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This baked brie recipe is loaded with sweet, tart, crunchy toppings that take it to the next level. Warm, gooey cheese pairs perfectly with the caramelized walnuts, juicy cranberries, and a sprinkle of pistachios for a little salty crunch. It is the ultimate holiday or celebration appetizer that feels special but is secretly simple to make.
I have made this Baked Brie so many times, and it is always the first thing to disappear at a party. It is one of those easy, impressive appetizers, like this easy Holiday sliders recipe, that looks fancy but takes just a few minutes to pull together.
This brie is also the perfect center of a serving platter, or serving with this Christmas charcuterie board. Of course, you can serve both recipes while you enjoy the aromas of the season from this Christmas Simmer Pot.
When in doubt, bake the brie. It’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser every time.
-Becky
Ingredients You Will Need
- Brie cheese – The star of the show, rich and creamy when baked.
- fresh cranberries – Add a pop of tartness and beautiful color.
- walnuts, roughly chopped – For a sweet, crunchy topping.
- pistachios, roughly chopped (for garnish) – Add salty nut crunch and color.
- honey (plus extra for drizzling) – To sweeten and drizzle.
- fresh rosemary, finely chopped – For a fragrant, savory touch.
- Crackers, sliced baguette, soft pretzels, or apple slices for serving – Perfect for scooping up or dipping into melty cheese.
Note: A full list of ingredients is included in the recipe card below.
Brie Variations
- Add dried fruit: Use dried cranberries instead of fresh if they are out of season. Chopped apricots or figs are also delicious with the cranberry topping.
- Change the nuts: Swap pistachios for pecans or almonds.
- Make it seasonal: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the cranberry mixture for a cozy twist.
- Swap out the honey: Use maple syrup, raspberry jam or fig jam. Or have small jars on the serving platter so guests can add a spoonful to the crackers or bread.
How to Make Baked Brie
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Remove the wrapping and gently scrape off the top rind. Place the brie in a small oven-safe dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- In a small skillet over medium heat, add 1/4 cup granulated sugar and let it melt, stirring occasionally. Once the sugar is fully melted and turns golden brown, add the walnuts. Stir quickly to coat the walnuts in caramel, then transfer them to a sheet of parchment paper to cool and harden.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the fresh cranberries, 2 tablespoons honey, and fresh rosemary. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cranberries begin to soften and burst, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Spoon the cranberry mixture on top of the brie, pressing gently to keep it in place. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the brie is softened and gooey.
STEP 5: Remove the brie from the oven and immediately drizzle it with extra honey. Top with the caramelized walnuts and sprinkle with chopped pistachios.
STEP 6: Serve warm with crackers, sliced baguette, or apple slices.
Expert Tips
- Watch the sugar: Keep an eye on the sugar while caramelizing the walnuts so it does not burn.
- Let the brie cool for 3-5 minutes: Giving the brie a few minutes to cool before serving will keep it gooey but not too runny.
- Serve it warm: baked brie is best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
Baked Brie FAQs
Yes! The rind is completely edible and helps the cheese hold its shape while baking.
You can substitute dried cranberries, or even use cranberry sauce if you are in a pinch.
Bake just until softened, about 10-12 minutes. If it bakes too long, it can get overly runny and hard to serve.
Let leftovers cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat the cheese, place it in a small oven-safe dish and warm it in the oven at 300 degrees F for about 10-15 minutes, or until soft and gooey again. You can also microwave it in short 15-20 second bursts if you are short on time, but the texture is best when reheated in the oven.
More Easy Appetizers
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Baked Brie
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Saucepan
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Brie cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup pistachios, chopped
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Optional Serving Additions: Crackers, sliced baguette, or apple slices
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Remove the wrapping and gently scrape off the top rind. Place the brie in a small oven-safe dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- In a small skillet over medium heat, add 1/4 cup granulated sugar and let it melt, stirring occasionally. Once the sugar is fully melted and turns golden brown, add the walnuts. Stir quickly to coat the walnuts in caramel, then transfer them to a sheet of parchment paper to cool and harden.
- In a small saucepan or the same skillet, over medium heat, add the fresh cranberries, 2 tablespoons honey, and fresh rosemary. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cranberries begin to soften and burst, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Spoon the cranberry mixture on top of the brie, pressing gently to keep it in place. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the brie is softened and gooey.
- Remove the brie from the oven and immediately drizzle it with extra honey. Top with the caramelized walnuts and sprinkle with chopped pistachios.
- Serve warm with crackers, sliced baguette, or apple slices.
Notes
- Watch the sugar: Keep an eye on the sugar while caramelizing the walnuts so it does not burn.
- Let the brie cool for 3-5 minutes: Giving the brie a few minutes to cool before serving will keep it gooey but not too runny.
- Serve it warm: baked brie is best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
When in doubt, bake the brie. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time.