Brie and Cranberry-Orange Spread with Toasted Almonds

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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 pairs Brie cheese, fresh cranberries, orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.5 (120 ratings) 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.

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). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

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

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep brie cheese from drying out.

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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