Maple Cranberry Baked Brie

Introduction

There’s just something about baked brie that makes it the perfect appetizer for any gathering. The creamy, melty cheese is already a crowd favorite, but when you drizzle it with maple syrup and top it with a tart cranberry sauce, it transforms into something truly magical. Trust me, once you try this Maple Cranberry Baked Brie, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!

I first discovered this recipe when I was hosting a holiday dinner for family and friends. It was a chilly evening, and I wanted to serve something that would feel cozy and festive. After all, what’s better than warm, gooey cheese with a touch of sweetness and tartness from fresh cranberries? The combination is nothing short of perfection. And the best part? It’s so easy to make, which means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your guests.

This recipe is perfect for a holiday party, but honestly, I make it any time I’m craving a decadent, crowd-pleasing appetizer. The brie’s soft texture blends beautifully with the tangy cranberries and sweet maple syrup, creating an irresistible bite with every scoop. And it’s always a hit—no matter the occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a showstopper appetizer that’s both easy and delicious, then this Maple Cranberry Baked Brie is for you. Here’s why:

• Super simple: You only need a few ingredients to make this dish, and the prep is minimal. No fancy skills required—just assemble, bake, and enjoy.
• Festive flavors: The combination of maple syrup and cranberries gives the brie a beautiful sweet-tart flavor that feels like the holidays in one bite.
• Perfect for sharing: This is the kind of dish that brings people together. Whether it’s a casual get-together or a holiday dinner, everyone will love gathering around to scoop up this warm, gooey brie. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter!
• Versatile serving options: Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or even fresh fruit. You can also customize the toppings, so if cranberries aren’t your thing, you can swap them out for something else!

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 8-10 people (perfect for sharing at parties)

Nutrition Facts

• Calories per serving: 240
• Protein: 6g
• Carbs: 18g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 1g

Ingredients

To make this Maple Cranberry Baked Brie, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 wheel of brie cheese (about 8 oz.): The star of the show! Brie is soft and creamy, and when baked, it becomes perfectly gooey. You can use a double or triple cream brie for an even richer flavor.
• 1 cup fresh cranberries: These add a pop of tartness that balances out the sweetness of the maple syrup and brie.
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup: The syrup’s natural sweetness is the perfect complement to the cranberries and enhances the flavor of the brie. Make sure you use real maple syrup for the best flavor!
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar: This gives the cranberries a little extra sweetness and helps them break down into a delicious sauce as they cook.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice: This helps balance out the sweetness with a little bit of acidity. It brightens up the flavors and adds freshness.
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary: Adds an aromatic, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet and tart elements.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For drizzling over the brie before baking, helping to create a beautifully golden crust.
• Crackers or sliced baguette (for serving): To serve alongside the brie, you’ll need something to dip and scoop. I love a crispy, buttery cracker or a sliced, toasted baguette.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now for the fun part—making the Maple Cranberry Baked Brie! This recipe is so simple, and yet, it’s guaranteed to impress your guests. Here’s how to make it:

1. Preheat the oven:
   Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the brie will melt perfectly in the next step.
2. Prepare the cranberries:
   In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, maple syrup, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, until the cranberries start to burst and soften into a syrupy mixture. You’ll notice the sauce thickening slightly as the cranberries break down. This is when you’ll want to stir in the fresh rosemary. Let it cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat. The cranberry sauce should be chunky but spreadable.
3. Prepare the brie:
   While the cranberry mixture is simmering, place your brie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can leave the rind on—no need to remove it, as it helps the cheese hold its shape while baking. Lightly drizzle the brie with olive oil to help it get that golden, slightly crispy exterior.
4. Top the brie:
   Spoon the cranberry sauce generously over the top of the brie. Don’t be shy here—spread it all over the surface and let it cascade down the sides. The cranberries will melt into the warm cheese, creating a perfect gooey topping.
5. Bake the brie:
   Place the brie in the oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is gooey and soft in the center. Keep an eye on it—the brie should be bubbly and starting to ooze out of its rind. If you want the top to get a little extra crispy, you can broil it for 1-2 minutes at the end, but be sure to watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn.
6. Serve and enjoy:
   Once the brie is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes to cool slightly. The cheese will firm up a bit as it cools, but it will still be delightfully creamy. Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or even apple slices for a refreshing crunch.

How to Serve

This Maple Cranberry Baked Brie is an absolute showstopper, and it’s perfect for sharing. Here are a few serving ideas to take it to the next level:

• Serve with crackers: Choose buttery, flaky crackers to scoop up the gooey brie and cranberry sauce.
• Sliced baguette: Toast some slices of baguette for extra crunch and a rustic touch.
• Apple slices: For a fresh, crisp contrast, serve with thin slices of green apple. The tartness of the apple pairs wonderfully with the rich, creamy cheese.
• On a cheese board: Add this baked brie to a cheese board with other cheeses, fruits, nuts, and jams for a gorgeous appetizer spread.

