Baked brie en croute is a luxurious appetizer, and this one goes the extra mile with a flavorful cabernet cranberry cherry sauce.
Welcome to another edition of Progressive Eats, our virtual version of a progressive dinner party where each course is held at a different home. With Progressive Eats, a theme is chosen each month, members share recipes suitable for a delicious meal or party, and you can hop from blog to blog to check them out. This month's theme is a New Year's Eve Extravaganza hosted by Jane of The Heritage Cook. Enjoy these jaw-dropping recipes, ideal for any special occasion and the perfect way to ring in the New Year!
Today, I'm sharing an appetizer that I've been making for the past three or four years: baked brie with cabernet cranberry cherry sauce. I make it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's because it's just so delicious.
It's no big surprise that I love an appetizer built on a big wheel of gooey, melty cheese. It's then topped with a fancy cranberry sauce flavored with red wine and cherries, then wrapped in puff pastry.
The cranberry sauce is so delicious that I make a double or even triple batch, and use the extra to spread on top of pork tenderloin, on toast, or over ice cream. The freezes well, so make as big a batch as you like!
I prefer serving this baked brie with brioche toasts from Trader Joe's, but toasted baguette slices, water crackers, or crostini would also work well.
Baked Brie with Cabernet Cranberry Cherry Sauce #ProgressiveEats
Ingredients
For the Cabernet Cranberry Cherry Sauce:
- 1 cup Cabernet Sauvignon or other dry red wine
- 6 ounces frozen pitted sweet cherries
- 12 ounce bag fresh or frozen cranberries
- ¾ cup sugar
- Zest of half an orange
For the baked brie:
- 2 cups of the cabernet cranberry cherry sauce
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 16 oz wheel of brie
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon of water
Instructions
- Place the wine, cherries, cranberries, sugar, and zest in a medium saucepan, and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar has dissolved.
- Lower the heat and continue to simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and mixture has thickened slightly, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely. Sauce can be made up to a week ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
- Lay the sheet of puff pastry on a clean, lightly floured surface and roll out slightly. Lay it in an 8-inch round ceramic baking dish.
- Cut the wheel of brie in half horizontally. Spoon 1 cup of the cranberry sauce onto the cheese and spread in an even layer. Top with the second half of the cheese, and spoon the rest of the cranberry sauce on top.
- Fold the corners of the puff pastry over the brie and cranberry sauce, gently stretching if necessary. Pinch the corners together to seal.
- Beat the egg with the water and brush a thin layer on top of the puff pastry.
- Place the ceramic baking dish on a baking sheet, and place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until the puff pastry is fully baked and golden brown.
- Cool the baked brie slightly, then serve with brioche toasts or other crackers.
Cranberry sauce adapted from Epicurious
New Year's Eve Extravaganza!
Cocktails
- Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Fancy Free Cocktail from The Food Hunter's Guide
Appetizers
- Baked Brie with Cabernet Cranberry Cherry Sauce from The Redhead Baker (recipe above)
Bread
- Champagne Yeast Brioche from Pastry Chef Online
First Course
- Lobster and Crab Chowder from The Wimpy Vegetarian
Main Course
- Beef Filet Steaks with Homemade Bearnaise Sauce from The Heritage Cook
Side Dishes
- Puff Pastry Potato Roses from Mother Would Know
Desserts
- Yuzu Cheesecake from Spice Roots
- Chocolate Orange Stout Cake with Orange Frosting from Creative Culinary
Ansh
Monday 26th of December 2016
I might just eat that sauce by the spoonfuls and then some!! Love the whole flavour combo with brie and the puff pastry ! Great idea!
laura@motherwouldknow
Saturday 24th of December 2016
You had me at the cabernet! I just put brie out "naked", but no more. This recipe is a must try for my next party.
Jenni
Wednesday 21st of December 2016
This is totally my kind of appetizer! Love it, Coleen!
susan | the wimpy vegetarian
Tuesday 20th of December 2016
Oh my gosh, this would totally be my favorite appetizer! How perfect for a holiday party to get everyone in a festive mood. Saving this one!!!
Jane, The Heritage Cook
Tuesday 20th of December 2016
I adore baked brie, but never thought to bake it in a container - so smart! And your cranberry-cherry sauce sounds similar to one I love to use with smoked duck. I know The Artist and I would LOVE to have this for any holiday meal!! Such a great way to kick off our New Year's Eve Extravaganza for #ProgressiveEats!!