Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Yet Elegant: This recipe is simple to make but looks and tastes impressive, making it perfect for special occasions or holiday dinners.
- Sweet and Savory: The combination of rich, creamy Brie with the tart cranberry jam creates a delightful balance of flavors that will satisfy your taste buds.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the jam to your taste, adding spices like cinnamon or balsamic vinegar for extra depth.
- Perfect for Sharing: Serve with crackers, bread, or fruit for a fun and interactive appetizer that guests can enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 wheel of Brie (approximately 8 ounces)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for added depth)
- Bread or crackers, for serving
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Cranberry Jam
In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, lemon juice, water, and optional balsamic vinegar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to burst, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Cinnamon
If you’re using cinnamon, stir it in now. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let the jam cool.
4. Prepare the Brie
Place the Brie wheel on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can leave the rind on, as it softens beautifully when baked.
5. Top with Jam
Once the cranberry jam has cooled slightly, spoon it generously over the top of the Brie wheel, making sure to cover the entire surface.
6. Bake
Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the Brie is soft and gooey in the center.
7. Serve Warm
Carefully remove the Brie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve with an assortment of crackers, slices of fresh bread, or fruit for dipping.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Nuts: Add chopped toasted walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the cranberry jam for added crunch and flavor.
- Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary on top of the Brie before baking can add an aromatic touch.
- Spicy Cranberry Jam: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cranberry jam or a dash of hot sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, gently warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until the Brie softens again.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Brie with camembert or any soft, creamy cheese for a different flavor profile.
2. Can I make the cranberry jam ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cranberry jam up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just warm it slightly before spooning it over the Brie.
3. Can I skip the balsamic vinegar in the jam?
Yes, the balsamic vinegar is optional but adds depth of flavor to the cranberry jam. You can skip it if you prefer a simpler sweet-tart jam.
4. Do I need to remove the rind from the Brie?
No, you do not need to remove the rind. It softens as the cheese bakes and adds to the texture. However, if you prefer, you can remove it before baking.
5. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the cranberry jam and assemble the Brie with the jam before baking. When you’re ready to serve, just bake it for 15 minutes as directed.
6. How can I serve this with more variety?
Try serving the baked Brie with a variety of crackers, fresh baguette slices, apple slices, or even pears for a delicious contrast in flavors.
7. Can I add other fruit to the jam?
Yes, you can mix in other fruits like raspberries, apples, or oranges for a more complex flavor.
8. Can I freeze the cranberry jam?
Yes, you can freeze the cranberry jam for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.
9. Can I use pre-made cranberry sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought cranberry sauce as a shortcut, though homemade cranberry jam adds more depth of flavor.
10. Can I make this dish without baking?
While the Brie is typically baked to get that gooey center, you can serve it unbaked and simply drizzle the cranberry jam on top for a quicker, no-bake option.
Conclusion
Baked Brie with Quick Cranberry Jam is a perfect dish for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a special dinner, or a casual snack. With its creamy, melty cheese and sweet-tart cranberry jam, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Simple, quick, and oh-so-delicious, this recipe is a must-try for any cheese lover!
Baked Brie With Quick Cranberry Jam: An Incredible Essential Recipe
This Baked Brie with Quick Cranberry Jam combines creamy Brie with tangy cranberry jam for an irresistible appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or casual snacking. Served warm with crackers or bread, it’s a delightful blend of sweet and savory.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 wheel of Brie (approximately 8 ounces)
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for added depth)
Bread or crackers, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Cranberry Jam: In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, lemon juice, water, and optional balsamic vinegar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to burst, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Cinnamon: If you’re using cinnamon, stir it in now and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let the jam cool.
- Prepare the Brie: Place the Brie wheel on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Top with Jam: Once the cranberry jam has cooled slightly, spoon it generously over the top of the Brie wheel, covering the entire surface.
- Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the Brie is soft and gooey in the center.
- Serve Warm: Carefully remove the Brie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve with crackers, slices of fresh bread, or fruit for dipping.
Notes
For added texture, you can sprinkle chopped toasted nuts on top of the Brie before baking.
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, the jam will still be delicious without it.
If you prefer a more intense cranberry flavor, add extra lemon juice or zest.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg