Brie and Cranberry-Orange Spread with Toasted Almonds

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, sweet-tart spread that pairs perfectly with crusty bread and crackers, featuring the classic holiday flavors of cranberry and orange. This american-inspired holiday ready in about 30 minutes blends Brie cheese, fresh cranberries, orange juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 8, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 8 American cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, 1/4 cup orange juice, and 2 tbsp honey over medium heat. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until cranberries burst and mixture thickens, stirring occasionally.
  2. Step 2: Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then transfer to a blender and blend until smooth. Return to saucepan and reheat gently over low heat for 2 minutes until warm.
  3. Step 3: Place 8 oz Brie cheese (rind removed, cut into 1/2-inch cubes) in a shallow bowl, pour warm cranberry-orange sauce over it, and gently stir to coat. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes to meld flavors.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped toasted almonds, transfer to serving bowl, and garnish with 1/4 cup sliced almonds and 1/4 cup dried cranberries.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Brie and Cranberry-Orange Spread with Toasted Almonds take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Brie and Cranberry-Orange Spread with Toasted Almonds?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Brie and Cranberry-Orange Spread with Toasted Almonds?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Brie and Cranberry-Orange Spread with Toasted Almonds for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Brie and Cranberry-Orange Spread with Toasted Almonds?

American holiday like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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