Baked Brie with Cranberry Compote

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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If you're looking for an appetizer that effortlessly combines elegance with ease, this Baked Brie with Cranberry Compote is your answer. With a harmonious blend of creamy cheese, tart cranberries, and a hint of sweetness, it's a surefire way to impress your guests or simply treat yourself.

Ingredients for Baked Brie with Cranberry Compote

The star of this recipe is definitely the Brie cheese, which becomes irresistibly gooey when baked. Then there's the fresh cranberries, adding a burst of tartness that cuts through the richness of the cheese. The granulated sugar helps to sweeten the cranberries just enough, while the water assists in breaking them down into a compote. The orange zest lends a subtle citrus aroma that brightens the dish. We add chopped pecans for a crunchy texture contrast, and a drizzle of honey ties everything together with a soft, floral sweetness. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh rosemary adds a fragrant earthiness that rounds out the flavors beautifully.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer a smoother compote, mash the cranberries slightly with a potato masher while cooking.
  • For a nuttier flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the compote.
  • If your Brie is wrapped in paper, make sure to remove it before baking, but you can leave the rind on.
  • Pre-slice the Brie wheel slightly before baking to make serving easier.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir. If you're aiming for a more robust flavor, try serving it alongside a selection of cured meats or a simple arugula salad. For a more rustic feel, serve with slices of a crusty baguette.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Fresh cranberries are best for this recipe, but if you must use dried, soak them in hot water first to rehydrate.
What if I don't have pecans?
Walnuts or almonds make a great substitute if you're out of pecans.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently in the oven before serving.

Baked Brie with Cranberry Compote Recipe Walkthrough

Let's start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that's warming up, grab a saucepan and toss in the cranberries, sugar, water, and orange zest. Put it on medium heat and give it a stir now and then. You'll notice the cranberries begin to pop and the mixture thickens up nicely in about 10 minutes.

Once your cranberry compote has reached the right consistency, take it off the heat. Stir in the chopped pecans and rosemary, and then set it aside to cool a bit. Now, take your Brie wheel and place it on a baking sheet that's been lined with parchment paper. Pop that into your preheated oven.

Bake the Brie for 10 to 15 minutes. You'll know it's ready when it's soft to the touch and starting to melt just a little — not too much, or it will lose its shape completely. Carefully transfer your Brie to a serving platter.

Spoon the cranberry compote right over the top of the warm Brie. To finish, drizzle everything with honey for that extra touch of sweetness. Serve it up immediately with some crackers or slices of baguette, and watch it disappear!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
  • Quick to prepare, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings.
  • Visually stunning with vibrant cranberries and golden Brie.
  • Easy to customize with your favorite nuts or herbs.
  • A decadent treat that's surprisingly simple to make.

Ingredients

1 wheel of Brie cheese (approximately 8 oz)
1 cup fresh cranberries
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon orange zest
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
Crackers or sliced baguette for serving

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, sugar, water, and orange zest. Stir occasionally until the cranberries start to pop and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.
3. Remove the cranberry compote from the heat and stir in chopped pecans and rosemary. Set aside to cool.
4. Place the Brie wheel on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake the Brie in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and slightly melted.
6. Carefully transfer the baked Brie to a serving platter.
7. Spoon the cranberry compote over the top of the warm Brie.
8. Drizzle with honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
9. Serve immediately with crackers or slices of baguette.

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