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Easy Baked Brie with Cranberry & Walnuts: Best Family Appetizer

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This easy baked brie with cranberry and walnuts is the perfect warm, gooey appetizer that comes together in 20 minutes. It’s budget-friendly, picky eater approved, and a one-dish wonder that will make you look like you tried way harder than you actually did.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (8-ounce) wheel of brie cheese
  • 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)
  • For serving: crackers, sliced baguette, apple slices, or pear slices

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, take your brie out of the fridge and let it sit on the counter for about 10 minutes.
  2. Score the top of the brie. Using a sharp paring knife, carefully cut a shallow crosshatch pattern into the top rind — about 1/4 inch deep. Don’t cut all the way through to the sides, just the top.
  3. Place the brie in your baking dish. If you’re using parchment, line the dish first. Center the brie in the dish, scored side up.
  4. Make the topping. In a small bowl, mix together the cranberry sauce, chopped walnuts, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is combined.
  5. Spoon the topping over the brie. Pile it right on top, letting some cascade down the sides if it wants to. Make sure the entire top is covered so the cheese doesn’t dry out.
  6. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Place the dish on a baking sheet just in case any topping bubbles over. Bake until the brie is soft and puffy, and the topping is bubbly and fragrant. You’ll know it’s done when you give the dish a gentle shake and the cheese jiggles like a soft custard.
  7. Let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
  8. Garnish and serve. Sprinkle with fresh rosemary or thyme if you’re using it, and place the dish on a serving board surrounded by crackers, baguette slices, and fruit. Serve immediately while it’s warm and melty.

Notes

Don’t skip scoring the brie — it ensures even melting. Toast walnuts for extra flavor. Ovens vary, so start checking at 12 minutes. If brie is cold from the fridge, add 5 minutes to baking time. For a nut-free version, omit walnuts or substitute with pumpkin seeds. For a gluten-free version, serve with gluten-free crackers or apple slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked brie, cranberry, walnuts, appetizer, holiday, easy, family-friendly

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/easy-baked-brie-with-cranberry-and-walnuts-best-family-appetizer/