Name: Cranberry Brie with Honey-Balsamic Cranberry Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 wheel of brie cheese (8 oz); 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon orange zest (optional); Pinch of salt; Crackers, baguette slices, or crostini (for serving)

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Cranberry Brie with Honey-Balsamic Cranberry Sauce is the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and creamy. Warm, melty brie is topped with a vibrant cranberry sauce that’s been simmered with honey and balsamic vinegar for depth and richness. I love serving this as an elegant appetizer during the holidays or any time I want a crowd-pleasing starter with minimal effort.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it looks fancy but is incredibly simple to prepare. The creamy brie pairs beautifully with the tangy cranberry sauce, and the honey and balsamic give the topping a rich, slightly sweet finish. It’s one of those appetizers that feels festive and luxurious, but I can throw it together in under 20 minutes. Plus, it’s perfect for spreading on crackers, crostini, or fresh bread. Cranberry Brie with Honey-Balsamic Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients

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

Wheel of brie cheese
Fresh or frozen cranberries
Honey
Balsamic vinegar
Orange zest (optional, for brightness)
Pinch of salt
Crackers, baguette slices, or crostini (for serving)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
While the oven heats, I combine cranberries, honey, balsamic vinegar, a pinch of salt, and a bit of orange zest (if using) in a small saucepan.
I simmer the mixture over medium heat for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
While the sauce cooks, I place the brie wheel on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a small baking dish.
I bake the brie for 10–12 minutes, just until the center is soft and gooey (I gently press the center with a spoon to test).
Once out of the oven, I spoon the warm cranberry sauce over the top of the brie.
I serve it immediately with crackers, crostini, or warm bread.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 6–8 as an appetizer.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

When I want to switch things up, I sometimes add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top for a little crunch. I’ve also used maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper sweetness. If I don’t have fresh cranberries, I use a good-quality cranberry sauce and simmer it with balsamic and orange zest to elevate the flavor. Occasionally, I wrap the brie in puff pastry for a baked brie en croûte version—it’s rich and always a hit.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers (which doesn’t happen often), I store the brie and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I bake the brie in a small dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. The cranberry topping can be reheated in a saucepan or microwave until just warm. Cranberry Brie with Honey-Balsamic Cranberry Sauce

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?

Yes, I can use store-bought cranberry sauce in a pinch. I like to simmer it with a little honey, balsamic vinegar, and orange zest to give it more homemade flavor.

Do I need to remove the rind from the brie?

No, I leave the rind on. It’s completely edible and helps hold the cheese together as it bakes. Once it’s warm, the inside turns perfectly melty.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I make the cranberry sauce ahead and refrigerate it, then just bake the brie and warm the sauce when I’m ready to serve. It makes entertaining so much easier.

What’s the best bread or cracker to serve with this?

I love serving this with crostini, sliced baguette, or hearty crackers. Anything sturdy enough to scoop up the gooey cheese and sauce works great.

Can I use a different cheese?

Brie is ideal for this recipe because of its creamy texture and mild flavor, but I’ve also tried it with camembert or goat cheese logs for variation. I just adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Cranberry Brie with Honey-Balsamic Cranberry Sauce is one of those recipes I always come back to when I want something easy but impressive. It’s sweet, savory, creamy, and festive—everything I love in an appetizer. Whether I’m hosting a party or just want a cozy night-in snack, this dish never fails to wow.