Additional Tips

• Don’t skip the rosemary: The fresh rosemary really elevates the flavor of this dish. It adds a savory note that balances out the sweetness from the maple syrup and cranberries.
• Let it cool slightly before serving: If you cut into the brie immediately after baking, it will be a bit too runny. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving so the cheese firms up just a little bit.
• Watch the oven carefully: Brie can go from perfectly melty to a little too runny if baked too long, so be sure to check the cheese as it gets close to being done. You want it soft but still holding its shape.
• Use a high-quality maple syrup: Since maple syrup is one of the main flavors in this recipe, use real, high-quality maple syrup (not the imitation stuff) for the best flavor.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the cranberry sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to bake, just assemble and pop it in the oven!

Recipe Variations

Want to customize your Maple Cranberry Baked Brie? Here are some variations to try:

• Pecan Topping: Add some toasted pecans to the cranberry mixture for a crunchy texture that complements the soft cheese beautifully.
• Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cranberry sauce for a spicy contrast to the sweetness.
• Fruit Swap: If cranberries aren’t your thing, try swapping them for other berries like raspberries or blueberries. You can also use dried fruits like figs or apricots for a different flavor profile.
• Add balsamic glaze: A drizzle of balsamic glaze over the finished dish adds a tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the brie.

FAQ: Maple Cranberry Baked Brie

1. Can I use a different type of cheese besides brie?

While brie is the classic choice for baked brie recipes due to its creamy, meltable texture, you can also try Camembert, another soft cheese that bakes well. The flavor of Camembert is slightly more earthy but still complements the cranberry and maple syrup nicely. For a twist, you can experiment with goat cheese, although it has a more tangy flavor that will change the overall taste of the dish.

2. How do I store leftover baked brie?

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare with this dish!), you can store the baked brie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, the texture of the brie will change once it cools down and re-heats. To reheat, place the brie in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until it softens again, though it won’t be quite as gooey as when freshly baked.

3. Can I make the cranberry sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making the cranberry sauce ahead of time can save you some prep time on the day you plan to serve it. Just prepare the cranberry sauce as directed, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, just spoon it over the brie and follow the recipe instructions.

Maple Cranberry Baked Brie

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• Author: Dianna
• Total Time: 25 minutes

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Ingredients

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• 1 wheel of brie cheese (about 8 oz.): The star of the show! Brie is soft and creamy, and when baked, it becomes perfectly gooey. You can use a double or triple cream brie for an even richer flavor.
• 1 cup fresh cranberries: These add a pop of tartness that balances out the sweetness of the maple syrup and brie.
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup: The syrup’s natural sweetness is the perfect complement to the cranberries and enhances the flavor of the brie. Make sure you use real maple syrup for the best flavor!
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar: This gives the cranberries a little extra sweetness and helps them break down into a delicious sauce as they cook.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice: This helps balance out the sweetness with a little bit of acidity. It brightens up the flavors and adds freshness.
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary: Adds an aromatic, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet and tart elements.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For drizzling over the brie before baking, helping to create a beautifully golden crust.
• Crackers or sliced baguette (for serving): To serve alongside the brie, you’ll need something to dip and scoop. I love a crispy, buttery cracker or a sliced, toasted baguette.

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Instructions

Now for the fun part—making the Maple Cranberry Baked Brie! This recipe is so simple, and yet, it’s guaranteed to impress your guests. Here’s how to make it:

1. Preheat the oven:
   Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the brie will melt perfectly in the next step.
2. Prepare the cranberries:
   In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, maple syrup, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, until the cranberries start to burst and soften into a syrupy mixture. You’ll notice the sauce thickening slightly as the cranberries break down. This is when you’ll want to stir in the fresh rosemary. Let it cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat. The cranberry sauce should be chunky but spreadable.
3. Prepare the brie:
   While the cranberry mixture is simmering, place your brie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can leave the rind on—no need to remove it, as it helps the cheese hold its shape while baking. Lightly drizzle the brie with olive oil to help it get that golden, slightly crispy exterior.
4. Top the brie:
   Spoon the cranberry sauce generously over the top of the brie. Don’t be shy here—spread it all over the surface and let it cascade down the sides. The cranberries will melt into the warm cheese, creating a perfect gooey topping.
5. Bake the brie:
   Place the brie in the oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is gooey and soft in the center. Keep an eye on it—the brie should be bubbly and starting to ooze out of its rind. If you want the top to get a little extra crispy, you can broil it for 1-2 minutes at the end, but be sure to watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn.
6. Serve and enjoy:
   Once the brie is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes to cool slightly. The cheese will firm up a bit as it cools, but it will still be delightfully creamy. Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or even apple slices for a refreshing crunch.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 240
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g

Conclusion

This Maple Cranberry Baked Brie is the perfect appetizer for any occasion—whether it’s a holiday party, a cozy family dinner, or just a casual get-together with friends. The creamy brie, sweet maple syrup, and tart cranberries create a flavor combination that is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s easy to make, and it looks impressive on a cheese board or party spread.

I’ve made this dish countless times, and it always gets rave reviews. It’s a wonderful way to kick off a meal, and it’s sure to have everyone asking for the recipe. So the next time you need an appetizer that’s both simple and delicious, give this Maple Cranberry Baked Brie a try. I promise it won’t disappoint!