Name: Cranberry Brie with Honey-Balsamic Cranberry Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 wheel of Brie (8–12 oz); 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries; 2 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1/2 tsp orange zest (optional); Pinch of salt; Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish (optional); Crackers, toasted baguette slices, or apple slices for serving

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Cranberry Brie with Honey-Balsamic Cranberry Sauce is a festive, warm appetizer that I love to serve during the holiday season—or anytime I want something elegant, sweet, and savory. Creamy Brie gets baked until soft and gooey, then topped with a homemade cranberry sauce that’s perfectly tart, sweetened with honey, and finished with a splash of balsamic for richness and depth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes just a few minutes to put together, but it looks and tastes like something you’d find at a fancy gathering. The tangy cranberries and rich Brie are a classic combo, and the honey-balsamic twist gives the sauce a more complex flavor. It’s a show-stopping dish that’s always the first to disappear at any party I host.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Wheel of Brie (8–12 oz)
Fresh or frozen cranberries
Honey
Balsamic vinegar
Orange zest (optional)
Pinch of salt
Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for garnish)
Crackers, toasted baguette slices, or apple slices (for serving)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small saucepan over medium heat, I combine the cranberries, honey, balsamic vinegar, orange zest, and a pinch of salt.
I cook the mixture for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have burst and the sauce thickens slightly.
I place the Brie on a parchment-lined baking dish or small oven-safe skillet.
I spoon the warm cranberry mixture over the Brie.
I bake for 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is soft and melty in the center.
I let it rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh herbs and serving warm with crackers or fruit.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people and takes about 25 minutes total from start to finish. It’s perfect as a holiday appetizer or for cozy get-togethers.

Variations

I wrap the Brie in puff pastry before baking for a fancier presentation.
I add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the cranberry topping for crunch.
I use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper sweetness.
I mix a splash of orange juice into the cranberry sauce for extra citrus flavor.
I serve the sauce separately for a deconstructed dip-style platter.

storage/reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place the Brie in a small oven-safe dish and warm it at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes, or until soft again. The cranberry topping can also be reheated separately on the stovetop or microwave.

FAQs

Can I make the cranberry sauce ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the sauce up to 3 days in advance and keep it in the fridge. I reheat it slightly before spooning it over the Brie.

Should I remove the rind from the Brie?

No, I leave the rind on—it helps the cheese hold its shape while baking and is totally edible.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Fresh or frozen cranberries work best. If I only have dried cranberries, I soak them in hot water first to soften them, but the texture will be different.

What kind of honey should I use?

I usually go with a mild honey like clover or wildflower. Stronger varieties can overpower the Brie.

What’s the best way to serve this?

I serve it straight from the baking dish or skillet with a spreader knife, alongside crackers, crostini, or apple slices for dipping.

Conclusion

Cranberry Brie with Honey-Balsamic Cranberry Sauce is one of those effortless appetizers that feels fancy without the fuss. It brings together creamy, tart, and sweet flavors in every gooey bite, making it perfect for holidays, date nights, or a simple yet impressive dish to share. Once I started making it, it became a go-to in my entertaining rotation.