A gooey, melty wheel of Brie topped with sweet cranberries and crunchy walnuts makes an elegant and indulgent appetizer. It’s the kind of dish that looks fancy but takes minimal effort, perfect for entertaining guests or adding a touch of sophistication to any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this Crockpot Brie with Cranberries & Walnuts transforms simple ingredients into something so rich and irresistible. The creamy Brie becomes perfectly molten in the crockpot, while the cranberries add a sweet-tart flavor and the walnuts bring a lovely crunch. I find it ideal for holidays, dinner parties, or cozy nights when I want a luxurious snack without much work. Plus, it’s easy to serve right from the slow cooker—no stress, just pure comfort and flavor.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 wheel of Brie cheese
½ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons honey
Directions
I place the Brie wheel in the crockpot, keeping the rind intact so it holds its shape while melting.
Then I top it with dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and drizzle honey evenly over the top.
I cover the crockpot and cook on low for 1 to 2 hours, until the Brie is soft, warm, and beautifully gooey.
I serve it immediately with crackers or sliced baguette, scooping the warm cheese and toppings onto each bite.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 to 8 servings, depending on the size of the Brie wheel. It takes just 5 minutes of prep and around 1 to 2 hours of cooking time in the crockpot, making it a convenient option for entertaining.
Variations
I like to experiment with different toppings for this dish. Sometimes I swap the dried cranberries for chopped dried apricots or figs for a slightly different sweetness. Candied pecans can replace walnuts for extra crunch, and a drizzle of maple syrup works wonderfully in place of honey. For a savory twist, I add a sprinkle of fresh rosemary or thyme before cooking.
Storage/Reheating
If I have leftovers, I transfer the Brie and toppings to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When I’m ready to enjoy it again, I gently reheat it in the microwave or return it to the crockpot on low until the cheese softens again. It tastes just as delicious reheated and spread over toast or crackers.
FAQs
How do I keep the Brie from melting completely in the crockpot?
I make sure to leave the rind on the Brie—it helps the cheese hold its shape as it softens and becomes perfectly gooey inside.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?
Yes, I can use fresh cranberries, but I like to cook them briefly with a little sugar before topping the Brie to balance their tartness.
What type of Brie works best for this recipe?
I prefer using a medium-priced Brie that’s creamy but not overly runny. It melts beautifully and has a rich flavor that pairs well with the sweet toppings.
Can I make this ahead of time?
I prepare the toppings and assemble the Brie in the crockpot ahead of time, then cover and refrigerate it. When I’m ready to serve, I simply turn on the crockpot and let it warm through.
What should I serve with Crockpot Brie?
I usually serve it with an assortment of crackers, sliced baguette, apple slices, or even pretzels for a mix of sweet and savory options.
Conclusion
I love how this Crockpot Brie with Cranberries & Walnuts delivers such elegance with so little effort. The combination of creamy, melted cheese, sweet cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and a drizzle of honey makes every bite feel special. It’s one of my go-to appetizers for gatherings, holidays, or anytime I want something that looks—and tastes—impressively gourmet without the fuss.
This Crockpot Brie with Cranberries & Walnuts is an easy yet elegant appetizer featuring a gooey Brie wheel topped with sweet dried cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and a drizzle of honey. Perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in.
Total Time:1–2 hours 5 minutes
Yield:6–8 servings
Ingredients
1 wheel of Brie cheese
½ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
Place the Brie wheel in a crockpot, keeping the rind intact.
Top with dried cranberries and chopped walnuts.
Drizzle honey evenly over the top.
Cover and cook on low for 1 to 2 hours, until the Brie is soft and melty.
Serve immediately with crackers, sliced baguette, or apple slices.
Notes
Leave the rind on to help Brie hold its shape while melting.
Try different toppings like dried apricots, figs, or candied pecans.
Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme add a savory note.
Use maple syrup instead of honey for variation.
Refrigerate leftovers and gently reheat before serving again.
