If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s elegant, festive, irresistibly creamy, and shockingly easy to prepare, this Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce and Garlic Herb Crostini is exactly the recipe you need in your holiday lineup. With its gooey melted brie center, bright and tangy cranberry topping, and golden toasted bread cubes seasoned with garlic, herbs, and butter, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner, Thanksgiving gathering, New Year’s Eve celebration, or just want a cozy appetizer for a winter night in, baked brie is a classic that never fails to impress. Today’s recipe elevates traditional baked brie by surrounding the cheese with crunchy crostini pieces and finishing it with a thick, ruby-red homemade cranberry sauce. The contrast of creamy, sweet, tangy, and savory flavors makes every bite unforgettable.
In this detailed, 1500-word recipe article, we’ll cover everything you need to know: step-by-step instructions, ingredient notes, pro tips, variations, prep-ahead methods, reheating, serving ideas, and answers to commonly asked questions. Let’s dive in!
⭐ Why This Baked Brie Recipe Is So Popular
This recipe stands out for several reasons:
1. It looks impressive—but is incredibly easy.
You need only a handful of ingredients and minimal cooking skills to create a gourmet-looking holiday appetizer.
2. It’s the perfect blend of flavors.
Creamy cheese + sweet-tart cranberries + savory garlic butter crostini = perfection.
3. It works for any occasion.
Serve it for parties, brunches, wine nights, dinners, or even romantic evenings.
4. It’s ready in under 25 minutes.
Fast, delicious, beautiful, and reliable—everything you want in a holiday appetizer.
🧀 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Brie and Cranberry Topping:
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1 wheel of brie (8–12 oz)
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1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
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½ cup sugar
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2 tablespoons water or orange juice
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1 teaspoon orange zest (optional for brightness)
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
For the Garlic Herb Crostini:
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1 French baguette or Italian loaf, cut into cubes
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4 tablespoons melted butter
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, finely minced
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1 teaspoon rosemary or thyme (fresh or dried)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
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Extra rosemary
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Crushed pecans or walnuts
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Honey drizzle
🫐 How to Make Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce (Step-by-Step)
This section breaks down the recipe so beginners and seasoned cooks alike can make it flawlessly.
Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Sauce
This topping is simple, quick, and bursting with flavor.
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Place cranberries, sugar, and water (or orange juice) in a small saucepan.
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Cook over medium heat until the cranberries begin to burst—about 8–10 minutes.
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Stir occasionally and mash lightly for a thicker texture.
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Add optional orange zest or vanilla extract for depth.
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Allow the sauce to cool slightly; it will thicken as it sits.
👉 This sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead!
Step 2: Make the Garlic Herb Crostini
These toasted bread cubes perfectly complement the soft brie.
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Toss bread cubes with melted butter, olive oil, garlic, rosemary/thyme, salt, and pepper.
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Spread evenly around a baking dish or cast-iron skillet.
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Toast in the oven for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden—but not fully crisp.
