Baked Brie and last-minute appetizer ideas
I had all but forgotten this last-minute baked brie appetizer from the Simple Bites archives, when my sister unearthed it for a recent party.
She presented the brie in all its glory, bubbling from the oven and topped with toasted walnuts, and I quickly remembered just how popular it was. Party guests swarmed the table and in a matter of minutes, half the round of brie and an entire baguette was gone.
I mean, warm cheese and crusty bread, does it get any better than that?
I’m republishing this recipe from 2011, in hopes that it will prompt you to add a wheel of brie to your shopping list. Raid the pantry for cranberry sauce and toast a tray of walnuts. Spend all of five minutes prepping the dish and then sit back to enjoy your holiday party. Oh, you can totally make a batch of your own cranberry sauce in advance. It will keep for several weeks in the refrigerator.
Whether you are hosting for Christmas or New Year’s, brunch or cocktails, this cranberry-topped baked brie fits the occasion and is loved by all.
In the unlikely event of leftover bake brie, simply cover it in foil and warm gently in a low oven until it is stretchy again. Then enjoy on toasted bread, as one does.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 brie cheese round 16 oz
- 1 orange zested
- 2/3 cup walnut pieces toasted
- Crackers or sliced baguette for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Remove the top of the rind from the cheese using a serrated knife, and discard the rind. Place the cheese, cut side up on an oven safe plate or bowl. Just make sure to use a larger plate or a bowl so your cheese doesn't start oozing off the plate like mine is in the above photo.
- Bake brie for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and top with the cranberry sauce. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and warm.
- Sprinkle the top with orange zest and toasted walnuts. Serve immediately with crackers or sliced baguette.
More last-minute appetizer ideas
Have you been there and done that with baked brie? Try baking it in puff pastry for an extra special party snack. This tutorial from The Kitchn shows you how it is done.
Love brie, cranberries and walnuts, but you’re not crazy about all the bread? Make my Brie & Cranberry Stuffed Mushroom Bites. Oh my word, these are GOOD.
Speaking of stuffed mushrooms, these Mediterranean Stuffed Mushrooms are another quick appy that happen to be gluten-free and vegetarian.
For a simple, yet truly sensational warm appetizer, Honey-Drizzled Raspberry Brie Brûlée will steal the show. It’s perfect for an intimate dinner for two or four. And would pair nicely with champagne for a New Year’s Eve celebration.
Classic Gruyère Gougères can come together quickly if you have made them before. They are delicious straight from the oven, but can also be prepped in advance if needed. I’ve got a bag full in my freezer for an upcoming lunch.
Happy countdown to Christmas!
I’ve never been a fan of brie. I tried it again recently and was surprised I didn’t totally hate it! I’ve seen recipes like this (usually encapsuled by pastry) and wondered if that might convert me. It looks amazing. Can’t go wrong with cheese.
Served this for a small group and was instantly gone. I made fresh cranberry sauce. Thank you for the recipe.
I haven’t made this yet but I have an apple relish jam that I was thinking of using. I’m not familiar with the taste of Brie. Do you think those flavors would pair well?