Baked Brie with Cranberry

The first time I brought baked Brie to a dinner party, I watched it disappear in under five minutes. There is something almost magical about cutting into that warm, yielding wheel and watching everyone reach for their own piece of gooey cheese. Since then, this has become my go-to when I need something that feels impressive but takes barely any effort.

Last December, my sister accidentally bought an enormous wheel of Brie for what was supposed to be an intimate gathering. We baked it with the cranberry topping anyway, and that cheese became the centerpiece of the night. People stood around it like a campfire, dipping and talking, until nothing remained but an empty rind and happy crumbs.

Ingredients

• 1 (8 oz / 225 g) wheel of Brie cheese: I have learned that bringing cheese to room temperature for 20 minutes before baking helps it melt more evenly and prevents that frustrating cold center
• 1/2 cup (60 g) whole berry cranberry sauce: Homemade sauce adds incredible depth, but a good quality jarred version works beautifully when time is short
• 1/3 cup (35 g) pecans, roughly chopped: Take the extra two minutes to toast these in a dry skillet first because that nutty aroma fills the whole kitchen
• 2 tbsp (30 g) honey: This little touch of sweetness balances the tanginess of both the cranberries and the Brie itself
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional): Even if you think you do not like cinnamon on cheese, try it once because it adds warmth without overpowering
• Pinch of sea salt: Just enough to make all the flavors pop and brighten the whole dish
• 1 small baguette or assortment of crackers: Slice the baguette thin so it crisps up nicely when people dip it into the warm cheese

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C):

This temperature is perfect because it melts the cheese slowly without burning the topping before the center is ready.

Prepare the Brie wheel:

Place it on parchment paper or in an ovenproof dish, then score the top in a criss-cross pattern about halfway through the cheese to help the melting happen evenly.

Mix your topping:

Combine the cranberry sauce, chopped pecans, honey, cinnamon if using, and that pinch of salt in a small bowl until everything is well coated.

Top the cheese:

Spoon the mixture over the scored Brie, spreading it gently to cover most of the top surface.

Bake until perfectly gooey:

Slide it into the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, checking that the center feels soft when you gently press the side of the wheel.

Let it rest briefly:

Wait 3 to 5 minutes because this short pause helps the cheese set slightly and makes serving so much less messy.

Serve immediately:

Bring it to the table warm with your sliced baguette or crackers and watch people gather around.

Save

My friend Sarah still talks about the night we served this at her book club, how the conversation kept circling back to the cheese long after the platter was empty. Food has this way of making people linger just a little longer, hands reaching for that last slice of baguette, stories flowing as easily as the melted Brie.

Make It Your Own

Walnuts or pistachios work beautifully here if pecans are not your favorite nut. A sprinkle of fresh rosemary or some orange zest right before baking transforms this into something completely different while keeping that same comforting appeal.

Serving Suggestions

I have found that putting out a small knife and letting guests serve themselves creates such a nice interactive moment. The cheese stays warmer longer in a ceramic dish, so choose something pretty that can go right to the table.

Timing Your Bake

The cheese stays molten and wonderful for about 20 minutes after coming out of the oven, so plan to serve it during that golden window. You can prep everything ahead and pop it in when people arrive, which makes hosting feel effortless.

• Double the recipe for larger crowds because this disappears faster than you expect
• Keep a few extra crackers handy just in case the topping is generous
• The leftover cheese (if there is any) makes an incredible grilled cheese the next day

Save

There is something deeply satisfying about serving food that makes people happy without demanding hours of your time. This Brie has that rare combination of elegance and ease, the kind of dish that turns any gathering into something special.

Common Questions

→ How do I prevent the Brie from leaking while baking?

Score the top crust lightly without cutting through to allow even melting while minimizing leaks.

→ Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, walnuts or pistachios can be substituted for a different texture and flavor.

→ What is the best way to serve baked Brie?

Serve warm with sliced baguette or crackers for dipping and spreading.

→ Can the cranberry sauce be store-bought?

Absolutely, both homemade or store-bought whole berry cranberry sauce work well.

→ Should pecans be toasted before use?

Toasting pecans briefly in a dry skillet boosts their flavor and adds crunch.