Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce
Starting your Thanksgiving or Christmas gathering with a baked Brie topped with bright and tangy cranberry sauce is truly something special. The best news? You can have this ready in under 10 minutes! Just spread a generous spoonful of my homemade cranberry sauce over a creamy Brie wheel, pop it in the oven for a short bake, and get ready for that ooey-gooey, melty cheese that everyone will absolutely love.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Brie
Let’s chat about an appetizer that’s super simple but looks and tastes like you put in way more effort! This baked Brie is warm, melty, and bursting with flavor thanks to the fresh, tangy cranberry sauce, aromatic herbs, and a satisfying crunch from chopped pistachios. It’s like a tiny holiday party in every bite, and the festive colors just make it pop. If you’ve never baked Brie before, this is the perfect, no-fuss way to start. It’s super flexible, so you can tweak it to your taste, and I promise your guests will be wowed. Plus, those little rosemary sprigs? They look like mini Christmas trees — too cute, right? Here’s why you need this recipe on your holiday table:
- Quick and easy: Just minutes to prep, yet it brings a fancy flair and incredible flavor.
- Totally customizable: Swap out jams, nuts, or herbs to match your cravings.
- Ideal for gatherings: Pairs perfectly with other holiday starters like deviled eggs, stuffed mushrooms, shrimp cocktail, baked feta, or my mom’s famous smoked salmon cheese ball.
Baked Brie Ingredients
- Brie Cheese: Pick a smooth, creamy Brie wheel you love—8 ounces works beautifully. It melts so beautifully every single time!
- Cranberry Sauce: Homemade is the way to go—it’s fresh, tangy, and lifts this dish to the next level. Don’t worry, I’ve got a simple recipe for you just below.
- Pistachios: Any chopped nuts work, but pistachios bring that festive green color and the perfect crunch for holiday flair.
- Fresh Herbs: A few rosemary, thyme, or tarragon sprigs add lovely aroma and make it look extra pretty.
Be sure to scroll down to grab the printable recipe for exact measurements and the complete ingredient list — perfect for saving or tucking into your recipe collection.

How To Make Baked Brie With Cranberry Sauce
- Prep your Brie. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Brie wheel on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet or in a Brie baker if you have one. I love using Brie bakers—they look great on the table and make serving a breeze.
- Spread cranberry sauce and bake. Evenly dollop that lovely cranberry sauce on top of the Brie. Bake it for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese softens and becomes irresistibly melty. While it’s baking, get your favorite crackers or sliced fruit ready for dipping.
- Finish and serve. After baking, sprinkle chopped pistachios on top and tuck fresh herb sprigs around for that festive, inviting touch. I like to let it rest a couple of minutes—still warm and perfect for scooping up with crackers.

Different Ways To Serve
- Keep it classic: Just offer your baked Brie alongside a bowl of favorite crackers for an easy, crowd-pleasing starter.
- Create a cheese board: Want to make things extra special? Add sliced cured meats like salami, fresh fruit slices—apple is my go-to—and an assortment of crackers. This makes a stunning charcuterie board perfect for holiday get-togethers.
- Switch up toppings: Not a cranberry fan? No worries! Use your favorite jam or spread instead — fig jam, spicy honey, or even tangy chia seed jam are all delicious choices. Feel free to swap nuts and herbs too to keep things fresh and fun every time you make it.
Common Questions
Can you eat the rind?
Absolutely! The rind holds its shape better than the soft interior but still offers that classic Brie flavor and a bit of extra texture.
How do I know when the Brie is just perfectly soft?
Check around 6 minutes—the cheese will start to soften and ooze a little. Because ovens can vary, baking for 8 to 10 minutes usually gives you that beautiful, gooey melt everyone loves.
Can I make the cranberry sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the cranberry sauce a day in advance to save time. Keep it chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake the Brie.

Storage Tips
- Storing leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Your baked Brie will stay good for a couple of days.
- Reheating tips: Brie gets nice and soft when reheated. Warm it in an oven-safe dish to revive that melty goodness. You can also use the microwave for a quick reheat or pop it back in the oven for a few minutes until it’s gooey again.
I truly hope this baked Brie with cranberry sauce sparks as much joy on your holiday table as it does on mine! If you try it out, please leave a comment below—I love hearing your stories! Your feedback helps busy moms everywhere find delicious, simple recipes they can trust.
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Spread cranberry sauce and bake. Dollop that beautiful cranberry sauce over your Brie and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until it’s soft and perfectly melty.

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Finish and serve. Sprinkle chopped pistachios and fresh herbs on top for a festive, stunning finish. Serve immediately and watch it vanish fast!

The ultimate baked Brie with cranberry sauce — a cozy, festive holiday appetizer that’s ready in under 10 minutes, featuring a creamy Brie wheel topped with bright cranberry sauce, crunchy pistachios, and fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 13-15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Holiday / American
Ingredients
- 8 ounce round Brie cheese
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons roughly chopped pistachios
- Optional garnish: fresh herb sprigs (such as rosemary, thyme, or tarragon) and orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Brie wheel on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a Brie baker.
- Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the Brie wheel.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until the Brie is warm, soft, and melty.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped pistachios on top.
- Add fresh herb sprigs and orange zest as garnish if desired.
- Let the baked Brie sit for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow it to cool slightly for easy dipping.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, pair the baked Brie with garlic rosemary crackers for added flavor and crunch., Swap the cranberry sauce for other jams or spreads like fig jam, spicy hot honey, or a tangy chia seed jam to customize the flavor., After baking, serve with crackers, sliced fruits, or build a cheese board with cured meats like salami and fresh fruit for a festive presentation., Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days., Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven until soft and melty, preferably contained in a small dish to prevent mess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 slice per serving
- Calories: 192 kcal per serving
- Fat: 13 g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 11 g per serving
- Protein: 9 g per serving
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