This Baked Brie with Cranberries is a warm and gooey treat that’s perfect for sharing. The creamy cheese pairs beautifully with sweet cranberries, making every bite a delight!
Honestly, who can resist melted cheese? I always keep some crackers handy because the combo is too good to pass up! Pair it with friends, and it’s the life of the party!
What I love most is how simple it is to make. Just pop it in the oven, and in no time you’ve got a tasty appetizer that impresses without the stress!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brie Cheese: A creamy Brie is essential for this dish. If you can’t find Brie, Camembert is a great alternative. It has a similar texture and flavor but may be slightly stronger.
Puff Pastry: The light and flaky pastry adds an amazing crunch. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using phyllo dough, which gives a different but delightful texture.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries work best for a tart flavor, but frozen cranberries are a convenient substitute. Just let them thaw before cooking!
Orange Juice & Zest: These add a nice citrus lift. If you’re out of oranges, lemon juice and zest can work too, just be careful as they are tarter.
Ground Cinnamon: This spice adds warmth. If you want to switch it up, a pinch of nutmeg or allspice can add a unique twist.
How Do I Ensure My Puff Pastry Turns Out Perfectly Golden Brown?
The key to achieving that stunning golden puff pastry is in the preparation and baking. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure to thaw the puff pastry completely and roll it out slightly, but don’t overwork it.
- Brush the surface with beaten egg. This egg wash promotes an even golden color.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. Ovens can vary, so check around 20 minutes and remove it when golden brown to prevent burning.
Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving, so it’s easier to handle. Enjoy your beautifully baked Brie!
Baked Brie With Cranberries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large wheel (8 oz) Brie cheese
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
- Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Baked Brie with Cranberries takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to bake. In total, you should plan for about 40 minutes from start to finish. You’ll have a beautiful, warm appetizer ready to delight your guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your baked Brie cooks evenly. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cranberry Sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, orange zest, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cranberries burst and mix together to create a sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve cornstarch in a little water and stir it in, then cook for one more minute. Set it aside to cool slightly.
3. Roll Out the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your puff pastry gently. You want it to be big enough to wrap around the Brie with a little overhang. This creates a lovely crust around the cheese.
4. Wrap the Brie:
Place the Brie cheese in the center of the puff pastry. Spoon the cooled cranberry sauce generously over the top of the Brie, letting it overflow a little if you like that look.
5. Encase the Brie:
Carefully fold the puff pastry up and around the Brie. You can cover it completely or leave the top open to show off the cranberry topping if you prefer. Make sure to seal the edges well to keep all that cheesy goodness inside.
6. Brush with Egg Wash:
Using a brush, apply a layer of beaten egg over the puff pastry. This egg wash will give it a beautiful golden color as it bakes.
7. Bake the Baked Brie:
Transfer the wrapped Brie to the prepared baking sheet and place it in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is a lovely golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once out of the oven, let your Baked Brie cool for about 5 minutes. This helps it set a bit, making it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a pop of color and flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm Baked Brie with crackers or sliced baguette. Enjoy the gooey, warm cheese with the tart-sweet cranberry topping and flaky pastry—this dish is sure to impress!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Brie is traditional, you can also use Camembert or even a mild cream cheese if you prefer. Just keep in mind that different cheeses will alter the flavor slightly!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is gooey again.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
You can prep everything in advance up to the baking step! Assemble the puff pastry wrapped Brie with the cranberry sauce, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Just remember to add an additional 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge!
What Can I Use Instead of Cranberries?
If cranberries aren’t your thing, you can substitute with other fruits like sliced strawberries, cherries, or a flavorful fruit compote. Just ensure that the sweetness is balanced with the rest of the ingredients!