Warm, gooey baked brie with cranberry compote is the kind of holiday appetizer that disappears first. It’s creamy, tangy, and perfectly sweet-salty. I tested this twice — one with puff pastry and one without — and the simple baked round was the winner for faster prep and less mess.
Ingredients
Serves: 8 | Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 25 min
- 1 (8 oz / 225 g) round brie cheese
- 1 cup (100 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
- Crackers or apple slices, for serving
Swaps & Notes
| Need | Swap | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy-free | Vegan brie | Miyoko’s or other plant-based brie melts well |
| Gluten-free | GF crackers | Serve with gluten-free seed crackers |
| No alcohol/pork | Use orange juice only | No wine needed; bright flavor from citrus |
| Pantry shortcut | Canned cranberry sauce | Warm with zest and syrup to refresh flavor |
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Make the cranberry compote:
In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, maple syrup, and orange juice. Cook over medium heat 8–10 minutes, stirring until cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Stir in zest and rosemary. - Bake the brie:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet or small oven-safe dish. Bake 10–12 minutes, until soft to the touch but not leaking. - Assemble and serve:
Spoon warm cranberry compote over the baked brie. Serve immediately with crackers or sliced fruit.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Wrap in puff pastry for extra crunch (brush with egg wash and bake 20–25 minutes).
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or cloves for cozy holiday spice.
- Try blackberry, cherry, or fig jam for a twist.
- If serving later, bake brie uncut, then reheat with topping before guests arrive.
- Use a rimmed dish to prevent melted cheese overflow.
Serving Suggestions
- Arrange on a cheese board with rosemary sprigs and sliced pears.
- Pair with nuts and crusty bread for a full appetizer platter.
- Add as part of a holiday grazing table with savory dips and veggies.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Store leftovers covered up to 3 days.
Freeze: Not recommended — brie texture changes.
Reheat: Warm at 325°F (165°C) for 10 minutes, or until soft.
Food safety: Do not leave out more than 2 hours at room temperature.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make baked brie ahead of time?
A1: Yes. Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours, then bake just before serving.
Q2: What if my brie leaks while baking?
A2: Chill it before baking and don’t overbake; check at 10 minutes.
Q3: Can I use dried cranberries?
A3: Yes. Simmer ½ cup dried cranberries with ½ cup water and maple syrup for 10 minutes until plump.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 165; Protein: 6g; Carbs: 9g; Fat: 12g