Creamy Whipped Brie with Cranberry & Pistachios
Indulge in a creamy whipped brie with cranberry and pistachios—a luxurious and festive appetizer that perfectly balances rich, velvety brie cheese with the tartness of cranberries and the satisfying crunch of toasted pistachios. This quick and simple recipe is ideal for last-minute entertaining, offering a visually stunning and delicious spread perfect for crackers, bread, or vegetable crudités.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for toasting pistachios)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz Brie cheese (soft, rind removed and cut into chunks)
- 4 oz Cream cheese (softened)
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup pistachios (lightly toasted and chopped)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
Serving Suggestions
- Crackers or baguette slices for serving
- Prepare the Brie and Cream Cheese: Remove the rind from the brie wheel and cut into chunks. Combine the brie and cream cheese in a food processor or large mixing bowl. Whip until smooth and fluffy, creating a perfectly creamy base.
- Incorporate Honey and Lemon Juice: Add honey and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the whipped cheese mixture. Blitz briefly to evenly blend the sweet and citrus notes throughout the cream.
- Fold in Cranberries and Pistachios: Gently fold in dried cranberries and lightly toasted pistachios to ensure the cheese mixture is studded with bursts of tart fruit and crunchy nuts, enhancing texture and flavor.
- Season and Adjust: Sprinkle in sea salt slowly, tasting as you go to balance all flavors. Add a touch more honey or lemon juice if desired to achieve your preferred taste.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the creamy whipped brie with cranberry and pistachios to a serving bowl. Garnish with extra pistachios and cranberries for a festive finish. Let guests scoop it with crackers or bread slices.
Notes
- Use room temperature cheese to ensure a smoother whipped texture.
- Lightly toast pistachios in a dry skillet to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- Adjust honey and lemon juice carefully to keep a balanced sweet and tart flavor profile.
- If the mixture feels too thick, add a tiny splash of milk or cream to smooth it out.
- Whip and mix the cheese a few hours ahead to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; keep garnishes separate for freshness.
- This recipe does not freeze well due to texture changes after thawing.
- Warm gently if desired, using short bursts in a microwave with stirring to maintain texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: whipped brie, cranberry appetizer, pistachio dip, holiday appetizer, creamy cheese spread, festive dip, easy party recipe, gluten free appetizer