Cranberry Brie Dip Recipe
Looking for a holiday appetizer that’s equal parts festive and irresistible? This Cranberry Brie Dip recipe has you covered. With a base of creamy, melted brie cheese topped with a generous layer of tart cranberry sauce, this dip is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. It’s simple to prepare yet decadent, making it an ideal starter for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any winter gathering.
The beauty of this dish lies in its ease and elegance. Brie cheese, known for its mild, buttery flavor, becomes wonderfully gooey when baked. Pair that with the bold flavor of cranberries and a hint of fresh rosemary, and you have a dip that will impress guests with minimal effort.
Serve this Cranberry Brie Dip warm alongside slices of crusty bread or a variety of crackers. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser and guaranteed to bring a touch of luxury to your holiday appetizer spread.
Key Ingredients for Cranberry Brie Dip Recipe
- Cranberry sauce – A tart and vibrant topping that pairs beautifully with creamy brie; fresh cranberry sauce brings out the best flavor.
- Brie cheese – An 8-ounce wheel of brie melts into a smooth, luscious base that’s perfect for dipping.
- Honey (optional) – Adds a touch of sweetness that contrasts with the cranberry’s tartness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Rosemary – A single sprig of rosemary adds a subtle herbaceous aroma that elevates the dip and adds a pop of color.
- Crusty bread or crackers – Ideal for dipping, offering a crispy counterpoint to the creamy brie and cranberry topping.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Dip
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Cut off the top rind of the brie to help it melt more easily. Place the brie in a small oven-safe dish, like a pie or gratin dish.
- Bake the brie for about 7 minutes, just until it begins to soften.
- Remove the brie from the oven. Generously spoon cranberry sauce over the top, and drizzle with honey if you like a bit of extra sweetness. Lightly mix the toppings to combine flavors.
- Place a rosemary sprig on top, then return the dish to the oven.
- Continue baking for 10–15 minutes, or until the brie is fully melted and bubbly.
- Serve the warm dip with crusty bread or crackers, encouraging guests to scoop the melted brie and cranberry topping together.
Tips for a Perfect Cranberry Brie Dip
- Use fresh cranberry sauce for the best flavor. While canned cranberry sauce can work, fresh or homemade sauce has a brighter, fresher taste that pairs beautifully with brie.
- Remove the top rind of the brie before baking to allow the cheese to melt more easily. This simple step will ensure a smooth, dippable consistency.
- Prepare crusty crostini if you’re serving bread. Slice a baguette into ¼-inch rounds, brush with olive oil, and bake at 375ºF for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
Recipe Variations
For a twist on this classic Cranberry Brie Dip, consider adding a few extra ingredients. Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch and a slightly nutty flavor that complements the brie and cranberry. You could also sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or orange zest over the cranberry sauce for a warm, seasonal aroma. If you’d like a spicier dip, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cranberry sauce before layering it over the brie.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
While this dip is best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, place the dip in an oven-safe dish and warm it at 350ºF for 10–15 minutes or until the brie is melted again. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the cheese rubbery.
Cranberry Brie Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup cranberry sauce preferably fresh
- 1 8- ounce wheel of brie cheese
- 1 teaspoon honey optional
- 1 sprig of rosemary
- Crusty bread or crackers for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375ºF. Remove the top rind from the brie wheel and place the cheese in a small oven-safe dish, such as a pie or gratin dish. Transfer the dish to the oven and bake until the brie begins to soften and melt, about 7 minutes.
- Remove the dish from the oven. Generously spoon cranberry sauce over the brie and drizzle with honey, if desired. Mix slightly to blend the flavors. Position the rosemary sprig on top of the brie and return the dish to the oven.
- Continue baking for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Serve the warm dip alongside crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
Notes
- Cranberry Sauce: Fresh cranberry sauce is recommended for best flavor.
- Crostini Preparation: Slice a baguette or a loaf of French or Italian bread into ¼-inch slices, brush each slice with olive oil on both sides, and bake at 375ºF for approximately 10 minutes, turning halfway through for even toasting.