Cranberry Brie Skewers with Rosemary Honey Glaze Recipe

If you’re searching for an appetizer that dazzles with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and festive flair, look no further than these Cranberry Brie Skewers with Rosemary Honey Glaze. This delightful bite-sized treat combines creamy, luscious brie with tart cranberries and a shimmering rosemary-infused honey glaze that feels like a holiday hug on a skewer. Whether you’re hosting a cozy get-together or want an effortless party snack that looks as fantastic as it tastes, this recipe will quickly become your go-to showstopper. Oh, and did I mention how quick and fun they are to assemble?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the luscious creaminess of the brie to the fresh tartness of cranberries, these simple staples come together to create something truly special.

• Brie cheese (8 oz): Choose a soft, creamy brie—chilling it before cutting makes for neater cubes.
• Fresh cranberries (1 cup): These add a pop of vibrant color and a pleasantly tart zing.
• Mini mozzarella balls (1 cup, optional): Provide a mild, creamy contrast and beautiful white hues on the skewers.
• Chopped toasted walnuts (2 tbsp, optional): Bring a delightful crunch and nutty warmth to each bite.
• Appetizer skewers or toothpicks (12–16): Perfect for easy assembly and serving.
• Honey (3 tbsp): The natural sweetness that forms the base of the luscious rosemary honey glaze.
• Fresh rosemary (1 tsp, finely chopped): Imparts a fragrant evergreen note that elevates the glaze.
• Lemon zest (½ tsp) and lemon juice (1 tsp): Add a burst of brightness to balance the sweetness.
• Salt and cracked black pepper (pinches): Essential seasonings to round out flavors and enhance depth.
• Fresh rosemary sprigs and flaky sea salt (optional garnish): Stunning finishing touches that also add aroma and texture.

How to Make Cranberry Brie Skewers with Rosemary Honey Glaze

Step 1: Prepare the Rosemary Honey Glaze

Begin by gently warming the honey in a small saucepan over low heat. As it warms, sprinkle in the finely chopped fresh rosemary to let its flavors infuse the honey delicately. Be careful not to boil the mixture—just a gentle warming for about 2 to 3 minutes is perfect. Once warmed through, remove from heat and stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a touch of cracked black pepper. Let this glaze cool slightly so it thickens just enough to beautifully coat the skewers later.

Step 2: Cut the Brie Cheese

For the brie, chilling it in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes prior to slicing makes the cutting process much easier and results in clean, uniform cubes. Cut the brie into bite-sized pieces, aiming for consistency so each skewer looks neat and feels balanced to eat.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

Grab your appetizer skewers or toothpicks and start threading the ingredients. Slide on one fresh cranberry first—it’s the perfect tart introduction. Follow this with a cube of brie to deliver that luscious creaminess, and then add a mini mozzarella ball if you’re using them for a lovely color contrast. If your skewers are long enough, repeat this pattern once more for a fuller, more festive bite. Finally, lightly sprinkle the tops with chopped toasted walnuts for that irresistible crunch.

Step 4: Drizzle and Finish

Arrange all the beautifully assembled skewers on a serving platter, spacing them evenly to showcase their colors and textures. Drizzle the rosemary honey glaze generously over the top, making sure every piece gets that glossy, fragrant coating. For the finishing touches, tuck in a few fresh rosemary sprigs around the platter and add a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the skewers to enhance the flavor and elevate their presentation.

How to Serve Cranberry Brie Skewers with Rosemary Honey Glaze

Garnishes

Adding fresh rosemary sprigs and flaky sea salt not only brings a stunning, professional look but also enhances the sensory experience. The rosemary’s aroma invites guests to dig in, and the sea salt introduces just the right pinch of savoriness against the glaze’s sweetness.

Side Dishes

These skewers shine as part of a larger spread. Pair them with crusty bread or multigrain crackers to provide a satisfying crunch and a canvas for the creamy brie. They also complement a light green salad with citrus vinaigrette or roasted nuts to round out the palate with varied textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, try serving the skewers nestled in a bed of rosemary sprigs or pine needles on a rustic wooden board. You can also tie small ribbons around each skewer for holiday gatherings, making them perfect grab-and-go bites at parties. If you want to add a pop of color, place small dollops of honey glaze on the serving platter for guests to dip their skewers into for an extra burst of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Cranberry Brie Skewers with Rosemary Honey Glaze are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the glaze separate if possible and drizzle just before serving again to maintain the freshest flavors and avoid sogginess. They should stay delicious for up to two days.

Freezing

Because of the fresh ingredients, freezing these skewers is not recommended. Brie and fresh cranberries lose their texture and flavor upon thawing, and the glaze may separate or lose its appeal.

Reheating

For the best experience, serve these skewers at room temperature rather than reheating. If you prefer warmed brie, briefly warm the brie cubes alone in a low oven or microwave, then reassemble and drizzle with glaze just before serving.

FAQs

Can I substitute brie with another cheese?

Yes! While brie’s creamy texture is ideal, you can use camembert or a mild goat cheese for a different but still delicious flavor profile.

Are fresh cranberries necessary, or can I use dried?

Fresh cranberries offer a bright tartness and juiciness that really pop on the skewer. Dried cranberries can be used if fresh aren’t available but will be sweeter and less crisp.

How far in advance can I prepare these skewers?

To keep everything fresh, it’s best to assemble the skewers no more than a few hours before serving and drizzle the glaze just before presentation.

Can the rosemary honey glaze be made without fresh rosemary?

If fresh rosemary isn’t on hand, a small pinch of dried rosemary can be used, though fresh provides a more vibrant herbal note.

Is there a vegan alternative to this recipe?

You can swap the brie for a quality vegan cheese and use agave or maple syrup instead of honey to create a plant-based version that’s just as delightful.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give the Cranberry Brie Skewers with Rosemary Honey Glaze a try at your next gathering. This recipe effortlessly combines simple ingredients into an elegant, flavorful appetizer that’s guaranteed to impress your friends and family. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate any occasion with a taste of something both festive and fresh. Happy skewering!

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