This Cranberry Baked Brie is made with flaky puff pastry wrapped around creamy brie, topped with fresh cranberry sauce and chopped pecans. It makes a festive and show-stopping appetizer or side dish the holidays.
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Indulgent Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Dip: A Festive Delight
If you’re looking to elevate your holiday gatherings or add a touch of sophistication to your appetizer spread, this Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Dip is the perfect solution. Combining the creaminess of brie, the sweetness of cranberry sauce, and the flakiness of puff pastry, this indulgent dip is a crowd-pleaser that’ll leave your guests asking for more.
The best part about this baked brie cheese with cranberries is that it looks like it belongs at a lavish event like a wedding or a gala, but it’s effortless enough to whip up and enjoy for any holiday party!
The combination of elegance and convenience makes this crowd-pleasing appetizer a great fit for any occasion. It’s impossible to beat a meltingly delicious wheel of cheese with tangy, juicy fresh cranberries on top! Your baked brie will be the talk of the town no matter what it’s topped with!
What You’ll Need
We like to use plant-based brie and grain-free crackers for a diet-friendly dish, but you can certainly stick with your go-to alternatives. Scroll down to the recipe card for specific amounts.
For the Homemade Cranberry Sauce:
- Fresh Cranberries: Bursting with tartness, fresh cranberries form the base of our sauce, balancing the overall sweetness of the dip.
- Maple Syrup: Infusing a natural, rich sweetness, maple syrup complements the cranberries and contributes to the overall indulgence.
- Vanilla Extract: A hint of vanilla adds a warm, aromatic undertone, elevating the cranberry sauce to a more sophisticated level.
- Cinnamon: Providing a touch of warmth and spice, cinnamon harmonizes the flavors, creating a well-rounded sauce.
- Tiny Pinch of Sea Salt: A minimal amount of sea salt balances the sweetness, intensifying the other flavors without overpowering.
Brie and Puff Pastry Elements:
- Vegan Brie: A creamy, decadent wheel of brie serves as the luscious core, melting into perfection during baking and complementing the tanginess of the cranberry sauce. We like this Macadamia Nut Brie as well as this Cashew and Miso Brie. Feel free to use a regular wheel of brie if you’re not dairy-free or vegan.
- Frozen Gluten-Free Puff Pastry: This flaky exterior encases the brie and cranberry goodness, offering a delightful contrast in texture. If you’re using frozen pastry dough, be sure to thaw it out first. Jus-Rol Gluten-Free Puff Pastry is gluten-free and vegan while Genius and Scharr are both gluten-free and dairy-free but not vegan. Not all brands are vegan, so it’s always a good idea to check the label if you want a vegan variety. A few vegan puff pastry doughs are Pepperidge and Wewalka.
- Vegan Butter: Melted vegan butter, or alternatives like plant milk or coconut oil, creates an indulgent egg wash, contributing to the golden brown finish of the pastry.
- Coarse Sugar and Pistachios: Sprinkled over the pastry, coarse sugar provides a sweet, crunchy layer, while chopped pistachios add a burst of color and a mild, nutty flavor.
- Fresh Rosemary: A fragrant and visually appealing garnish, fresh rosemary complements the rich and savory elements, adding a touch of herbal sophistication.
Do You Take the Rind Off Brie Before Baking?
No – leave it on! The rind really comes in handy while the cheese cooks. Without it, everything would melt out into a pool of goo. Plus, you don’t want to miss the satisfaction of breaking open that outer layer and watching the cheese ooze out!
How to Make the Cranberry Baked Brie
- Make the Cranberry sauce: In a medium pot, add the cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup and bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 10-15 minutes or until the cranberries burst and the sauce becomes jammy. Stir in the vanilla, cinnamon and salt. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prep the baking sheet and preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll: Roll out the puff pastry and lay on the baking sheet. Place the brie in the center of the pastry. Remove a little bit of the rind from the top of the brie.
- Spread: Spread a layer of cranberry sauce over the top of the brie. Sprinkle with chopped nuts. Fold the corners of the pastry over the brie. Brush the pastry with the beaten egg and sprinkle lightly with some sugar.
- Bake Brie: Bake for 22-26 minutes or until the pastry is deep golden brown, rotating the pan halfway through.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle with some chopped pistachios and garnish with a bit of fresh rosemary
- Serve with your favorite crackers, toasted crusty bread or a spoon.
Tips for Success
Set yourself up for flawless baked brie by taking note of these helpful hints.
- Avoid Over-Baking: Be sure to keep an eye on your brie while it’s baking so you can take it out at the right time. All ovens are different, so it’s helpful to check on it early the first time you make it.
- Let the Brie Rest: After you remove your baked brie from the oven, let it sit for 5 minutes before you break into it. This allows it to set and cool down enough so that it won’t burn your mouth.
- Don’t Hold Back! It’s hard not to inhale this cheesy appetizer – and there’s no need to resist the urge! It will harden back up as it cools, so the faster you eat it, the better.
- Perfecting the Cranberry Sauce: Allow the cranberry sauce to cool slightly before spreading it on the brie to prevent excess moisture in the puff pastry.
- Brie Rind Removal: Removing a bit of the brie’s top rind allows the cranberry sauce to meld seamlessly with the cheese during baking.
- Puff Pastry Precision: When rolling out the puff pastry, ensure an even thickness for uniform baking.
- Golden Brown Goodness: Keep an eye on the oven; the dip is ready when the pastry achieves a deep golden brown hue.
Variation Ideas
This baked brie with cranberry sauce tastes amazing with all sorts of different toppings!
