Description
This Easy Oven-Baked Brie with Flavor-Packed Cranberry Sauce is a delicious and elegant appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. Creamy warm brie is topped with a tangy-sweet cranberry sauce infused with fresh orange juice and zest, complemented by crunchy nuts and fragrant herbs to elevate every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cranberry Sauce
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary (optional)
For the Brie
- 1 (8-ounce) wheel of Brie cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the brie.
- Combine sauce ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and a pinch of salt together. Stir well to combine all flavors.
- Cook cranberries: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Simmer the sauce: Lower the heat to low and let the cranberry sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens to a jam-like consistency.
- Finish the sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in chopped nuts and fresh herbs if using, adding texture and aromatic flavor to the sauce.
- Prepare the brie for baking: Place the Brie wheel on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon the prepared cranberry sauce generously over the top of the brie.
- Bake the brie: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the brie is soft, warmed through, and bubbly.
- Rest before serving: Take the brie out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to allow it to set slightly and be easier to handle.
- Serve: Serve the warm baked brie with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh fruit for an irresistible appetizer.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries depending on availability; frozen may require a few extra minutes to cook.
- Adjust sugar quantity to your preferred sweetness level for the cranberry sauce.
- For a richer flavor, you can wrap the brie in puff pastry before baking (optional variation).
- Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary add a fragrant note but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Serve immediately while the cheese is warm and melty for best texture and taste.
