Cranberry Baked Brie (Easy 25-Minute Christmas Appetizer)

This cranberry baked brie is the easiest holiday appetizer we know. You top a wheel of brie with cranberry sauce, pecans and a little honey, bake it for about 15 minutes, and set it out with crackers. It looks special, it takes almost no work, and it is always the first plate to empty.

Why this cranberry baked brie works

• Five main ingredients. Brie, cranberry sauce, pecans, honey and rosemary.
• 25 minutes from start to table, with only 10 minutes of hands-on time.
• Make-ahead friendly. Top it in the morning, keep it in the fridge, and bake when guests arrive.
• Sweet, salty and creamy. The tart cranberry cuts through the rich cheese.

It is one of the make-ahead ideas in our easy Christmas appetizers list, and this is the full recipe.

What you need

• Brie: one 8-ounce (225 g) wheel. Keep the rind on. It holds the melted cheese inside and is safe to eat.
• Cranberry sauce: whole-berry sauce from a can or homemade. Leftover Thanksgiving sauce is perfect.
• Pecans: chopped. Walnuts or pistachios work too.
• Honey: a light drizzle. Maple syrup is a good swap.
• Fresh rosemary or thyme: for color and a little pine flavor.
• To serve: crackers, toasted baguette slices, apple or pear slices, and pretzel crisps.

How to make cranberry baked brie

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a small baking dish or sheet with parchment paper.
2. Score the top. With a sharp knife, make a shallow crosshatch in the top rind. This helps the topping sink in. Do not cut through the sides.
3. Add the toppings. Spread the cranberry sauce over the top, then scatter the pecans.
4. Bake 12 to 15 minutes, until the sides feel soft when you press them gently.
5. Finish and serve. Drizzle with honey, add the rosemary, and serve warm right away.

Brie is at its best warm and soft. If it sits for a long time and firms up, pop it back in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes.

Cranberry baked brie in puff pastry

Want a showstopper? Wrap it in pastry.

• Thaw one sheet of puff pastry in the fridge and heat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Set the brie in the middle of the sheet, top it with the cranberry sauce and pecans, and fold the pastry up over the top. Trim extra folds so the pastry is not too thick.
• Brush with a beaten egg and bake 20 to 25 minutes, until deep golden brown.
• Let it rest 10 minutes before cutting so the cheese does not all run out at once.

What to serve with baked brie

Set out a mix of crunchy and fresh things to scoop with:

• Plain crackers or water crackers
• Toasted baguette slices or our cheesy garlic bread cut into thin fingers
• Crisp apple and pear slices
• Pretzel crisps and breadsticks

Baked brie fits right into a holiday spread. Serve it before our easy Christmas dinner ideas, next to bacon wrapped smokies, and finish with a plate of easy Christmas cookies.

Make-ahead and storage tips

• Make ahead: score and top the brie up to 8 hours ahead. Cover and keep it in the fridge. Add 2 to 3 minutes to the baking time.
• Party timing: like other soft cheese dishes, do not leave it out for more than 2 hours. The FoodSafety.gov 4 steps are a good refresher before any party.
• Leftovers: cover and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm in the oven at 350°F for 5 to 8 minutes.

Easy swaps

• Fig or apricot jam instead of cranberry sauce.
• Hot honey for a sweet and spicy kick.
• Camembert instead of brie. Bake it the same way.
• Bigger crowd? Use a 16-ounce (450 g) wheel, double the toppings, and bake 18 to 22 minutes.

Frequently asked questions

This recipe was developed with the help of AI tools and reviewed before publishing. It may not have been independently kitchen-tested — use your judgment, check for allergens, and cook to safe temperatures. See our AI Content Disclosure. Spotted an issue? Tell us.