This Baked Brie with Cranberry and Toasted Nuts is a delightful appetizer perfect for any holiday gathering. Combining creamy brie with a sweet and tangy cranberry compote and crunchy toasted nuts, this dish is sure to impress your guests.
You can prepare the compote and nut topping ahead of time, making it easy to bake the wheel just before serving. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of Baked Brie Recipes, including variations like Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie and Baked Brie with Honey and Cranberries.
Festive Presentation
Creating an inviting atmosphere for your holiday gathering is essential, and this dish does just that. The Baked Brie with Cranberry & Toasted Nuts is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes.
Picture a beautifully baked wheel of brie cheese, warm and gooey, topped with a vibrant cranberry compote and crunchy toasted pecans. The fresh rosemary garnish adds a touch of color and aroma, enhancing the overall appeal.
Served on a rustic wooden board, this appetizer comes with an assortment of crackers and slices of baguette, making it perfect for sharing. The combination of textures and flavors creates a delightful experience for your guests.
Flavorful Ingredients
The ingredients for this Baked Brie Cranberry Appetizer are simple yet impactful. The star of the dish is, of course, the brie cheese, which melts beautifully in the oven.
The homemade cranberry compote brings a sweet and tangy element that perfectly complements the creamy cheese. Toasted pecans add a satisfying crunch, while the hint of cinnamon and vanilla in the nut topping elevates the flavor profile.
Incorporating fresh rosemary not only enhances the taste but also provides a lovely visual contrast against the rich colors of the cheese and compote.
Preparation Tips
Preparing this dish is straightforward and can be done in about 30 minutes. Start by making the cranberry compote, which involves cooking fresh cranberries with sugar and water until they burst and thicken.
While the compote cools, toast the pecans in a skillet with butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. This step infuses the nuts with flavor and creates a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen.
Once the components are ready, assemble the dish by placing the brie on a baking sheet, topping it with the cranberry mixture and toasted pecans, and baking until the cheese is soft and gooey.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving, presentation is key. Arrange the Baked Brie on a wooden board alongside a variety of crackers and slices of baguette. This not only makes it easy for guests to serve themselves but also adds to the rustic charm of the dish.
Consider pairing this appetizer with a selection of wines or festive beverages to enhance the experience. The combination of flavors from the cheese, cranberry compote, and nuts will surely impress your guests.
Variations to Try
This Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce can be adapted in numerous ways to suit different tastes. For instance, you might try a Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie or even a Brie Cranberry Puff Pastry for a flaky twist.
For those who enjoy a sweeter touch, consider a Baked Brie with Honey and Cranberries or a Baked Brie with Jam. Each variation offers a unique flavor profile while maintaining the core elements that make this dish a holiday favorite.
Nutritional Information
For those keeping an eye on their nutrition, this appetizer serves about eight people, making it a great choice for gatherings. Each serving contains approximately 250 calories, with a balance of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
With 20g of fat and 6g of protein, this dish can be enjoyed as part of a balanced holiday meal. Just remember to savor each bite and enjoy the festive atmosphere it creates!
Delicious Baked Brie Cranberry Appetizer
This Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce features a warm, gooey brie wheel topped with a homemade cranberry compote and toasted pecans. The recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and serves 8 people, making it an ideal choice for festive gatherings or holiday parties.
Ingredients
- 1 round brie cheese (8 ounces)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Fresh rosemary for garnish (optional)
- Crackers or sliced baguette for serving
Instructions
- Make the Cranberry Compote: In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.
- Toast the Nuts: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped pecans, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Cook for 3-5 minutes until nuts are toasted and fragrant. Set aside.
- Prepare the Brie: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the brie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Assemble: Spoon the cranberry compote over the top of the brie, then sprinkle the toasted pecans on top.
- Bake: Bake the brie in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and gooey.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh rosemary if desired, and serve warm with crackers or sliced baguette.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: 250kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 18g