Cranberry Compote with Brie is the kind of appetizer that feels both effortless and luxurious. Creamy, melted brie topped with warm, tart cranberry compote and a drizzle of honey is a match made in holiday heaven. It’s festive, colorful, and takes only minutes to prepare the perfect dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy winter gathering.
I first made this appetizer on a cold December evening when I needed something quick yet impressive for unexpected guests. The aroma of simmering cranberries filled the kitchen, and when paired with soft brie and crackers, it became an instant hit. Every year since, it’s made an appearance on my holiday table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Elegant and easy to make with just a few ingredients
- Perfect mix of creamy, tart, and sweet flavors
- Great for holiday parties, wine nights, or cheese boards
- Can be served warm or at room temperature
- Takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 wheel (8 oz / 225 g) brie cheese
- 1 cup (100 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) orange juice
- 1/4 cup (50 g) sugar or honey
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Crackers or toasted baguette slices, for serving
Optional Toppings
- 1 tablespoon chopped pecans or walnuts
- A drizzle of honey or maple syrup
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cranberry Compote
In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, sugar, orange zest, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens into a glossy sauce. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 2: Warm the Brie
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the brie wheel on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a small oven-safe dish. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until softened and slightly gooey in the center.
Step 3: Assemble
Transfer the warm brie to a serving platter. Spoon the cranberry compote over the top. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with chopped nuts or rosemary if desired.
Step 4: Serve
Serve immediately with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or apple wedges. Every bite will be creamy, tangy, and perfectly sweet.
Chef’s Tips for the Best Cranberry Brie
- Don’t overbake the brie — it should be soft and gooey, not melted completely.
- For extra depth, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the compote.
- Use a sharp knife to score the top of the brie before baking for easier serving.
- Make the cranberry compote ahead of time and warm it just before serving.
- Serve with a mix of sweet (fruit) and savory (crackers) sides for variety.
Variations and Substitutions
- Use camembert instead of brie for a stronger flavor.
- Replace orange juice with pomegranate juice for a deeper color.
- Add finely chopped jalapeño for a sweet-spicy twist.
- Make a puff pastry-wrapped version by baking the brie inside pastry for a dramatic presentation.
- Add a layer of fig or apricot jam under the cranberry compote for extra sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Cranberry Compote with Brie is versatile and fits perfectly into any holiday spread.
- Serve as an appetizer before dinner or as part of a cheese board.
- Pair with white wine, sparkling wine, or mulled cider.
- Add to a charcuterie platter with nuts, grapes, and cured meats.
- Serve with toasted crostini or apple slices for a gluten-free option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overheating the brie, which can cause it to lose shape.
- Not cooling the compote slightly before topping the cheese — too hot can melt it too fast.
- Using too much liquid in the compote, making it runny.
- Skipping the parchment paper, which can make cleanup difficult.
- Forgetting the garnish — a drizzle of honey and herbs makes it extra special.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Make the cranberry compote up to 3 days ahead and store in the refrigerator.
- Reheat the compote gently on the stove before serving.
- Bake the brie right before serving for best texture.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C).
Nutrition Facts (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 170
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Sugar: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Calcium: 8% DV
Cranberry Compote with Brie
Equipment
- Saucepan for compote
- Baking sheet or oven-safe dish
- Parchment paper for easy cleanup
- Spoon for spreading compote
Ingredients
- 1 wheel (8 oz) brie cheese
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup sugar or honey
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- pinch of salt
- crackers or toasted baguette, for serving
- 1 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts (optional topping)
- drizzle of honey or maple syrup (optional topping)
- fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, sugar, zest, cinnamon, and salt. Simmer 8–10 minutes until thick and jammy. Let cool slightly.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place brie on parchment-lined baking sheet or in a small dish. Bake 8–10 minutes until soft.
- Transfer brie to a serving platter. Spoon cranberry compote over the top. Add optional toppings like honey, nuts, or rosemary.
- Serve immediately with crackers, baguette, or fruit slices. Enjoy warm for best texture and flavor.
Notes
Nutrition
Creamy, Tart, and Simply Irresistible
Cranberry Compote with Brie is an elegant yet effortless appetizer that brings together everything you love about the holidays — rich cheese, sweet-tart cranberries, and warm festive flavors.
Whether you serve it at a dinner party, a cozy night in, or a big family gathering, this recipe will always feel special. It’s proof that simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something unforgettable.
