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Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce

Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce
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This Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce is a creamy, festive appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights. Featuring a warm, melty brie wheel topped with tangy homemade cranberry sauce, it offers a delicious balance of sweet and tart flavors. Simple to prepare with minimal ingredients, it makes an impressive and versatile dish that pairs well with crackers, bread, nuts, and charcuterie boards.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 whole wheel of Brie cheese (approximately 8 ounces)
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup water or orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest

Optional Herbs and Spices

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)

Serving

  • Crackers or sliced baguette
  • Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cranberry Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, sugar, water or orange juice, and orange zest. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when you finish preparing the brie. This moderate temperature helps the cheese melt evenly without burning.
  3. Prepare the Brie Wheel: Place the whole brie wheel on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased dish. Optionally, score the top rind lightly in a crisscross pattern to encourage smooth melting.
  4. Add Toppings: Spread the cooled cranberry sauce evenly over the top of the brie. If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts or fresh herbs at this stage to add extra flavor and texture.
  5. Bake the Brie: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the brie is soft and melty inside and the sauce is bubbly. Watch closely towards the end to prevent overbaking.
  6. Serve Warm: Remove the baked brie from the oven and transfer it to a serving platter if preferred. Serve warm with crackers, sliced baguette, or other dippers for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Notes

  • Use high-quality brie with a creamy texture and natural rind for the best melt and flavor.
  • Do not overbake the brie; watch especially during the last few minutes to avoid excess cheese leakage.
  • Let the cranberry sauce cool slightly before spreading on the brie to prevent sogginess.
  • Sprinkle nuts on top just before baking or halfway through to avoid burning.
  • Line baking trays with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked brie, cranberry sauce, holiday appetizer, festive, easy appetizer, creamy cheese, crowd-pleaser

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/baked-brie-with-cranberry-sauce/