This Cranberry Baked Brie is my little slice of holiday heaven and ready in 20 minutes! The chipotle cranberry sauce gives it just the right kick, and it’s perfect with sliced apples and pecans.
This Baked Brie with Chipotle Cranberry Sauce offers a harmonious blend of creamy Brie and tart cranberries. The unexpected smoky kick from chipotle adds a unique twist.
The sweetness of honey and a hint of citrus from lemon zest balance the flavors. Paired with crunchy nuts, bread, and crisp apple slices, it’s a delightful explosion of textures and tastes. This combination is perfect for pleasing a crowd.
This Baked Brie with homemade cranberry sauce is the easiest appetizer for your Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year guests, or any holiday season gathering.
Table of Contents
Reasons to Love Baked Brie
- There’s something about the warm, gooey Brie in Cranberry Baked Brie that makes it irresistible, especially on a chilly day.
- This holiday appetizer pairs beautifully with a variety of dippers like apples, bread, and nuts, offering a delightful mix of textures in every bite.
Recipe Ingredients
- Wheel of Brie Cheese: Creamy and buttery with a rich, mild flavor.
- Cranberries: Tart and slightly sweet, they provide a fresh, fruity contrast to the rich Brie, adding vibrant color and a burst of flavor.
- Chipotle Pepper: Smoky and mildly spicy, it introduces a subtle heat.
For a full list of ingredients and amounts, see the recipe card below.
Variations
- Add-Ins: Toasted pistachios, almonds, or walnuts add a nice crunch, and a sprinkle of dried apricots or figs, brings a sweet, chewy texture. A balsamic glaze drizzle ties everything together with a rich, tangy finish.
- Garnish Options: Herb garnishes like fresh rosemary or thyme add an aromatic touch.
How to Make Cranberry Baked Brie
Step #1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Place the Brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until soft.
Step #2: Meanwhile, place the cranberries, water, sugar, and chipotle pepper in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Turn the heat down to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, until the berries have softened and the sauce is thick.
Step #3: Top the baked Brie with the honey, followed by the cranberry mixture and lemon zest. Serve with an assortment of nuts, bread, and sliced apples for dipping.
Expert Tips
- Score the Brie: Lightly score the top of the Brie with a knife before baking. This allows the toppings to seep into the cheese, enhancing the flavor and presentation.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Before baking, lightly brush the Brie with an egg wash (a beaten egg with a splash of water). This helps achieve a beautiful, golden-brown crust on the Brie, adding a slight sheen and enhancing its presentation.
- Use Parchment Paper: It’s super tricky to remove Brie without parchment paper. When baked, the Brie is filled with melty cheese, and moving it around can get messy, especially once the rind is cut. To avoid a mess, always bake it on parchment paper to make transferring the Brie to a serving dish much easier.
FAQs
Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup, brown sugar, or agave nectar. Maple syrup adds a richer sweetness, while agave is more neutral. Either option will work well in the recipe.
Cranberry Baked Brie is best served warm, straight from the oven. Pair it with sliced apples, crusty bread, crackers, or nuts for dipping. It’s perfect as an appetizer or a centerpiece on a charcuterie board!
Storage Info
To store Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. Freezing isn’t the best option since it can change the texture.
If you need to reheat, simply place it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes until it’s warm and gooey again. Skip the microwave to keep that perfect creamy texture!
Cranberry Baked Brie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 16- ounce round brie
- 2 cups whole cranberries - rinsed
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 small dried chipotle pepper - de-seeded and minced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Zest from one lemon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Place the Brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until soft.
- Meanwhile, place the cranberries, water, sugar, and chipotle pepper in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Turn the heat down to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, until the berries have softened and the sauce is thick.
- Top the baked Brie with the honey, followed by the cranberry mixture and lemon zest. Serve with an assortment of nuts, bread, and sliced apples for dipping.
NOTES
Nutrition
Loved the creamy brie with the smoky cranberry sauce, such a good combo.