Cranberry Baked Brie with Honey
Are you ready to elevate your appetizer game with a recipe that's both incredibly simple and stunningly delicious? Let me introduce you to Cranberry Baked Brie with Honey, a dish that's as delightful to prepare as it is to serve.
This recipe combines the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of brie cheese with the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce, enhanced by the rustic crunch of walnuts and the natural sweetness of honey. Topped off with aromatic rosemary, it's a symphony of flavors and textures that is sure to captivate your taste buds.
Perfect for gatherings this holiday season, cozy winter nights, or even as a chic addition to your brunch spread, this baked brie is a crowd-pleaser. It's a versatile recipe that bridges the gap between gourmet and comfort food, making it ideal for both casual get-togethers and formal parties.
Not only does it look impressive when served, but the simplicity of its preparation also means you can enjoy more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen. So, let's roll up our sleeves and get ready to create a dish that will be the talking point of your table – Cranberry Baked Brie with Honey.
Not a cranberry fan? Try these Blueberry Brie Puffs instead!
Easy Cranberry Baked Brie with Honey
Ingredients
For the Baked Brie
8 oz. wheel of brie
¼ cup cranberry sauce
2 tablespoons dried cranberries
½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon honey, preferably local
2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
For Serving
French baguette, sliced and warmed
Fresh vegetables (baby carrots, celery, cucumber rounds)
Kitchen Tools Needed
Baking Sheet
Parchment Paper
Serving Platter
Cheese Knife
Small Saucepan (if making homemade cranberry sauce)
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Mixing Bowl (if mixing cranberry sauce)
How to Make Baked Bried
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a rimmed baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper.
Trim top rind of brie as desired (see tip below). Place the brie on the prepared baking dish and transfer it to the oven to bake for 10 minutes.
Remove brie from the oven. Spread the cranberry sauce on top of the cheese, followed by the dried cranberries and walnuts. Drizzle with honey and top with fresh rosemary.
Return brie in the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes or until all the toppings are warm and the brie is heated to your desired temperature.
Serving Your Baked Brie
When I make something as irresistible as Cranberry Baked Brie with Honey, I always want to dive right in as soon as it's out of the oven. But I've learned that giving it a little time to rest, about 5 to 10 minutes, really makes a difference. This short wait lets the brie cool down just enough to reach that perfect, creamy consistency. Plus, it's a bit easier to serve after it's had a chance to settle – no more worries about it being too runny or the toppings slipping off.
- Bread Options:
- French Baguette: Sliced into manageable pieces, this classic choice is perfect for dipping.
- Crostini: Small, toasted slices of baguette or ciabatta.
- Artisan Breads: Sourdough, multigrain, or rye, sliced and perhaps lightly toasted.
- Crackers:
- Water Crackers: These are simple and don't overpower the flavor of the cheese.
- Whole Wheat Crackers: For a nuttier, heartier option.
- Flavored Crackers: Such as those with herbs or cracked pepper, for an added flavor dimension.
- Vegetables:
- Carrot Sticks: Their sweetness and crunch make a good contrast.
- Bell Pepper Strips: Choose a variety of colors for a visually appealing platter.
- Cherry Tomatoes: They can be a juicy and fresh addition.
- Cucumber Rounds: Offering a cool, crisp texture.
- Broccoli and Cauliflower Florets: Blanched quickly to soften them just a bit.
- Fruit:
- Apple Slices: Their crispness and slight acidity pair well with the creamy cheese.
- Pear Slices: Offering a soft texture and sweet flavor.
- Grapes: A classic cheese accompaniment, easy to dip and eat.
- Meats:
- Salami Slices: Can be folded for easy dipping.
- Prosciutto: Thinly sliced, it's rich and savory.
Storage
Cool Down: Allow the baked brie to cool to room temperature after serving. This prevents condensation inside the storage container, which could make the cheese soggy.
Wrap Tightly: Wrap the brie tightly in cling film or aluminum foil. If you have leftovers with the toppings, try to keep them intact as you wrap. Alternatively, you can place it in an airtight container.
Refrigerate: Store the wrapped brie in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture.
Is baked bried freezer friendly?
Not Recommended: Freezing baked brie, especially with toppings like cranberry sauce and honey, isn't recommended. The freezing and thawing process can significantly alter the texture of the cheese, making it crumbly and less creamy.
Reheating:
Oven Method: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the brie on a baking sheet and warm it for about 10 minutes or until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat as it can cause the cheese to become too runny.
Safety Note:
Check Before Consuming: Always check for any signs of spoilage like an off-smell or mold before consuming stored brie. If in doubt, it's safer to discard it.
Remember, the quality of the cheese and toppings is best when fresh, but these storage tips should help you enjoy your Cranberry Baked Brie with Honey a little bit longer!
Pro Tips
When baking brie, you want to leave the rind on the bottom and sides to help keep it together. The top is a personal choice. You can leave it, thin it, cut it off completely, or score the top of it in a pattern/design.
Variations
Feel free to experiment! Try adding a sprinkle of thyme or swapping the walnuts for pecans or almonds. Use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones.
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Brie?
Brie is ideal for this recipe due to its creamy texture when baked, but Camembert is a good alternative.
Can I use different nuts?
Yes, you can use pecans, almonds, pine nuts, pistachios, or just omit the nuts.
What other toppings can I use?
You can top it with fig jam, apricot preserves, another jam, or even pie filling. You can use honey, maple syrup, and brown sugar. Or you can go more savory with things like pesto, garlic, chives, jalapeño jam, mushrooms, or caramelized onions.
FAQs
Pierce the rind with a skewer. If it comes up all melty, you are good! Overcooking brie can cause it to become hard,
Yes! Baked brie wrapped in puff pastry is known as en Croûte, which is French for “in a crust”, and is delicious! If you choose to make this recipe wrapped in puff pastry, roll a thawed sheet of puff pastry out on a floured surface. Place your brie in the center & wrap the crust up. Increase your baking time to 30 minutes. Or…check out my friend Lauren's Baked Brie with Blueberry Pie Filling for step-by-step pics that show how to seal and decorate it.
There you go! A simple yet sophisticated dish that's sure to impress. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious Cranberry-Baked Brie with Honey. Happy cooking!
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Baked Brie
- 8 ounce brie cheese wheel
- ¼ cup cranberry sauce homemade or store-bought
- 2 Tablespoon dried cranberries Craisins
- ½ cup walnuts roughly chopped
- 1 Tablespoon honey preferably local
- 2 rosemary sprigs
To serve:
- 1 French baguette warmed and sliced on the diagonal
- baby carrots
- celery
- cucumber
- apples
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a rimmed baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper.
- Place the brie on the prepared baking sheet and transfer it to the oven to bake for 10 minutes.8 ounce brie cheese wheel
- Remove brie from the oven, and using two forks, gently expose the creamy layer beneath the crusty top of the cheese. Spread the cranberry sauce on top of the cheese, followed by the dried cranberries and walnuts. Drizzle with honey and top with fresh rosemary.¼ cup cranberry sauce, 2 Tablespoon dried cranberries, ½ cup walnuts, 1 Tablespoon honey, 2 rosemary sprigs
- Return brie in the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes or until all the toppings are warm and the brie is heated to your desired temperature.
- Serve with sliced baguette, crackers, fruits, and vegetables of your choice.1 French baguette, baby carrots, celery, cucumber, apples
Notes
Nutrition
