There’s something special about baked brie with cranberry sauce. The moment you slice into that golden crust and watch creamy brie melt into tart cranberry sauce, you know you’ve created a dish that feels as festive as it tastes.
This appetizer shines at holiday tables, but it’s also simple enough for casual gatherings. Brie’s buttery richness balances beautifully with the sweet-tart flavor of cranberries, creating a perfect bite every time. A sprinkle of nuts or herbs takes it from comforting to unforgettable.
If you love seasonal flavors, you’ll also enjoy trying my Cranberry Pecan Cheeseball—another appetizer that brings holiday cheer to the table.
In this article, I’ll share why this pairing is so loved, how to bake it step by step, tips for serving, and answers to the most common questions.
Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Baked brie with cranberry sauce is a creamy, festive appetizer with tangy cranberries and flaky pastry—perfect for the holidays.
Ingredients
1 wheel of brie cheese (8 oz)
1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
¼ cup chopped nuts (pecans, almonds, or pistachios – optional)
1 tbsp honey (optional)
1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Fresh herbs for garnish (rosemary, thyme, or chives – optional)
Crackers, sliced baguette, or apple slices (for serving)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place puff pastry sheet on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Place the wheel of Brie in the center.
Spoon cranberry sauce on top of the brie. Add nuts or honey if desired.
Fold puff pastry over the brie, sealing edges. Brush with beaten egg.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until pastry is golden brown.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting.
Garnish with rosemary and serve with crackers, bread, or fruit slices.
Notes
- For a rustic version, bake the brie without pastry—just top with cranberry sauce, nuts, and honey.
- To reheat leftovers, place them in the oven at 325°F for 10 minutes.
- Avoid microwaving to keep pastry crisp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / Holiday
Nutrition
- Calories: 210kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: baked brie with cranberry sauce, holiday appetizer, cranberry brie
Why Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce is a Holiday Favorite
A timeless pairing of flavors
The magic of baked brie with cranberry sauce comes from the balance of flavors. Brie is soft, buttery, and creamy, while cranberry sauce is tart, sweet, and bright. Put them together, and you get a bite that feels indulgent yet refreshing. It’s no wonder this pairing has become a holiday tradition across many tables.
The festive story behind cranberry sauce
Cranberries are more than just a holiday staple. Did you know they were one of the few fruits native to North America? Native Americans used cranberries for food, dye, and medicine long before cranberry sauce became a Thanksgiving classic. Today, it’s hard to imagine a holiday spread without their bold color and tangy flavor.
A centerpiece that brings people together
Appetizers have a way of setting the tone for the meal, and baked brie does just that. When guests gather around, waiting to dip a cracker into the gooey cheese topped with cranberries, it creates a moment of sharing and joy.
If you enjoy creating appetizers that impress without stress, you might also love my Homemade Puff Pastry Cheese Sticks. Like baked brie, they’re flaky, flavorful, and perfect for entertaining.
How to Bake Brie with Cranberries
Ingredients you’ll need
Making baked brie with cranberry sauce is wonderfully simple. You only need a handful of ingredients to create a dish that feels luxurious. Start with a wheel of brie cheese. For the topping, cranberry sauce—homemade or store-bought—adds sweetness and tang. A sheet of puff pastry or crescent roll dough makes the crust golden and flaky. Optional add-ins like chopped pecans, rosemary, or honey give extra flavor and texture.
Step-by-step guide to baking brie
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the brie wheel in the center of your pastry sheet. Spoon cranberry sauce over the top, spreading it evenly. If you’re adding nuts or herbs, sprinkle them now. Fold the pastry around the brie, sealing the edges so it bakes into a neat package. Brush with beaten egg for that glossy finish. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving so the cheese doesn’t spill out too quickly.
Tips for making it extra special
You can adapt baked brie to suit your taste. For a rustic version, bake the brie without pastry and top it with cranberry sauce, honey, and a few sprigs of thyme. For added crunch, stir chopped walnuts or pecans into the cranberry topping. Serving it with sliced baguette or homemade crackers makes it even more inviting.
Serving and Enjoying Baked Brie
How are you supposed to eat baked brie?
The beauty of baked brie with cranberry sauce is that it can be enjoyed in so many ways. The most common way is to spread it on crackers or slices of toasted baguette. You can also serve it with apple or pear slices for a lighter, refreshing bite.
Pairing ideas for wine, drinks, and sides
Baked brie pairs wonderfully with drinks that balance its richness. A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, or a sparkling rosé, cuts through the creaminess. If you prefer something cozy, a spiced cider or mulled wine enhances the cranberry flavors. On the side, fresh grapes, figs, or candied nuts add a festive touch to the platter, making it feel complete.
Making it the centerpiece of your holiday spread
This dish isn’t just an appetizer—it’s a conversation starter. Placing baked brie in the center of a grazing board makes it the highlight of the table. Surround it with crackers, fresh fruit, nuts, and herbs for a display that looks as good as it tastes.
Storage and Food Safety Tips
How long can cranberry sauce sit out?
Cranberry sauce is often served at room temperature, but food safety matters when it’s part of a dish like baked brie with cranberry sauce. As a rule of thumb, cranberry sauce should not sit out for more than two hours.
Best ways to store leftover baked brie
If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or store them in an airtight container. Baked brie with cranberry sauce will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Reheating tips without losing flavor
To reheat baked brie, place it in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 10–15 minutes. Avoid the microwave—it tends to make the pastry soggy and the cheese rubbery.
For another appetizer that reheats beautifully, check out my Spinach Artichoke Dip. It’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for sharing.
FAQs About Baked Brie and Cranberry Sauce
What are some fun facts about cranberry sauce?
Cranberries are one of the few fruits native to North America, and they’ve been part of traditional meals for centuries. Early settlers and Native Americans used them not only for food but also as a natural dye and medicine.
How to bake brie with cranberries?
Place a wheel of brie on puff pastry, top with cranberry sauce, fold the pastry around it, and bake until golden. For a rustic version, skip the pastry and simply bake the brie with cranberry topping until warm and gooey.
How long can cranberry sauce sit out?
Cranberry sauce can safely sit at room temperature for about two hours. After that, it should be refrigerated.
How are you supposed to eat baked brie?
Baked brie with cranberry sauce is best enjoyed spread on crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh fruit like apple or pear wedges
Bringing Warmth to the Table
Serving baked brie with cranberry sauce is more than offering an appetizer—it’s creating a moment. When the pastry breaks open and creamy brie spills out, mingling with cranberry sauce, it invites everyone to pause, share, and savor together.
If you’d like to keep the festive flavors going, don’t miss my Cranberry Pecan Cheeseball. Like baked brie, it’s a seasonal favorite that adds warmth to any table.
So, the next time you’re planning a gathering, try baked brie with cranberry sauce. Let it be the dish that starts conversations, sparks smiles, and makes memories.