This cranberry baked brie is infused with a balsamic glaze and takes less than 15 minutes to make. It's a holiday appetizer that we always reach for whenever we want something simple, quick, impressive, and delicious!
The holidays are my favorite time as a chef since I adore making appetizers. They're just a fun way to eat, and I'll often make a big spread with just holiday bites. For cheeses, I'll make this cranberry baked brie and/or a baked camembert. And when I want something upscale and impressive, beef wellington bites are always a hit.
Why You'll Love Cranberry Baked Brie
- It's a great holiday appetizer: Holidays are always a fun time for anyone who loves to cook (as long as you keep it stress-free). There are so many opportunities to host parties and get-togethers, take a dish to work or school or to a neighbor "just because", or just to treat yourself! A nice bottle of wine goes so well with Brie and it can keep a lot of party-people happy.
- It's quick & easy to make: This recipe is about as simple as you can get and it's incredibly versatile, too. It's just 5 ingredients and takes less than 15 minutes to make.
- Versatile: Sometimes I skip the brie-baking entirely and just top it with the warm, roasted balsamic cranberries (as seen in the images). Other times I'll make the cranberries in advance then simply bring to room temperature before serving.
- The sauce is to die for: The roasted cranberry sauce is both tart and sweet, and balances the rich, buttery flavor of the brie cheese. I've served this cranberry balsamic glaze in place of cranberry sauce and everyone always loves it.
Ingredients
- Brie cheese wedge or wheel: Use your favorite brand of Brie (I'm a fan of Trader Joe's brie). This recipe calls for a 16-ounce wedge, but the recipe is easy to adjust to any size.
- Fresh cranberries: I recommend using fresh cranberries as they provide the best flavor, but you can use frozen cranberries in a pinch. You'll need to thaw them first in a colander so the liquid drains off, then gently pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Granulated sugar: Cranberries are tart, so adding some sugar will sweeten things up!
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: Mix together sugar and balsamic vinegar, then toss the cranberries in mixture to coat.
- Roast the cranberry sauce: Roast the cranberries for about 5 minutes.
- Bake the sauce & cheese: Stir the cranberries then bake both the cranberries and cheese for 5 more minutes.
- Cool and add topping: Cool for a few minutes then place the brie on serving tray and top with roasted balsamic cranberries.
More Topping Ideas
This easy recipe is great on its own, but here are a few more delicious toppings to consider adding or substituting to make it your own unique appetizer:
- Nuts: Add a crunchy contrast to the sweetness with chopped nuts such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, macadamia or pistachios.
- Sweetness: Drizzle with hot honey or maple syrup.
- Jams, jellies and fruit compotes: Use a cranberry jam instead of fresh (no need to roast it!) or another flavor (raspberry would be fantastic).
- Fruit: Try other fresh fruits like raspberry, cranberry, cherry, strawberry, apricot, or figs.
- Caramelized onions: Why do caramelized onions work so well with just about everything? Add some to a small dish on the side so people can add them as they like.
- Herbs and garlic: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme add another layer of flavor. I use thyme just as a garnish, but adding some chopped fresh thyme to the cranberry mixture would be delicious.
- Pancetta or crumbled bacon: Crispy pancetta in a small dish next to the cranberry baked brie is a nice touch that's also really tasty.
Cranberry Baked Brie
Yield:
8-10 servings
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cook Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
15 minutes
This Cranberry Baked Brie is infused with a balsamic glaze and takes less than 15 minutes to make. It will become your go-to holiday appetizer!
Ingredients
- 1 (16oz) large wedge brie cheese, about a pound
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar or Truvia cane sugar
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- pinch kosher salt
- a few sprigs thyme, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Mix together sugar and balsamic vinegar; add cranberries and toss to coat. Pour cranberries onto sheet pan and roast for 5 minutes.
- Stir cranberries and place back in oven while also placing brie in oven at the same time on a separate sheet pan. Heat both for 5 minutes more.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes, then place brie on serving tray and top with roasted balsamic cranberries.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 207Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 295mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 1gSugar: 12gProtein: 10g
This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix.
Kristy Bernardo is a five-time cookbook author, travel writer, and culinary instructor who has been developing recipes for national brands since 2009. A former personal chef, she learned to cook from her mother and grandmother before refining her skills at the Culinary Institute of America’s Boot Camp.
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Carol says
Well this recipe popped up for me at the right time! I was looking for a way to incorporate cranberries with brie for a party I am going to tomorrow. This looks delicious!
Serena says
I love brie and the roasted balsamic cranberries sound like an amazing combo! I can't wait to make it!
Ashley says
The flavors here sound amazing together!! Have to try this!
Michelle | A Dish of Daily Life says
I absolutely love baked brie...this looks divine! Perfect holiday appetizer!
Kristy Bernardo says
Thank you, Michelle!
Nancy Anderso says
Sounds good, just want to know if I make it early can I heat up later
Kristy Bernardo says
Absolutely, Nancy! I would just serve it all at room temperature if you've already made the cranberries. Happy Thanksgiving!
Elena says
Baked brie is such a treat! And I love the idea of balsamic cranberries. Yum!
Kristy Bernardo says
Isn't it?? Such a great holiday appetizer. Thanks, Elena!
Chrisy says
Such a perfect holiday appetizer 😀 Pinning!
Kristy Bernardo says
Thanks so much, Chrisy!
Gwen @simplyhealthyfamily says
YUM!! I'm totally going to make this for our house warming party!
Kristy Bernardo says
That's awesome, Gwen! Thanks 🙂
heather says
I don't think you can get any better when it comes to an appetizer; baked brie is always a winner, and I LOVE that balsamic
Kristy Bernardo says
Thanks, heather!
kaitie says
i want that right now! That looks delicious and i love the flavour combinations with the balsamic and cranberries, and the smooth cheese to mellow it out! great appetizer!
Kristy Bernardo says
Thanks, kaitie!
Christie says
Love the balsamic cranberries on top of the baked brie - creamy, salty, sweet and sour all in the same bite. Yum!
Kristy Bernardo says
Thanks, Christie!
Kristen says
What a PERFECT appetizer. Creamy, tart, loved by all and EASY!!
Kristy Bernardo says
Thanks, Kristen!
Marye says
I absolutely love Brie, this looks so good!
Kristy Bernardo says
Thanks, Marye!
Kathryn | FoodieGirlChicgao says
I love baked brie and your version with cranberries sounds delicious - the perfect holiday appetizer!!
Kristy Bernardo says
Thanks, Kathryn!