| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 20g | 12g | 25g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 2g | 15g | 1g |
One of my absolute favorite recipes to prepare during the festive season is Baked Brie with Cranberries. Blissfully succulent with a vibrant flare, it has all the elements of an elegant appetizer, yet it brims with a certain homey familiarity. Being a Texas girl, I’ve always been fascinated by the amalgamation of flavors in our cuisine. While this dish may not scream ‘Tex-Mex’, it certainly holds the spirit of serving food that warms the heart and delight the taste buds.
A Colorful Fusion of Flavors
The vibrant Baked Brie with Cranberries boasts a harmonious blend of creamy, slightly nutty Brie cheese and the zesty, tart cranberry caramelized to perfect sweetness. The way the warm cheese melds with the tangy, sweet cranberries is a culinary experience worth repeating. Picture savoring each bite on a freshly toasted slice of baguette – it’s downright divine!
Over the years, I’ve learned that this recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or turkey too, aiding and elevating the flavour of these succulent birds with its bright contrast.
A Spark of Health in Every Bite
What makes this dish even more appealing is its slight hint towards healthy eating. Brie cheese is a great source of proteins, calcium, and Vitamin B12, amongst other beneficial nutrients. On the other hand, cranberries, ever the superstar, is packed with antioxidants, vitamin C and fibre, which are all beneficial to the overall well-being. Even sugar, though taken in moderation, provides our bodies with essential glucose that fuels our body cells. Finally, the slices of whole grain baguette give us the much-needed fiber and necessary carbs.
Nutrition aside, this classic Baked Brie with Cranberries is such a joy to prepare! The recipe sparks my creativity, letting me experiment with my beloved cranberry garnish each year. They say that holiday traditions hold a certain magic, and I absolutely agree. So here’s to creating warm memories, one stunning dish at a time.
What You’ll Need
- 1 large wheel of Brie cheese (approximately 1 lb)
- 1 cup of fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1 baguette, thinly sliced
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
Method
Step One
First off, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Step Two
While the oven is heating up, take a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and water. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the cranberries burst and the sauce has thickened. This will usually take around 10-15 minutes.
Step Three
Now, place your Brie cheese wheel on a baking sheet.
Step Four
After the cranberry sauce is ready, carefully pour it over the Brie, making sure it covers the top and some side parts of the cheese.
Step Five
Place the Brie and cranberry combination in the preheated oven. Bake it until the cheese is soft and melty, approximately 15 minutes.
Step Six
While the Brie is baking, take your sliced baguette, lightly drizzle each piece with extra virgin olive oil, and lightly toast them in the oven or toaster until they are light golden brown.
Step Seven
Finally, take out the cheese from the oven and season it lightly with a sprinkle of sea salt and freshly crushed black pepper. Serve your Baked Brie with Cranberries warm with the crispy toasted baguettes on the side. Enjoy this delicious and simple appetizer with your family and friends.
