Cranberry Pear Baked Brie – A Holiday Showstopper
Share
If there’s one appetizer that never fails to bring people hovering around the table, it’s warm, gooey baked brie. This version combines creamy, melted Brie cheese with a festive topping of cranberries, walnuts, fresh thyme, and a luscious drizzle of our Cranberry Pear White Balsamic. It’s sweet, tangy, savory, and downright irresistible — the perfect bite for holiday gatherings, Friendsgiving, or a cozy night in by the fire.
The magic of this recipe is in the balance of flavors. The Cranberry Pear Balsamic adds a bright, fruity lift that cuts through the richness of the brie, while the walnuts bring crunch, and the fresh thyme adds an herbaceous note that ties everything together beautifully. Serve it right from the skillet with toasted baguette slices, apple wedges, or your favorite crackers, and watch it disappear in minutes.
Hosting this season? This is the recipe that looks impressive, feels gourmet, and comes together in under 20 minutes. Easy for you — unforgettable for your guests.
Cranberry Pear Baked Brie
Rated 4.0 stars by 2 users
Category
Appetizer
Cuisine
French
Author:
The Little Shop of Olive Oils
Servings
6-8
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
12-15 minutes
A warm, gooey wheel of Brie topped with cranberries, walnuts, thyme, and our festive Cranberry Pear Balsamic. A deliciously elegant appetizer for the holidays!
Ingredients
- 1 wheel of Brie (8 oz)
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
-
1–2 tbsp honey
-
1–2 tbsp Cranberry Pear White Balsamic
- 1–2 sprigs fresh thyme (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tbsp butter (optional for a richer topping)
- Baguette slices, crackers, or apple slices for serving
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Place the Brie wheel in a small oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Score the top lightly with a knife (optional, helps with melting).
- In a small skillet over medium heat, warm the butter (if using), cranberries, and walnuts for 1–2 minutes to soften. Drizzle with honey and 1 tablespoon of Cranberry Pear Balsamic. Stir to coat and warm through.
- Spoon the cranberry-walnut mixture over the Brie and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and melty.
- Remove from oven, drizzle with a little extra Cranberry Pear Balsamic, and garnish with fresh thyme. Serve warm with baguette slices, crackers, or apples.
Recipe Note
- Swap honey for Maple Balsamic for a deeper fall flavor
- Add chopped pecans instead of walnuts
- For extra sparkle: top with a spoonful of pomegranate arils before serving
Perfect Pairings from The Little Shop
Pair with:
- Rosemary EVOO for crostini
- Fig Balsamic for a richer drizzle
- A chilled glass of Prosecco or Riesling