Name: Baked Brie with Honey-Balsamic Cranberry Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 wheel of Brie cheese (8 oz); 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries; 2 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1/2 tsp orange zest (optional); Pinch of salt; Crackers, crostini, or sliced apples/pears (for serving)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is effortless to prepare yet delivers a big flavor and visual impact. The contrast between the warm, creamy Brie and the bold cranberry topping is irresistible. It pairs beautifully with crackers, crostini, or sliced fruit and can be made ahead for stress-free entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, this baked Brie is guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find 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)
salt
crackers, crostini, or sliced apples/pears (for serving)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, honey, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Add orange zest if using. Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 8–10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
Place the Brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a small baking dish.
Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and starting to ooze but the rind remains intact.
Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes.
Spoon the cranberry sauce over the top of the warm Brie.
Serve immediately with crackers, crostini, or sliced fruit.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 as an appetizer.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the cranberry sauce for crunch.
Wrap the Brie in puff pastry before baking for an extra-decadent version.
Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper sweetness.
Stir in chopped rosemary or thyme for a savory herbal note.
Substitute fig jam or apricot preserves if cranberries aren’t available.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover Brie should be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through—about 10–12 minutes.
The cranberry sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh when the cheese is melty and soft.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly—no need to thaw before cooking.

What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?

You can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar with a touch of brown sugar as a substitute.

Should I remove the rind from the Brie?

No, the rind helps the cheese keep its shape while baking and is edible.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the cranberry sauce in advance, but bake the Brie just before serving.

Do I need to bake the Brie in a dish?

Not necessarily—just use parchment paper on a baking sheet, but a small dish helps contain the melted cheese.

Can I use another type of cheese?

Brie works best for this recipe, but Camembert is a good alternative with a similar texture.

What are the best crackers or sides to serve with this?

Try seedy crackers, crostini, toasted baguette slices, or sliced apples and pears.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, use a vegan Brie alternative and maple syrup in place of honey.

How do I know when the Brie is ready?

It should feel soft when pressed gently and may start to bulge slightly, but it shouldn’t completely collapse.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

It’s not recommended, as the texture of Brie and cranberry sauce may change after freezing and thawing.

Conclusion

Baked Brie with Honey-Balsamic Cranberry Sauce is the ultimate appetizer for fall and winter gatherings—or any time you want to impress with minimal effort. It’s creamy, tangy, sweet, and utterly satisfying. Serve it warm and gooey with your favorite dippers, and watch it disappear within minutes. A simple yet elegant crowd-pleaser that never fails.