Are you looking for an easy-to-prepare appetizer that will impress your guests at any gathering in your home?
Look no further than this Citrus Cranberry Baked Brie dish!
Whether it's for a special occasion or a casual get-together, this recipe will make your guests feel like they are dining in an upscale restaurant without all the fuss. The combination of citrus and cranberries adds just the right amount of flavour that makes this dish stand out from other baked brie recipes out there. Plus, it's easy to prepare, with less than 10 minutes of prep time. In this blog post, we'll walk you through how to make this delicious appetizer, from how to bake brie to how to serve it. We'll even give you tips on how to make a vegan version of this recipe. Let's get started!
Why Serve Brie?
Brie is a soft, creamy cheese that is perfect for appetizers and spreads. It has a mild flavour that pairs well with many different fruits and jams. Brie also melts well and can be enjoyed warm or cold. People love to eat brie because it is a luxurious cheese that is both flavorful and decadent. Baked brie is also perfect for those who are intimidated by cooking - it is a simple dish that anyone can prepare.
This recipe contains:
- Brie Round
- Fresh Thyme
- Fresh Cranberries
- Maple Syrup
- Orange Zest
These ingredients can easily be found in the grocery store, if fresh cranberries are out of season, you can easily switch it out with dried cranberries. Before creating this recipe, I had never tasted fresh cranberries before. I was surprised by its tartness! But when they are mixed in with the maple syrup it takes away from the tartness of the cranberries and tastes oh-so-good. It's a perfect pair!
How to Bake Brie
I like to bake brie in a special brie baker. A brie baker is a ceramic dish that is specifically designed for baking brie. If you don't have one, you can also use a small oven-safe dish.
The key to baking a brie is to make sure that it doesn't overcook. You want the cheese to be soft and creamy, so I would start by cooking it for about 15 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your brie while it's cooking and take it out when it reaches the desired consistency.
To Bake or Not to Bake the Cranberries
I prefer the tartness and crunch of fresh cranberries. So I opt out of baking it along with the brie. You can also use dried cranberries if you don't want to bake them or can't find fresh ones anywhere.
If you choose to bake the cranberries, I would add them in with the brie during the last five minutes of cooking. This will give them a chance to heat up and soften a bit.
Brie Alternatives
So to those that choose not to eat any animal products and would prefer vegan options, we got you covered!
Vegan alternatives would include making brie that uses cashews, tapioca starch or nutritional yeast. These ingredients can easily be found in the bulk section of health food stores or grocery stores.
Just keep in mind that, whereas the Citrus Cranberry Brie recipe instructs you to bake the brie before serving, with the vegan version, it isn't baked but served cold or at room temperature.
When following this recipe with the vegan alternative, all you have to do is make your vegan cheese, and then top it with cranberry and orange mixture, and serve immediately.
How to Serve Brie Cheese
We recommend serving brie warm. You can heat it in the oven or on the stovetop before you serve it to your guests. Warm cheese will melt and ooze out of its rind which makes for a decadent appetizer!
Our favourite choice is the PC Black Label Artisan Crips. They come in so many different flavours and are just a perfect pair with brie cheese - so much better than plain crackers!
Other options to serve brie with are:
- Crostini bread
- Pita chips: Another great option if you're looking for something a little different than crostini bread.
- Torn pieces of crusty bread
How to Store Brie
Store brie in the refrigerator. It will last for several days if it is covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. If there are leftovers, it's easy to reheat and finish for later. Since the brie has most likely been cut open, I would reheat it in the oven in an enclosed container rather than an open plate, you don't want the brie to ooze out everywhere in your oven!
To complete your elegant appetizer setup, we recommend adding Bluum Maison Linen Napkins to your table setting. These linen napkins not only add a touch of sophistication to your dining experience but are also eco-friendly and reusable. The soft and durable linen material will hold up well to any spills and can be easily washed and reused for future events. The variety of neutral colours of these napkins will complement any table decor and pair perfectly with your Citrus Cranberry Baked Brie dish. So, impress your guests with not only your delicious appetizer but also your attention to detail with these stylish Bluum Maison linen napkins.
Citrus Cranberry Baked Brie Recipe
Ingredients:
8 ounces brie cheese round
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1/4 cup fresh cranberries, sliced in half
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees
- Place brie round on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Place in oven, and bake 15-20 minutes, or until brie is soft
- Remove from oven, and carefully transfer to a serving plate or cutting board
- Pour the maple syrup over the top of the cheese.
- Arrange cranberries on top and sprinkle with thyme and orange zest.
- Serve immediately with crackers, torn bread, pita chips or crostini bread.
In a nutshell, brie cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in many different ways, and our Citrus Cranberry Baked Brie Recipe is just one example of how it can be used to create a delicious appetizer that will impress your guests. Whether you choose to bake the cranberries or serve them fresh, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Don't forget to pair it with your favourite crackers or bread and enjoy it warm!
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Photography by: Saleme Fayad Photography
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