Baked Brie with Cranberries and Walnuts

Looking for an elegant yet incredibly simple appetizer that will wow your guests? This Baked Brie with Cranberries and Walnuts combines creamy cheese, sweet fruit, and crunchy nuts for an irresistible, entertaining combination.

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Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or want to improve your next wine and cheese night, this warm and gooey baked brie takes just minutes to prepare but looks and tastes like something from an upscale restaurant.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in under 30 minutes with just 6 simple ingredients
• Perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and crunchy textures
• Can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving
• Makes an elegant presentation with minimal effort
• Versatile for serving with bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables

What is Brie?

Brie is a soft-ripened cheese with a mild, buttery flavor and creamy texture. When baked, it becomes deliciously melty and even more luxurious. For more guidance on cooking with different cheeses, check out our guide on how to find the best cheese for your recipes.

Ingredients

• Brie Cheese: Choose a whole wheel of brie around 8 ounces. The rind is edible and helps contain the melted cheese.
• Cranberry Sauce: You can use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce. For more ways to use cranberries, explore our 17 things to do with cranberries.
• Walnuts: Roughly chopped walnuts add wonderful crunch and nutty flavor.
• Honey: Local honey adds subtle sweetness and helps the toppings stick together.
• Rosemary: Fresh rosemary adds an aromatic touch. Check out our 7 easy rosemary recipes for more ways to use this herb.

Substitutions and Additions

• Cheese: Camembert can substitute for brie if needed.
• Nuts: Pecans or almonds work well in place of walnuts.
• Fruit: Try fig jam or apple substitutes instead of cranberry sauce.

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Place your wheel of brie in the center of the prepared baking sheet. Let it bake in the preheated oven for the first 10 minutes until it softens.

Once the initial baking time is up, carefully remove the brie from the oven. Using two forks, gently score and peel back the top rind to expose the creamy cheese underneath.

Layer on your toppings: first spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the surface, then sprinkle with dried cranberries and chopped walnuts.

Finish by drizzling honey over everything and placing the fresh rosemary sprigs on top.

Add the brie to the oven for 5-10 minutes. You want the toppings to warm through and the cheese to reach your preferred level of meltiness.

When the baked brie is done, carefully transfer it to a serving platter. Surround it with sliced baguette pieces and fresh vegetable dippers. Serve immediately while it’s still warm and gooey.

Recipe Tips

• Let the brie come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking
• Don’t remove the rind before baking – it holds everything together
• Watch carefully in the final minutes to avoid over-melting
• Serve immediately while warm and gooey

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside our Mediterranean Mezze Platter for an impressive appetizer spread. This baked brie also pairs beautifully with types of red wine or types of white wine.

Storage & Reheating

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can then be reheated in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until warm.

Recipe FAQ

Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: You can assemble everything except the honey up to 24 hours ahead. Store covered in the refrigerator and add honey just before baking.

Q: Should I remove the rind before baking? A: No, keep the rind intact, as it helps contain the melted cheese.

Q: What’s the best way to tell when it’s done? A: The cheese should be soft and gooey but still hold its shape. If it starts to collapse, it’s overcooked.