- Almond Fig: Sliced figs and slivered almonds are a classic combination that looks as lovely as it tastes. Use this foolproof duo as a topping for your brie along with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey.
- Tomato Basil: Fresh tomatoes and basil are another no-fail pairing that goes great with gooey baked brie.
- Apple Pecan: Loving the crunch of the candied pecans? Make them the star of the show along with diced apple and maple syrup (or your preferred liquid sweetener).
- Fruit Fusion: Experiment with different berries or fruit compotes in place of cranberries for a fresh twist. Blueberries, raspberries, or even figs can add unique flavors.
- Cheese Adventures: Explore alternative cheeses for a personalized touch. Goat cheese, Camembert, or a blue cheese variation can introduce exciting new dimensions.
- Spice Infusion: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños for a subtle heat that complements the sweetness of the cranberry sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry sauce baked brie pairs excellently with an array of accompaniments. Serve it with your favorite crackers, toasted crusty bread (use gluten-free/grain-free if needed), or simply provide spoons for a direct dive into this delectable creation. Here are a few more ideas:
- Charcuterie Board Companion: Place the baked dip with our Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board alongside cured meats, artisanal cheeses, and a variety of crackers for an elegant addition to your charcuterie spread.
- Brunch Elegance: Serve with our Brunch Board with freshly baked croissants, baguette slices, and a side of mixed greens for a sophisticated start to the day.
- Holiday Feast: Elevate your holiday table by placing the dip in a festive bread bowl, surrounded by an assortment of dippable options like breadsticks, pretzels, and vegetable crudites.
Storage, Make-Ahead, and Freezer Instructions:
- Storage: Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the dip a day in advance, refrigerate it, and bake just before serving for a time-saving option.
- Freezer-Friendly: Wrap the unbaked dip in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for freezer storage. When ready to indulge, bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1: Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time or have a favorite store-bought cranberry sauce, feel free to use it. Ensure it’s of good quality to enhance the overall flavor of the dip.
Q2: Can I make this dip ahead of time and bake it later?
Yes, you can prepare the dip in advance, refrigerate it, and then bake it when you’re ready to serve. This is a great time-saving option, especially when entertaining guests.
Q3: Can I freeze the unbaked dip for later?
Certainly! To freeze the unbaked dip, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it, bake it directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q4: Can I customize the nuts in the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different nuts based on your preferences. Walnuts make an excellent substitute, or you can try almonds for a unique twist.
Q5: What other cheeses can I use besides brie?
While brie provides a creamy and luxurious texture, you can explore other cheeses to suit your taste. Goat cheese, Camembert, or a blue cheese variation can add distinct flavors to the dip.
Q6: Can I make mini versions of this dip for individual servings?
Absolutely! Consider creating smaller portions by cutting the puff pastry into squares and placing individual servings of brie topped with cranberry sauce on each square. This is perfect for gatherings or parties.
Q7: Can I reheat the dip if it’s been refrigerated?
Yes, you can reheat the refrigerated dip in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-baking.
Q8: What are the best accompaniments for serving?
This dip pairs wonderfully with an array of options. Try it with your favorite crackers, toasted crusty bread, or even vegetable sticks for a lighter option.
Q9: How long does it take for the puff pastry to become golden brown?
The baking time for achieving a deep golden brown hue typically ranges between 22-26 minutes. Keep an eye on the oven and rotate the pan halfway through for even browning.
More Cheesy Appetizer Dips
This Cranberry Baked Brie is made with flaky puff pastry wrapped around creamy brie, topped with fresh cranberry sauce and chopped pecans. It makes a festive and show-stopping appetizer or side dish the holidays.
- 1 1/4 cups fresh cranberries
- 3 1/2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp cinnamon
- tiny pinch sea salt
- water , only as needed to thin out the sauce
- 1 sheet frozen gluten-free puff pastry , thawed. May sub with regular if not gluten-free. Jus-Rol Gluten-Free Puff Pastry is gluten-free and vegan while Genius and Scharr are both gluten-free and dairy-free but not vegan. Not all brands are vegan, so it's always a good idea to check the label if you want a vegan variety. A few vegan puff pastry doughs are Pepperidge and Wewalka.
- 1 8-12 ounce wheel of brie cheese For a vegan / dairy-free option, we like this Macadamia Nut Brie and Cashew and Miso Brie.
- ⅓ cup pecans roughly chopped - can sub with walnuts
- 1 1/2 tablespoons vegan butter , melted - for the egg wash. Can sub with plant milk, coconut oil or 1 egg.
- coarse sugar for sprinkling
- 2 tsp pistachios , roughly chopped
- Fresh rosemary for garnish
Cranberry sauce (skip this step if using your own pre-made or store-bought cranberry sauce) In a medium pot, add the cranberries, maple syrup and bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 10-15 minutes or until the cranberries burst and the sauce becomes jammy. Add water, only as much as needed to thin out the sauce if necessary. Stir in the vanilla, cinnamon and salt. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 400° F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the puff pastry and lay on the baking sheet. Place the brie in the center of the pastry. Remove a little bit of the rind from the top of the brie.
Spread a layer of cranberry sauce over the top of the brie. Fold the corners of the pastry over the brie. Brush the pastry with the beaten egg and sprinkle lightly with some sugar.
- Bake for 22-26 minutes or until the pastry is deep golden brown, rotating the pan halfway through.
- Sprinkle with some chopped pistachios and garnish with a bit of fresh rosemary
- Serve with your favorite crackers, toasted crusty bread or a spoon.
Storage & Reheating: Refrigerate leftover brie and berries in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat brie in the microwave or oven for 1-2 minutes, until melty, before adding berries and enjoying.
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