Description
This Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie is a luscious appetizer combining creamy melted Brie cheese topped with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, crunchy pecans, and warming spices. Perfectly baked to create a gooey center, it’s an elegant and festive treat ideal for holiday gatherings or special occasions. Serve it warm with baguette slices or crackers for an irresistible crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 1 (8-ounce) wheel of Brie cheese
Topping
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup pecan halves
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Garnish & Serving
- Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)
- Baguette slices or crackers for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the Brie.
- Prepare the Brie: Place the 8-ounce wheel of Brie on a baking dish or a parchment-lined oven-safe serving platter, ready for topping.
- Mix the Topping: In a small bowl, combine cranberry sauce, brown sugar, honey, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Apply Topping: Generously spread the cranberry mixture over the entire top surface of the Brie, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Add Pecans: Sprinkle the pecan halves evenly over the cranberry layer to add crunch and flavor.
- Bake the Brie: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the Brie inside is melted and creamy but still holds its shape.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and allow the Brie to rest for 5 minutes. Optionally, garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme to enhance the presentation and aroma.
- Serve Warm: Serve the baked Brie warm alongside baguette slices or crackers for dipping and enjoying.
Notes
- Use a parchment-lined dish for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- If you prefer a stronger vanilla flavor, you may increase the vanilla extract to 1 1/2 teaspoons.
- For a different nut option, walnuts or almonds can be substituted for pecans.
- Letting the Brie sit a few minutes after baking helps prevent burns and allows flavors to meld.
- Store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
