Name: Baked Brie with Honey Balsamic Cranberries
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: PT-490725H11M49S
Cuisine: American / Holiday
Ingredients: 1 wheel (8 oz) Brie cheese; ≈ ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries; 2 Tbsp honey; 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar; ¼ tsp salt (or a pinch); Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts, fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs; For serving: crackers, crostini, sliced apples or pears

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Baked Brie with Honey Balsamic Cranberries is one of my favorite appetizers to serve during the holidays or anytime I want something elegant and easy. The warm, gooey cheese paired with the sweet-tart cranberry topping makes every bite feel festive and indulgent. It’s the kind of dish that looks impressive on the table, but only takes minutes to throw together — and it disappears fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The brie bakes into melty perfection, while the cranberries are cooked down with honey and balsamic vinegar to create a tangy-sweet topping that balances the richness of the cheese. It’s perfect for sharing and makes any gathering feel a little more special. I often serve it with crackers, crostini, or even sliced apples or pears — and it’s always a hit. Baked Brie with Honey Balsamic Cranberries

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Wheel of brie cheese (8 oz or larger)
Fresh or frozen cranberries
Honey
Balsamic vinegar
Orange zest (optional, for brightness)
Pinch of salt
Optional: chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts), fresh rosemary or thyme
Crackers, crostini, or sliced fruit for serving

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F and line a small baking dish or sheet with parchment paper.
I place the wheel of brie in the center and bake it for 12–15 minutes, until soft to the touch but not melted out.
While the brie bakes, I combine cranberries, honey, balsamic vinegar, orange zest, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan.
I cook over medium heat for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens.
I spoon the warm cranberry mixture over the baked brie and sprinkle with chopped nuts or herbs if using.
I serve immediately with my favorite crackers or toasted bread.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6 to 8 people as an appetizer and takes about 25 minutes total — 10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes to bake. It’s great for holiday parties, dinner starters, or a wine night with friends.

Variations

I wrap the brie in puff pastry for an extra-decadent presentation.
I add a splash of orange juice or a bit of maple syrup to the cranberry mixture.
I use fig jam or apricot preserves instead of cranberries for a twist.
I mix in fresh rosemary or thyme with the cranberries for added flavor.
I top it with candied pecans or spiced walnuts for crunch.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in the fridge, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 days. To reheat, I place it in a baking dish and warm it in the oven at 300°F for about 10–12 minutes until soft again. The cranberry topping holds up well, and I often spoon any extra over toast or even roasted veggies the next day. Baked Brie with Honey Balsamic Cranberries

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, I use frozen cranberries straight from the freezer — no need to thaw. They cook down just like fresh ones and work perfectly.

Do I need to remove the rind from the brie?

No, I leave the rind on. It helps hold the cheese together as it bakes and is completely edible. I just cut into it when serving.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I prep the cranberry topping ahead and store it in the fridge. When I’m ready to serve, I bake the brie and warm the topping before spooning it over.

What should I serve with it?

I like crackers, crostini, toasted baguette slices, or apple and pear slices. The sweet and savory combo is amazing with fruit.

What size brie wheel should I use?

I usually use an 8-ounce wheel, which is perfect for 6 to 8 people. For larger gatherings, I use a 12- to 16-ounce wheel and double the topping.

Conclusion

Baked Brie with Honey Balsamic Cranberries is one of those recipes that always impresses with minimal effort. It’s warm, melty, tangy, and sweet — everything I want in an appetizer. Whether I’m hosting a holiday dinner or just treating myself to a cozy night in, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that never fails to elevate the moment.