there never are.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brie Cheese | 1 round (about 8 oz) | Don’t remove the rind for best flavor. |
| Cranberry Sauce | 1 cup | Use homemade or store-bought. |
| Puff Pastry | 1 sheet | Thaw before use for easy folding. |
| Chopped Nuts | Optional | Pecans or walnuts add great crunch. If serving to guests with allergies, review the FDA Food Allergens guidance |
| Fresh Herbs | Optional | Rosemary or thyme for enhanced flavor. |
Key Ingredients for Baked Brie
Alright, nothing fancy here, just a short trip to the store. You’ll need a round of Brie cheese (don’t bother removing the rind, it’s part of the magic), a jar of cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought, it truly does not matter in a pinch), and a bit of puff pastry if you want that extra crunch. Honestly, toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme if you’re feeling special. But really, it’s those three little basics that create absolute joy on a platter.
Regular, everyday stuff that turns out five-star restaurant fancy in your own kitchen. That cracks me up every time.
How to Make Baked Brie
So here’s how it goes. First, let your puff pastry rest on the counter for about 30 minutes so it folds easily, then plop your Brie wheel right in the middle. Slap a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce on top. Fold up the edges of the pastry, don’t stress if it looks lumpy or weird, it bakes up pretty anyway. Give it a quick brush with beaten egg (makes it shiny like a bakery treat). Into the oven it goes, about 20 to 25 minutes at 400°F, or until it’s golden and melty. You can smell it when it’s ready, your kitchen will smell like a holiday bakery, trust me.
Give it a couple minutes to rest before digging in or you’ll get a molten cheese eruption… which honestly isn’t the end of the world. If you’re a visual learner, check out how to shop for brie at the Mediterranean Salad Essentials page.
What To Serve With Cranberry Baked Brie
You really don’t need to overthink sides, but here’s a couple quick ideas:
- Crusty baguette slices (my personal go-to)
- Crackers, especially the sea salt or rosemary kind
- Sliced apples or pears for a sweet crisp contrast
- If your crowd likes a little kick, toss some roasted nuts on the side
For another fun and festive party bite, try these Deliciously Fun Mini Cheese Balls For Every Occasion.
Everyone usually huddles around and scoops up whatever’s handy. Oh, pro tip: hide a piece for yourself because it will disappear in a flash.
More Brie Recipes to Try
If you’ve fallen in love with this cranberry brie bake, you’re not alone. Brie is incredibly versatile and, honestly, sometimes I just eat it on seeded bread with a big drizzle of honey.
There are so many fun spins to try. Wrap your brie in puff pastry with apricot jam and slivered almonds for a totally different vibe. Or swap out the cranberry for fig jam and throw in walnuts for a sweet-and-earthy punch. Oh, and don’t miss the crispy roasted eggplant recipe if you love veggie-forward snacks as much as I do. Brie’s creamy texture always wins folks over, no matter the combo.
Common Questions
Do I remove the rind from the Brie?
Nope! The rind is totally safe to eat. It keeps the cheese from turning into a complete puddle and gives that trademark earthy flavor.
Can I prep this ahead?
Yep, assemble early and store in the fridge. Bake it right before serving so everything’s gooey and fresh.
What if I don’t have puff pastry?
No worries. Just bake the Brie with cranberry sauce on top without the pastry. It’ll still taste divine—just pop it onto a baking dish and let it go.
Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
You bet! Homemade usually has a deeper flavor. Just make sure it’s nice and thick so it doesn’t slide off everywhere.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you skip or substitute the pastry for a gluten-free option, yes. Serve with gluten-free crackers and you’re golden.
Ready for Your Best Holiday Appetizer Yet?
This cranberry brie bake ticks all the boxes. Tasty, crazy easy, and guaranteed to get people talking (and munching). If you wanna see how other folks put their twist on it, peek at this stellar Cranberry Baked Brie (Easy Holiday Appetizer!) recipe, or explore another approach with this popular Baked Brie With Cranberry Sauce Recipe (Best Holiday Appetizer …). Every kitchen has its own take, but the end goal is the same—happy, smiling faces and an empty plate. Go ahead, take the plunge, and let me know if your family devours it as fast as mine does!
Cranberry Brie Bake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 round (about 8 oz) Brie Cheese Don’t remove the rind for best flavor.
- 1 cup Cranberry Sauce Use homemade or store-bought.
- 1 sheet Puff Pastry Thaw before use for easy folding.
Optional Ingredients
- to taste Chopped Nuts Pecans or walnuts add great crunch.
- to taste Fresh Herbs Rosemary or thyme for enhanced flavor.
Instructions
Preparation and Baking
- Let the puff pastry rest on the counter for about 30 minutes to soften.
- Place the Brie wheel in the center of the puff pastry.
- Spoon a generous amount of cranberry sauce on top of the Brie.
- Fold up the edges of the puff pastry around the Brie, making sure it is nicely enclosed.
- Brush the wrapped Brie with beaten egg for a shiny finish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (about 200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving to avoid molten cheese spills.