Name: Cranberry Walnut Baked Brie Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491242H14M3S
Total time: PT-491242H14M3S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz wheel brie cheese; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 1/4 cup orange juice (about the juice of 1 orange); Zest from 1 orange; 1/4 cup orange marmalade; 1/4 cup chopped walnuts; 3 Tbsp honey; Fresh rosemary; Apple slices (preferably honeycrisp); Crackers; Toasted baguette slices

If you’re looking for a show-stopping, yet incredibly easy appetizer, this Cranberry Walnut Baked Brie Recipe checks all the boxes. Picture a warm wheel of creamy brie oozing out with a luscious topping of tangy cranberries, sweet orange marmalade, and crunchy walnuts — it’s cozy, elegant, and perfect for any gathering. I always keep it in my back pocket when friends drop by unexpectedly because it’s so quick to throw together and makes everyone look like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen.

What makes this Cranberry Walnut Baked Brie Recipe stand out is the balance of textures and flavors. The tart dried cranberries softened by orange juice and paired with aromatic orange zest brighten the rich cheese beautifully, while the walnuts add that perfect nutty crunch. Serve it with crisp apple slices or some crusty toasts and watch it disappear in minutes. Trust me, your guests will be asking for the recipe before the cheese’s even cooled down!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple but flavor-packed ingredients come together to create a deliciously balanced baked brie. When shopping, look for good quality brie and fresh walnuts to really elevate the dish.

Brie cheese: An 8 oz wheel works perfectly—choose a creamy, good-quality brie for the best melt.
Dried cranberries: Tart and chewy, these bring a lovely pop of flavor when softened with juice.
Orange juice: Using fresh-squeezed orange juice (around 1/4 cup) adds vibrant citrus notes that brighten up the sweetness.
Orange zest: Adds a fragrant, fresh aroma; makes a huge difference despite the small amount.
Orange marmalade: Sweet and slightly bitter, it complements the brie without overpowering its richness.
Chopped walnuts: Offers a satisfying crunch and subtle earthiness to balance the soft cheese and sweet toppings.
Honey: Three tablespoons for a natural sweetness that ties everything together.
Fresh rosemary (for garnish): Adds a lovely herbaceous scent and a pop of color when serving.
Dippers (apple slices, crackers, toasted baguette slices): I love honeycrisp apples — their crispness is wonderful with melted brie.

Variations

This Cranberry Walnut Baked Brie Recipe is super versatile—you can tweak it to your tastes or dietary needs without losing its magic. I often switch up the nuts or fruit depending on what’s in season or what I have on hand.

Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds: I tried pecans once and loved the slightly sweeter crunch they brought.
Use fresh cranberries and cook them down with sugar: If you want a fresher, less chewy topping, simmer fresh cranberries with a bit of sugar and orange juice.
Make it vegan: Use a dairy-free brie alternative and swap honey for maple syrup—still delicious!
Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg: I’ve sprinkled a pinch of warm spices in the topping around the holidays for extra coziness.
Top with pomegranate seeds for extra jewel-like sparkle: It adds a fresh crunch and stunning look.

How to Make Cranberry Walnut Baked Brie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Walnut Topping

Start by combining the dried cranberries, orange juice, and orange zest in a small saucepan. Warm it gently over medium-low heat until the cranberries plump up and soak in the juice—about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the orange marmalade, chopped walnuts, and honey, mixing everything until well combined and slightly thickened. This step ensures the topping is juicy but not runny, and it’s a game-changer to soften the cranberries just right so they meld beautifully with the brie.

Step 2: Prepare the Brie Wheel

While your topping cools slightly, place your brie wheel on a parchment-lined baking sheet or an oven-safe dish. If you want, you can score the rind lightly with a knife in a crisscross pattern, which helps the cheese melt evenly without losing that lovely rind texture. No need to remove the rind—that’s what holds the brie together beautifully as it bakes.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Spoon the cranberry walnut mixture over the top of the brie, spreading it evenly. Pop the brie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, until the cheese gets soft and gooey but hasn’t completely lost its shape. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks puffed and the topping is fragrant. Avoid going too long or the cheese melts away and makes a mess!

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary on top for that beautiful earthy aroma and visual pop. Let it sit for a couple of minutes—it’s extremely tempting to dig right in, but the cheese firms up just enough for easier spreading after a brief rest.

How to Serve Cranberry Walnut Baked Brie Recipe

This image shows a round white cheese wheel with a soft, creamy white inside and a light beige rind. On top of the cheese, there is a thick layer of dark red jam mixed with glossy, golden brown walnuts. Around the cheese, there is a neat ring of light brown crackers standing up. In front of the cheese, there are thin slices of red and yellow apple arranged in a fan shape. A small sprig of green rosemary and a slice of bright orange add a fresh touch on the left side. Everything sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always go with fresh rosemary because it smells incredible and looks festive, but you might also try thyme or a sprinkle of coarse sea salt to add a subtle twist. Sometimes I dash a little extra drizzle of honey on top for an eye-catching shine and a touch more sweetness.

Side Dishes

I love serving this baked brie with crunchy honeycrisp apple slices—they’re tart and fresh, pairing beautifully with the melted cheese and sweet topping. Crusty crackers and toasted baguette slices also work like a charm if you want that satisfying crunch and another textural layer.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve arranged this Cranberry Walnut Baked Brie Recipe on a wooden board surrounded by extra walnuts, whole cranberries, and sprigs of rosemary for a rustic look. Another idea is to bake tiny individual bries in ramekins topped with this mixture for personal servings—makes your guests feel super special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (rare but possible!), wrap the baked brie tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. It keeps well for 2-3 days, though the texture is best enjoyed fresh. I recommend storing any leftover topping separately or together depending on how quickly you plan to eat it.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze baked brie since the texture changes, but you can freeze the cranberry walnut topping ahead of time. Freeze it in a sealed container and thaw in the fridge overnight before baking with fresh brie. This saves prep time on busy days!

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, pop the wrapped brie back into a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it softens nicely without becoming too runny. I usually serve reheated leftover brie on crackers or apple slices for a quick snack.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of dried for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you use frozen cranberries, it’s best to simmer them a bit longer with the orange juice and honey to break them down into a softer compote-like topping. This will still be delicious but has a fresher cranberry flavor and less chew than dried cranberries.
What type of brie should I buy for baking?

Look for a creamy brie that’s roughly 8 ounces and well sealed. Avoid double-crème or triple-crème brie if you want a less gooey, sturdier texture. A traditional brie with edible rind will melt perfectly and hold its shape better when baked.
Can I prepare this cranberry walnut topping ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the topping up to 2 days ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature or warm slightly before spooning it over the brie to bake. This makes entertaining much easier.
What’s the best way to serve baked brie without it making a mess?

Keep the wheel intact by scoring shallow cuts instead of cutting out the rind. Serve with sturdy dippers like toasted baguette slices or apple slices to scoop up the soft cheese. Let the brie rest briefly after baking to firm up, making it less messy to enjoy.
Is this Cranberry Walnut Baked Brie Recipe good for large parties?

Definitely! You can double or triple the recipe and bake multiple brie wheels or prepare individual servings in mini brie rounds or ramekins for easy portioning. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s quick to assemble and always a hit.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Walnut Baked Brie Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to—not only for its incredible flavor combination but also for the way it brings people together around the snack table. If you love simple yet elegant recipes that don’t require a ton of fuss but deliver in taste and presentation, this one’s for you. So next time you want to impress with minimal effort, give this recipe a try. You might find it becomes your go-to holiday appetizer or anytime treat, just like it did for me!