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When the holidays roll around, everyone loves a dish that combines beauty and simplicity, and this baked Brie with cranberries and pecans fits the bill perfectly. Imagine cutting into a wheel of warm, gooey Brie cheese topped with tart cranberry sauce, crunchy toasted pecans, and a drizzle of honey. It’s a bite that feels like a little celebration in your mouth! This appetizer is not only stunning to look at, but it also delivers a blend of flavors that feels festive and indulgent.

The combination of creamy Brie, sweet-tart cranberries, and buttery pecans creates a harmonious balance that pairs beautifully with everything from crackers to crisp apple slices. A sprig of rosemary adds an earthy, aromatic note that elevates the presentation and flavor to something truly special. It’s a dish that looks gourmet but is deceptively easy to make.

This recipe has become a holiday staple for good reason. Whether you’re hosting a grand Thanksgiving feast, a casual Christmas Eve gathering, or a cozy New Year’s Eve party, baked Brie is always the star of the appetizer table. And here’s the secret: it takes just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of baking, leaving you plenty of time to focus on other dishes—or simply relax with a glass of sparkling cider in hand.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Quick and Elegant: Minimal effort, maximum wow factor. This dish is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
  2. Flavor Explosion: The combination of melty Brie, tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a touch of honey is irresistible.
  3. Impressive Presentation: Garnished with rosemary, this dish looks like something out of a gourmet magazine.
  4. Perfect for Sharing: Serve it with crackers, bread, or fresh fruit for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that everyone will love.
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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to create this simple yet stunning dish:

  • 1 wheel of Brie cheese (about 8 ounces)
  • ¼ cup cranberry sauce
  • ¼ cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
  • 2 teaspoons honey (optional, for drizzling)
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)

These ingredients come together to create a delightful balance of textures and flavors, making this appetizer an instant hit.

Pin it now and inspire more food lovers on Pinterest!

How to Make Baked Brie with Cranberries and Pecans

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing the oven first ensures that your Brie bakes evenly and is perfectly gooey when served. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use an oven-safe serving dish to make cleanup easy.

2. Prepare the Brie

Take the Brie out of its packaging and place it on your prepared baking sheet or dish. You don’t need to remove the rind—it’s edible and helps the cheese hold its shape while baking. If you’re not a fan of the rind’s texture, you can gently scrape it off before adding the toppings, but the cheese may spread more while baking.

3. Toast the Pecans

For an added layer of flavor, toast your pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Toasting the nuts intensifies their flavor and gives them a delightful crunch.

4. Assemble the Toppings

Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the top of the Brie. Sprinkle the toasted, chopped pecans on top, ensuring they’re distributed evenly. For a touch of sweetness, drizzle honey over the cranberry and pecan mixture.

5. Bake the Brie

Place the Brie in the preheated oven and bake for 10–15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese feels soft to the touch and just begins to ooze out of the rind. Be careful not to overbake, as the Brie can become too runny.

6. Add Finishing Touches

Carefully remove the baked Brie from the oven. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive, aromatic finish. This step is optional, but it makes the dish even more visually appealing and holiday-ready.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the baked Brie to a serving platter (if not already baked in an oven-safe dish). Pair it with an assortment of crackers, slices of baguette, or fresh fruit like apple or pear slices. Serve warm and watch as your guests dive in for the first gooey bite.

Helpful Tips

  • Selecting the Best Brie: Choose a high-quality Brie wheel with a creamy texture. Avoid Brie with a strong, ammonia-like smell, as it can overpower the dish.
  • Prevent Sticking: If you’re worried about the Brie sticking to the baking sheet, place it on parchment paper or a small piece of puff pastry for easier handling.
  • Puff Pastry Option: Want to take it up a notch? Wrap the Brie in puff pastry before baking. Add the toppings on top of the pastry for a show-stopping effect.
  • Make It Ahead: You can assemble the Brie with its toppings a few hours ahead of time. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French-Inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Notes

  • Alternative Toppings: Experiment with other combinations like fig jam and walnuts, apricot preserves and almonds, or caramelized onions with thyme.
  • Leftovers: While baked Brie is best served fresh and warm, leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently in the oven.
  • Pairings: This appetizer pairs wonderfully with a light, sparkling beverage or even a refreshing mocktail.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 130
  • Protein: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 170mg
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 4g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a smaller or larger Brie wheel?
Yes! Adjust the toppings accordingly to match the size of the Brie. A smaller Brie may require less cranberry sauce and pecans, while a larger one can handle more.

