Baked Cranberry Brie is the kind of appetizer that makes a big impact with minimal effort. Every bite is a melty mix of sweet and savory right out of the oven. Baked in a cast iron skillet, it’s warm, inviting, and ideal for entertaining.
This crowd-pleasing appetizer combines creamy brie with tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup. Ready in minutes, this baked cranberry brie is perfect with crackers or a sliced baguette. I love serving this for special occasions; it always disappears fast and brings a warm, inviting touch to the table.
If you’re all about warm, melty appetizers that bring people together, you’ll love this chorizo cheese dip and roasted red pepper dip. They’re rich, flavorful, and just as easy to serve up at your next gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Fast: With just a few ingredients and 10 minutes in the oven, this cranberry baked brie appetizer comes together quickly.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The mix of creamy brie, tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and sweet maple syrup hits all the right notes.
- Festive and Impressive: This baked brie with cranberries looks special straight from the skillet and is ideal for holidays, dinner parties, or last-minute entertaining.
- Minimal Cleanup: Baked and served in the same skillet for easy prep and quick cleanup.
Ingredients
- Brie Round: Choose a small, whole wheel of brie with the rind on. Look for one that’s soft and creamy in texture.
- Dried Cranberries: Add tartness and chewy texture to balance the richness. Use any leftovers to make a homemade cranberry sauce or use as a garnish for these turkey stuffing meatballs.
- Walnuts: Provide crunch and a nutty flavor contrast. Use fresh or store-bought chopped walnuts. You can also use pistachios, pecans or almonds instead.
- Maple syrup: A good-quality pure maple syrup adds richer depth. Avoid pancake syrups or artificial blends.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Add orange zest: Sprinkle some orange zest on top before baking for a bright citrus twist that complements the baked brie and cranberry flavors.
- Top with honey instead of maple syrup: Swap maple syrup with honey for a different kind of natural sweetness.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne or chili flakes to the maple glaze for a subtle spicy kick.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze: Finish with a balsamic reduction drizzle for a tangy-sweet contrast.
How to Make a Baked Cranberry Brie
Getting this delicious brie with cranberries appetizer ready is quick and easy. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F.
- Step 1: Prepare the Brie. Place the whole brie round in a small cast-iron skillet and score the top in both directions. This helps it melt more easily.
- Step 2: Add Toppings. Sprinkle the dried cranberries and chopped walnuts evenly over the brie, then drizzle with maple syrup.
- Step 3: Bake Until Melted. Bake for about 10 minutes until the brie is soft and gooey, and the toppings are warm and fragrant. Let it cool for a minute or two before serving.
For more cheesy goodness, try this broccoli cheese chowder and chili cheese dog bake too!
Expert Tips
- Use a cast iron skillet or oven-safe dish: This helps distribute the heat evenly and creates a nice crust on the brie. It also serves as a dish for the brie as it melts outward when baked.
- Bring brie to room temperature: Letting the cheese sit out for 15–20 minutes before baking ensures it melts smoothly.
- Toast nuts beforehand: Lightly toasting walnuts enhances their flavor and crunch.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the brie, 10 minutes is usually enough for it to be soft and melty without drying out.
Storage Directions
- Storing: Leftover baked brie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture will soften more over time, but it still tastes great.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers in the microwave in short bursts (about 20–30 seconds) or pop back in the oven at 325°F until it's melty again.
Serving Suggestions
Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or bringing a dish to share, this easy cranberry baked brie recipe fits right in with all your favorites.
- Perfect for cocktail parties, this baked brie with cranberries pairs deliciously with cream cheese stuffed mushrooms and cheesy bread.
- It makes a perfect Thanksgiving brie appetizer during the holidays before indulging in herb roasted turkey! You can also serve this as a Christmas baked brie centerpiece with an assortment of sweets such as these jam ebelskivers.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, but fresh cranberries are more tart and juicy. For best results, lightly cook them with a bit of maple syrup first to soften and sweeten them before topping the brie.
A 6.5- to 8-inch cast iron skillet is ideal for a small round of brie. It helps the cheese heat evenly and creates a great presentation.
No, the rind is edible and helps the cheese hold its shape as it melts. You can easily cut into it after baking making a creamy dip.
Most definitely! Assemble the brie with toppings a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Bake just before serving for the best results.
More Delicious Appetizer Recipes
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Get the Recipe
Baked Cranberry Brie
Equipment
- 8" cast iron skillet
Ingredients
- 1 brie round small
- ¼ cup cranberries dried
- ¼ cup walnuts chopped
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup Bourbon Barrel Aged
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Place Brie in small cast iron skillet. Score the rind on top in both directions. Top with nuts, cranberries and maple syrup.
- Bake 10 minutes or until cheese has softened.
- Let cool for 1-2 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy dip with your favorite crackers.
Notes
- Use a small cast iron skillet; it holds the brie snugly and keeps everything warm for serving.
- Bring the brie to room temperature. It melts more evenly and quickly in the oven.
- Top just before baking, assemble the brie right before it goes into the oven for the best texture and appearance.
Nutrition
Dutch Oven Daddy is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
Edward says
This is my new favorite appetizer! I cannot wait to make it for the holidays!
Ned Adams says
Glad you enjoyed as much as we do!
Cami says
Looks yummy!