This baked brie with cranberries is a fantastic treat. The creamy cheese is wrapped in a buttery crust and topped with sweet, tart cranberries. It’s a perfect snack for gatherings!
It’s hard to resist digging into this cheesy goodness. I love serving it warm with crackers. Just make sure to grab a slice before it disappears! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brie Cheese: This creamy cheese is key to the dish’s richness. If you can’t find Brie, you can use Camembert for a similar flavor and texture. Some people also enjoy using a soft goat cheese for a tangy twist!
Puff Pastry: Puff pastry gives that flaky crust. If you prefer a lighter option, consider using phyllo dough, though it will have a different texture. Alternatively, you can use biscuit dough for a heartier topping.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are preferred for their tartness, but frozen work well too—just be sure to thaw and drain them first. You could also use raspberry or cherry preserves if cranberries aren’t available.
Herbs: Fresh thyme adds a lovely aroma. You can substitute with rosemary or omit herbs if you’re not a fan. Any herb that you enjoy can add a personal touch to your dish!
How Do I Ensure the Puff Pastry Turns Out Perfectly Golden?
The pastry is what makes this dish shine, so let’s make sure it bakes well! Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your puff pastry is fully thawed and rolled out evenly; this helps it cook uniformly.
- Brush the pastry with an egg mixture (egg beaten with a bit of water) for that lovely golden color.
- Don’t forget to make small slits in the top. This allows steam to escape, which prevents sogginess and encourages even baking.
- Keep an eye on it in the oven! The baking time can vary slightly, but you’re looking for a lovely golden brown color.
Just follow these tips, and you’ll have a show-stopping baked Brie that everyone will love! Enjoy!
Baked Brie With Cranberries
Ingredients
For the Baked Brie:
- 1 round of Brie cheese (8 ounces)
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
For the Cranberry Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon orange juice (optional)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, divided
For Assembly:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful appetizer takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, for a total time of around 35-40 minutes. You’ll have a beautifully gooey and sweet dish ready to impress your guests in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready for your cheesy creation!
2. Make the Cranberry Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, and orange zest. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Once done, stir in half of the thyme leaves and set the sauce aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet carefully. Place your round of Brie right in the center of the pastry. It should fit nicely so you can wrap it up!
4. Assemble the Brie
Spoon the prepared cranberry sauce generously on top of the Brie. Don’t be shy; this is the best part!
5. Wrap the Brie
Now, fold the edges of the puff pastry over the Brie, pleating it as necessary to cover the cheese completely. It’s okay if some of the cranberries peek out—those will look nice and inviting!
6. Egg Wash
Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it all over the pastry. This will give it that beautiful golden color as it bakes.
7. Make Slits
Using a knife, make a few small slits on top of the pastry. This allows steam to escape and keeps the crust from getting soggy.
8. Bake
Place the wrapped Brie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to catch any drips. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
9. Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the Brie from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining fresh thyme leaves on top for a great finishing touch.
10. Enjoy!
Serve your warm baked Brie with crackers or sliced baguette and watch it disappear!
Enjoy your delicious baked Brie with a sweet and tart cranberry topping. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Can I Use Different Berries for the Topping?
Absolutely! While cranberries are traditional, you can substitute them with raspberries, blueberries, or even a berry compote. Just adjust the sugar content based on the sweetness of the berries you choose!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply bake it again in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cranberry sauce and wrap the Brie in puff pastry a few hours in advance. Just wait to bake it until you’re ready to serve. This ensures that the pastry stays flaky!
What Should I Serve With Baked Brie?
Baked Brie pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Serve it with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh fruit. Nuts and olives also make excellent additions to your cheese platter.
