This Baked Brie with Cranberries is a warm and cheesy treat that’s hard to resist! The gooey cheese pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy cranberries, making a tasty bite.
It’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Just pop it in the oven and watch it melt—so simple! I like to serve it with crunchy crackers for a great mix of flavors. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brie Cheese: The star of this dish! A good quality Brie will melt beautifully. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, try using Camembert instead; it melts well and has a similar flavor.
Puff Pastry: This adds a flaky texture to the dish. You can substitute with crescent roll dough in a pinch, but it will be sweeter and less flaky. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free puff pastry or a gluten-free dough alternative.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries give a tart flavor, but frozen ones work too! If cranberries are out of season, you can use a cranberry sauce instead—just heat it up before topping the Brie.
Thyme: Fresh thyme adds an aromatic touch. You can use dried thyme (about 1 teaspoon) if you don’t have fresh, but the flavor will be a bit different.
How Do I Ensure My Brie is Perfectly Melted and Not Overflowing?
Getting the perfect melted Brie without it oozing everywhere requires a little care. Here’s how to prepare it:
- First, make sure your Brie is at room temperature before baking—this helps it melt evenly.
- Don’t skip the puff pastry wrap! It helps contain the gooey cheese.
- When placing the Brie in the oven, keep a close eye during the last few minutes of baking. Look for a golden brown color on the pastry.
Let it sit for a couple of minutes after baking. This helps the cheese firm up slightly, so it won’t simply pour out when cut into. Enjoy the gooey goodness!
Baked Brie With Cranberries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Baked Brie:
- 1 round (8 ounces) Brie cheese
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
For the Cranberry Topping:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
For Assembly:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 15 minutes for preparation and 25 minutes of baking time. Allow a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish before you can dive into this melty delight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready to bake the Brie. This step is crucial for getting that golden crust and melty center!
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet just enough to create a slight overhang around the Brie. This will make wrapping the cheese easy! Place the Brie cheese right in the center of the pastry.
3. Wrap the Brie:
Fold the edges of the puff pastry up and around the Brie. You can leave the top exposed for a lovely presentation, or fold it over completely and seal it. Make sure there are no gaps where the cheese can ooze out!
4. Egg Wash:
Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush the exposed pastry edges with the egg wash. This step not only adds a beautiful golden finish but also helps the pastry bind together.
5. Bake the Brie:
Carefully transfer the puff pastry-wrapped Brie to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown and the Brie is melted inside. You’ll start to smell that delicious aroma!
6. Prepare the Cranberry Topping:
While the Brie is baking, prepare the cranberry topping. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, and thyme leaves. Cook this mixture, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens significantly, which will take around 10 minutes.
7. Assemble and Serve:
Once the Brie is done baking, gently remove it from the oven and place it on a serving plate. Spoon the warm cranberry mixture generously over the top of the baked Brie. Don’t forget to garnish it with a few extra thyme sprigs for a pop of color.
8. Enjoy!
Serve the baked Brie immediately with crackers or slices of baguette. Gather your friends and family, and enjoy this lovely, melty treat together!
This dish offers a delightful combination of creamy, melted Brie with sweet-tangy cranberry topping and fragrant thyme, all encased in flaky puff pastry. Enjoy the warm and cozy flavors!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese Instead of Brie?
Absolutely! Camembert works well as a substitute since it melts beautifully and has a similar flavor profile. You could also try goat cheese for a tangier option, but keep in mind it will have a different texture.
What if I Don’t Have Puff Pastry?
You can use crescent roll dough as a quick substitute, though it will be sweeter. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free dough or phyllo pastry; just be aware that phyllo will be flakier and less puffy.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the Brie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through, as microwaving can make it rubbery.
How Do I Know When the Brie is Done Baking?
The Brie is done when the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy. You can also gently press on the top; if it feels soft and gives a little, it’s likely melted inside. Remember to let it rest for a few minutes before serving so that the cheese doesn’t ooze out too quickly.
