Irresistibly festive and utterly elegant, Cranberry Brie Skewers with Rosemary Honey Glaze are my latest obsession for any get-together, big or small! This dazzling appetizer masterfully pairs creamy brie, juicy fresh cranberries, and the golden sweetness of a rosemary-kissed honey glaze for that perfect bite-sized treat. With pops of color and bold, contrasting flavors, you’ll find yourself coming back to these over and over again, whether you’re hosting a holiday soirée or need a quick, yet impressive snack to share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Magic happens when a handful of wholesome ingredients join forces! Each element in this recipe brings its own unique flair, whether it’s creamy, zesty, tart, or toasty. Here’s what you’ll need for Cranberry Brie Skewers with Rosemary Honey Glaze and a wonderful party in every bite:
- Brie Cheese: Choose a young, creamy brie for a milder flavor and the perfect texture for skewering.
- Fresh Cranberries: These jewel-like berries add a tart pop and beautiful color contrast.
- Mini Mozzarella Balls (optional): Their soft texture and snowy white hue make every skewer extra appealing and provide a gentle flavor balance.
- Chopped Toasted Walnuts (optional): Add a sprinkle for delightful crunch and a hint of earthiness.
- Appetizer Skewers or Toothpicks: Short bamboo skewers or cocktail picks are ideal for assembling and serving.
- Honey: Brings the natural sweetness that ties the entire dish together.
- Fresh Rosemary: Infuses the glaze with aromatic, woodsy notes that are simply irresistible.
- Lemon Zest and Juice: Adds brightness and a little tang to perk up the glaze.
- Salt and Cracked Black Pepper: Just a pinch of each makes the flavors sing.
- Fresh Rosemary Sprigs (optional garnish): For a pretty, aromatic finishing touch.
- Flaky Sea Salt (optional garnish): Enhances the sweetness of the honey and makes the flavors pop.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Skewers with Rosemary Honey Glaze
Step 1: Infuse the Honey Glaze
Start by creating a glaze that’s worthy of a celebration! In a small saucepan set over low heat, combine honey and chopped rosemary. Gently warm them for two to three minutes, letting the rosemary release its fragrant oils into the honey. Be careful not to boil—just coax those flavors out. Once aromatic, take off the heat and stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside and allow to cool a bit; it will thicken up beautifully for drizzling.
Step 2: Prep and Cut the Brie
Chilled brie is your secret weapon for neat, even cubes. Pop the brie in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes, then slice it into bite-sized pieces (about 3/4 to 1 inch). Each cube becomes a rich, creamy centerpiece on your Cranberry Brie Skewers with Rosemary Honey Glaze, so try to keep them fairly uniform for the prettiest results.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
Grab your appetizer skewers and start the fun! Thread on a fresh cranberry, followed by a luscious cube of brie and a mini mozzarella ball (if using). With longer skewers, you can repeat the layers for double the flavor punch. Once assembled, sprinkle each skewer with chopped toasted walnuts for a nutty crunch, if desired.
Step 4: Arrange and Drizzle
Place your beautiful skewers neatly onto a serving platter. It’s time for the finishing touch! Drizzle the cooled rosemary honey glaze generously over the skewers, letting it seep into every nook. You’ll notice the cheese, berries, and glaze glisten—an instant showstopper!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
For that final festive flair, tuck in a few sprigs of fresh rosemary around your platter and sprinkle with a scant pinch of flaky sea salt. Serve immediately at room temperature so the brie stays creamy and sumptuous. Watch your guests swoon over these Cranberry Brie Skewers with Rosemary Honey Glaze as they disappear from the table!
How to Serve Cranberry Brie Skewers with Rosemary Honey Glaze
Garnishes
Garnishing isn’t just about looks—it adds a whisper of perfume and a pinch of excitement! Scatter fresh rosemary sprigs across your platter and finish with a dash of flaky sea salt. If you want to jazz things up even more, a light zest of extra lemon or a sprinkle of microgreens will make your Cranberry Brie Skewers with Rosemary Honey Glaze pop.
Side Dishes
Pair your skewers with sparkling prosecco, crisp crackers, or an array of colorful crudités. These bites complement roasted nuts, marinated olives, or even a festive green salad sprinkled with pomegranate seeds. The balance of creamy, tart, and sweet in the skewers means they play well with both fresh and savory side dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate the wow factor by arranging the skewers in a pinwheel pattern on a wooden board or standing them upright in a decorative glass. For a true holiday centerpiece, alternate the Cranberry Brie Skewers with Rosemary Honey Glaze with other colorful bites, or tuck them among edible flowers and herbs for a breathtaking platter your guests will remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Lay them in a single layer, and try to keep the glaze separate if you can—store any extra drizzle in a tiny jar to prevent the cheese from getting soggy.
Freezing
While it might be tempting to freeze ahead, these skewers are best enjoyed fresh. The texture of the brie and cranberries can change in the freezer, becoming watery or grainy after thawing, so it’s really worth making them the day you plan to serve.
Reheating
If you’d like to bring the cheese back closer to room temperature, simply set the skewers out for about 20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as this can melt the cheese too much and split the glaze.
FAQs
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Fresh cranberries add a lovely tartness and seasonal flair, but in a pinch, you can use plump dried cranberries. Just soak them briefly in warm water to soften, though they won’t provide the same vibrant color or tangy snap as fresh.
What other cheese could I try?
While brie is a classic, creamy goat cheese or camembert also work beautifully in Cranberry Brie Skewers with Rosemary Honey Glaze. Just make sure your cheese of choice is firm enough to hold its shape when skewered.
How far in advance can I assemble the skewers?
You can cut and assemble the skewers several hours ahead and keep them refrigerated until party time. Wait to drizzle the rosemary honey glaze until just before serving for the best texture.
Is the rosemary essential in the glaze?
Rosemary is the aromatic star here, providing a woodsy depth that perfectly balances the sweet and tart flavors. If you must skip it, try a touch of thyme or a hint of orange zest for a different but still elegant twist.
Can these be made nut-free?
Absolutely! Simply skip the walnut topping for a nut-free version of Cranberry Brie Skewers with Rosemary Honey Glaze—there’s still plenty of flavor and texture without.
Final Thoughts
Gather your ingredients and treat yourself and your loved ones to Cranberry Brie Skewers with Rosemary Honey Glaze—there’s just something magical about that creamy, tangy, and sweet combination. These little bites are destined to become your new party favorite, so don’t be surprised if everyone asks for the recipe!
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Cranberry Brie Skewers with Rosemary Honey Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Brie Skewers with Rosemary Honey Glaze are a delightful and elegant appetizer, perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions. The combination of creamy brie, tart cranberries, and sweet honey glaze is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
For the Skewers:
- 8 oz (225g) brie cheese, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup mini mozzarella balls (optional for color contrast)
- 2 tbsp chopped toasted walnuts (optional)
- 12–16 small appetizer skewers or toothpicks
For the Rosemary Honey Glaze:
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of cracked black pepper
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, warm honey with chopped rosemary for 2–3 minutes (do not boil). Remove from heat, stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Let cool slightly to thicken.
- Prepare the Brie: Cut brie into evenly sized cubes. For cleaner cuts, chill brie for 15–20 minutes before slicing.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread one cranberry onto each skewer, followed by a cube of brie and a mini mozzarella ball (if using). Repeat once more if skewers are longer. Sprinkle lightly with toasted walnuts if desired.
- Drizzle & Finish: Arrange skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle rosemary honey glaze evenly over the top. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
- Serve: Serve immediately at room temperature for the best creamy texture. Perfect as a festive appetizer or holiday tapas bite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing, Assembling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 11g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