Q: Can I substitute cranberry sauce?
Absolutely! Fig jam, apricot preserves, or even a savory chutney work beautifully as alternatives.

Q: What’s the best way to keep baked Brie warm for guests?
Serve it in an oven-safe dish that retains heat well, or keep it warm in a low-temperature oven until ready to serve.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (which is rare with this dish!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.

Pin it now and inspire more food lovers on Pinterest!

If you loved this baked Brie recipe, try these other festive appetizers:

Conclusion

Baked Brie with cranberries and pecans is the ultimate holiday appetizer that’s as delicious as it is visually stunning. Its creamy texture, sweet and tangy flavors, and festive presentation make it a standout dish for any gathering. With minimal effort, you can create an appetizer that leaves a lasting impression. So, this holiday season, why not treat your guests (and yourself) to this irresistible baked Brie? It’s bound to become a tradition that everyone looks forward to year after year.

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Baked Brie with Cranberries and Pecans: A Show-Stopping Holiday Appetizer


  • Author: Martha

Description

When the holidays roll around, everyone loves a dish that combines beauty and simplicity, and this baked Brie with cranberries and pecans fits the bill perfectly. Imagine cutting into a wheel of warm, gooey Brie cheese topped with tart cranberry sauce, crunchy toasted pecans, and a drizzle of honey. It’s a bite that feels like a little celebration in your mouth! This appetizer is not only stunning to look at, but it also delivers a blend of flavors that feels festive and indulgent.

The combination of creamy Brie, sweet-tart cranberries, and buttery pecans creates a harmonious balance that pairs beautifully with everything from crackers to crisp apple slices. A sprig of rosemary adds an earthy, aromatic note that elevates the presentation and flavor to something truly special. It’s a dish that looks gourmet but is deceptively easy to make.

This recipe has become a holiday staple for good reason. Whether you’re hosting a grand Thanksgiving feast, a casual Christmas Eve gathering, or a cozy New Year’s Eve party, baked Brie is always the star of the appetizer table. And here’s the secret: it takes just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of baking, leaving you plenty of time to focus on other dishes—or simply relax with a glass of sparkling cider in hand.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 wheel of Brie cheese (about 8 ounces)
  • ¼ cup cranberry sauce
  • ¼ cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
  • 2 teaspoons honey (optional, for drizzling)
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing the oven first ensures that your Brie bakes evenly and is perfectly gooey when served. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use an oven-safe serving dish to make cleanup easy.

2. Prepare the Brie

Take the Brie out of its packaging and place it on your prepared baking sheet or dish. You don’t need to remove the rind—it’s edible and helps the cheese hold its shape while baking. If you’re not a fan of the rind’s texture, you can gently scrape it off before adding the toppings, but the cheese may spread more while baking.

3. Toast the Pecans

For an added layer of flavor, toast your pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Toasting the nuts intensifies their flavor and gives them a delightful crunch.

4. Assemble the Toppings

Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the top of the Brie. Sprinkle the toasted, chopped pecans on top, ensuring they’re distributed evenly. For a touch of sweetness, drizzle honey over the cranberry and pecan mixture.

5. Bake the Brie

Place the Brie in the preheated oven and bake for 10–15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese feels soft to the touch and just begins to ooze out of the rind. Be careful not to overbake, as the Brie can become too runny.

6. Add Finishing Touches

Carefully remove the baked Brie from the oven. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive, aromatic finish. This step is optional, but it makes the dish even more visually appealing and holiday-ready.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the baked Brie to a serving platter (if not already baked in an oven-safe dish). Pair it with an assortment of crackers, slices of baguette, or fresh fruit like apple or pear slices. Serve warm and watch as your guests dive in for the first gooey bite.

Notes

  • Alternative Toppings: Experiment with other combinations like fig jam and walnuts, apricot preserves and almonds, or caramelized onions with thyme.
  • Leftovers: While baked Brie is best served fresh and warm, leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently in the oven.
  • Pairings: This appetizer pairs wonderfully with a light, sparkling beverage or even a refreshing mocktail.

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