If you are craving a pizza that feels like a warm hug wrapped in luxury and festive colors, the Irresistibly Cheesy Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Delight Recipe is exactly what your taste buds have been waiting for. This dish brings together the creamy indulgence of brie, the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce, and the hearty goodness of shredded chicken, all on a perfectly crisp pizza crust. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that’s not only a feast for your palate but also a colorful showstopper on the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Irresistibly Cheesy Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Delight Recipe is easy thanks to a handful of essential ingredients that each bring something special to every bite—whether it’s the crispness, creaminess, or that subtle sweet-tart balance.
- Pizza dough: Choose store-bought for convenience or homemade for that extra personal touch—this forms the crunchy and chewy foundation.
- Olive oil: A simple drizzle to help create a golden, fragrant crust that’s just the right side of crispy.
- Cooked chicken: Shredded to spread evenly, it adds savory depth and satisfying protein.
- Brie cheese: Broken into bite-sized pieces, this creamy cheese melts beautifully, creating a rich, velvety layer.
- Cranberry sauce: Whether homemade or canned, it provides that vibrant pop of sweetness and tang that complements the brie perfectly.
- Fresh rosemary or thyme: Sprinkled over the top, herbs add an aromatic earthiness that elevates the entire flavor profile.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated and sprinkled on top for an extra cheesy, slightly nutty finish.
- Balsamic glaze: Optional, but highly recommended—a drizzle adds a beautiful sweet acidity that pulls all the flavors together.
How to Make Irresistibly Cheesy Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C), ensuring it’s nice and hot for a perfectly crisp crust. While it heats up, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, break the brie into chunks, and get your cranberry sauce ready. If you’re using fresh herbs, chop them finely to sprinkle later.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a roughly 12-inch circle or a shape that suits your pan. Transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a pizza stone for best results. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the surface of the dough to help it brown beautifully as it bakes.
Step 3: Layer the Delicious Toppings
First, spread the shredded chicken evenly across the dough, making sure every slice of pizza will be filled with savory comfort. Next, drop the brie pieces scattered generously across the chicken, allowing them to melt into pockets of creamy goodness. Spoon small dollops of cranberry sauce around the pizza without overwhelming the cheese, balancing tart and sweet notes. Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan and your fresh herbs across the top for a burst of flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place your pizza in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust is golden and crisp, the brie has melted into gooey bliss, and the edges are slightly caramelized. For an extra touch, remove the pizza and drizzle balsamic glaze in a decorative pattern before slicing to serve.
How to Serve Irresistibly Cheesy Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Delight Recipe
Garnishes
For the finishing touch, sprinkle a little extra fresh rosemary or thyme to bring a herbal brightness that complements the richness. A light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick to cut through the creamy cheese and sweet sauce.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs wonderfully with a crisp, peppery arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness and add freshness. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes also make a hearty accompaniment, embracing the cozy, autumn-inspired flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pizza on a wooden board for a rustic look or a sleek black platter to highlight the vibrant reds and creamy whites. Cut into small squares and serve as a festive appetizer at your next gathering to impress friends with this unique flavor combo.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover pizza tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to three days, making it perfect for quick, indulgent lunches or dinners.
Freezing
If you want to keep this magic around longer, freeze baked slices by laying them on a baking sheet first, then transferring to a freezer bag once solid. They’ll maintain their deliciousness for up to one month when stored properly.
Reheating
For the best reheating results, warm slices in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to revive that crispy crust. Alternatively, use an oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through and the cheese is gooey again.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of Brie?
Absolutely! While Brie offers that rich creaminess and subtle flavor, you can experiment with Camembert or even mozzarella for a different texture. Just note the flavor profile will shift slightly, but deliciousness is guaranteed.
Is cranberry sauce necessary for this pizza?
The cranberry sauce is a star ingredient in this Irresistibly Cheesy Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Delight Recipe, providing a sweet-tart balance that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese and savory chicken. Skipping it will mean missing that unique flavor contrast.
Can I make this pizza with leftover chicken?
Yes! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works perfectly here, making this an excellent way to use up extra protein while creating something spectacular.
What type of pizza dough works best?
Both store-bought and homemade dough work well. For a more artisanal touch, a thin, chewy crust is recommended to allow the toppings to shine without overwhelming the palate.
Is balsamic glaze required for the recipe?
It’s optional but highly recommended. The balsamic glaze adds a sweet acidity that really ties all the flavors together beautifully, finishing your pizza with a glossy, flavorful drizzle.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to create this cozy and luxurious Irresistibly Cheesy Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Delight Recipe, it’s time to dive in and enjoy every scrumptious slice. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a delightful weeknight treat, this pizza promises to impress with every bite. Go ahead, give it a try—you’re going to love the way these flavors dance together!
Print
Irresistibly Cheesy Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (4 slices)
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Irresistibly Cheesy Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Delight combines the savory goodness of shredded cooked chicken and creamy Brie cheese with the sweet tang of cranberry sauce. A perfect blend of flavors topped with fresh rosemary, Parmesan cheese, and an optional balsamic glaze for an elegant yet comforting pizza experience. Quick to prepare with store-bought or homemade pizza dough, this recipe is ideal for a delicious weeknight dinner or special occasion treat.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 batch Pizza dough (Store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil (For drizzling on the crust)
Toppings
- 2 cups Cooked chicken (Shredded)
- 8 ounces Brie cheese (Broken into pieces)
- 1 cup Cranberry sauce (Homemade or canned)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh rosemary or thyme (For sprinkling)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (Grated)
- 1 tablespoon Balsamic glaze (Optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and if using, place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up. This ensures a crispy crust.
- Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into your desired shape and thickness. Transfer it to a piece of parchment paper for easy handling.
- Drizzle olive oil: Lightly brush or drizzle the olive oil around the edges of the dough to enhance the crust’s flavor and help it brown nicely.
- Add cranberry sauce: Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the pizza base, leaving the edges free for the crust.
- Layer the chicken and Brie: Distribute the shredded cooked chicken evenly over the cranberry layer. Then scatter pieces of Brie cheese on top to melt beautifully during baking.
- Sprinkle rosemary and Parmesan: Sprinkle fresh rosemary or thyme leaves across the pizza for an aromatic touch, followed by a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added depth of flavor.
- Bake the pizza: Transfer the pizza (on the parchment paper) onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add balsamic glaze: Remove the pizza from the oven and drizzle balsamic glaze over the top if desired for a sweet tangy finish.
- Serve: Slice the pizza and serve immediately while it’s warm to enjoy the perfect harmony of cheesy, sweet, and savory flavors.
Notes
- Use store-bought or homemade pizza dough based on your preference and time availability.
- For a stronger herbal aroma, lightly crush the fresh rosemary or thyme before sprinkling.
- If you prefer, substitute Brie cheese with Camembert or another creamy cheese for a similar effect.
- Balsamic glaze is optional but highly recommended to balance the sweet cranberry sauce and savory toppings.
- Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
