Cranberry Walnut Baked Brie Recipe

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that feels fancy but comes together in a snap, this Cranberry Walnut Baked Brie Recipe is an absolute winner. I first stumbled on this combo during a holiday party, and it’s since become my go-to for any gathering where I want to impress without stressing. The tangy cranberries paired with the sweet orange marmalade and crunchy walnuts make each bite an explosion of flavors that everyone asks about.

What I love most is how versatile it is—whether it’s a cozy winter night or a festive celebration, this Cranberry Walnut Baked Brie hits just the right note of comfort and sophistication. Plus, it requires just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, so you can spend more time laughing with friends than fussing in the kitchen. You’re going to love how effortlessly it elevates any appetizer spread.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Cranberry Walnut Baked Brie Recipe work together beautifully to deliver a sweet, tart, and nutty flavor experience. Keep an eye out for fresh walnuts and good-quality brie for the best results.

• Brie cheese: Choose a creamy, high-quality wheel that isn’t too aged—it should be smooth, not runny.
• Dried cranberries: These add the perfect chewy tartness that balances the sweetness.
• Orange juice: Freshly squeezed is best; it brings brightness and keeps the mix vibrant.
• Orange zest: Adds aromatic citrus oils that really make this recipe pop.
• Orange marmalade: The sweet and bitter notes deepen the flavor complexity.
• Chopped walnuts: Toast them lightly if you want extra crunch and aromatic nuttiness.
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps bind everything together.
• Fresh rosemary (for garnish): Adds a lovely piney fragrance and looks festive.
• Apple slices (honeycrisp preferably): The perfect crisp, sweet pairing for dippers.
• Crackers and toasted baguette slices: Choose sturdy options that can hold the melty brie without falling apart.

Variations

I like to switch up this Cranberry Walnut Baked Brie Recipe depending on the season or who’s coming over. It’s easy to make it your own with little tweaks that keep things fresh and exciting.

• Variation: Sometimes I swap walnuts for pecans, which give a slightly sweeter crunch and a southern flair – totally delicious and just as satisfying.
• Dietary Variation: For a dairy-free spin, you can try a vegan brie alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey, though the texture will differ a bit.
• Seasonal Twist: Around fall, I like to add a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg into the cranberry infusion. It adds warmth and fits perfectly with the cooler weather vibe.

How to Make Cranberry Walnut Baked Brie Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Cranberry Mixture

Start by combining the dried cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, orange marmalade, and honey in a small saucepan. I like to gently simmer this mix over low heat for about 5-7 minutes until the cranberries plump up and the mixture thickens slightly. This step really brings out the flavors and makes the topping delightfully sticky and luscious. Keep an eye on it—too high heat can burn the marmalade.

Step 2: Assemble the Brie

Place your wheel of brie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pour the warm cranberry mixture over the top, spreading it gently so the brie is nicely coated. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly on top. If you want an extra toasty note, you can quickly toast the walnuts in a dry pan before adding – I find it makes a big difference in depth of flavor.

Step 3: Bake Until Melty

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the brie for 12-15 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to get soft and gooey but not completely melted into a puddle. A good sign is when the edges just start to soften and the top looks warm and glossy. Keep a close eye here—overbaking can cause the cheese to lose its lovely shape.

How to Serve Cranberry Walnut Baked Brie Recipe

Garnishes

I always add a sprig or two of fresh rosemary right after baking. It’s simple but instantly makes the presentation look polished and festive. Plus, the aroma blends beautifully with the warm citrus and nut mix, enticing everyone to gather around right away.

Side Dishes

To complement the cranberry walnut baked brie, we love serving crispy honeycrisp apple slices—they add a fresh crunch and balance the richness of the cheese. Toasted baguette slices and assorted crackers are perfect for scooping up ooey-gooey bites. If you want to add a bit more, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette works wonders to lighten the palette.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I sometimes serve the whole brie in a shallow wooden bowl lined with fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries right around the edge—it looks stunning and doubles as a fragrant garnish. Another favorite is layering the cranberry walnut brie on a large wooden board with slices of cured meats and nuts for an elegant sharing platter. Trust me, presentation can make this simple dish feel really special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover baked brie can be tricky since it’s so soft, but I wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready, let it come to room temperature before reheating to keep that creamy texture. It’s best on the first day, but I still find it wonderful warmed up even after a day or two.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t my go-to for this recipe because the texture of brie changes quite a bit after thawing—it tends to get crumbly. However, if you want to freeze, I recommend freezing the cranberry walnut topping separately in an airtight container, then thawing and reheating it fresh with a new wheel of brie for best results.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I set the oven to 325°F and warm the brie for about 8-10 minutes, just until the cheese is soft again. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the cheese separate and texture less pleasant. Slow and gentle reheating preserves that gooey, melty perfection we’re after.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cranberry Walnut Baked Brie Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it never fails to bring people together around the table. It’s simple enough to make on a weeknight treat yet impressive enough for holiday festivities. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for it time and time again when you want something comforting, elegant, and absolutely delicious. Trust me, once you’ve tried it, this baked brie will be a staple in your entertaining repertoire.

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