With a gooey center wrapped in warm, flaky pastry, this cranberry pecan baked brie fits any occasion, and it’s a fantastic choice for holiday gatherings.
This baked brie recipe handles issues of blandness and texture that often affect appetizers served during festive occasions.
I love that this recipe solves the problem of how to impress guests with minimal time and effort. It can be whipped up in under 20 minutes, even on those busy weeknights when unexpected visitors drop by.
This baked brie comes out hot and melting, with the delightful crunch of pecans and the tartness of cranberries creating the best flavors. Seriously, who wouldn’t want to try that?
If you’re in the mood for something fun with fruit, you’ll want to check out my Toasted Coconut Marshmallows.
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Texture – The creamy brie becomes wonderfully gooey as it bakes, creating a luxurious texture that pairs beautifully with the crunch of pecans and the soft, tart cranberries.
- Rich Flavor Contrast – The sweetness from maple syrup and brown sugar melds with the tartness of cranberries, resulting in a delightful flavor contrast that’s not just tasty, but also intriguing with every mouthful.
- Quick to Prepare – With only a handful of ingredients and just 20 minutes from start to finish, this baked brie fits seamlessly into your holiday entertaining without consuming your entire day.
- Festive Presentation – Beautifully baked and bubbling in its skillet, this dish serves as a stunning centerpiece that elevates any holiday table, instantly catching your guests’ eyes as they arrive.
Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cool Time:
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious baked brie topped with cranberries and pecans, perfect for a gluten-free appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 wheel (approx. 8 ounces / 227 grams) brie cheese, with soft rind
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) fresh or dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) chopped pecans, fresh and optionally toasted
- 2 tablespoons (25 grams) light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) maple syrup
- Optional: 1 teaspoon (2 grams) orange zest
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (177°C). Preheating ensures the brie melts evenly for a creamy texture.
- Step 2: Score the Brie: Lightly score the top of the brie in a crisscross pattern. This scoring allows the cranberry and pecan topping flavors to infuse into the cheese as it bakes.
- Step 3: Prepare the Skillet: Place the brie in the center of a small cast iron skillet or other oven-safe dish. Use parchment paper lining if desired to prevent sticking.
- Step 4: Mix the Toppings: In a medium bowl, combine the cranberries, chopped pecans, and brown sugar, mixing until evenly combined. This mixture adds sweetness and crunch to the dish.
- Step 5: Top the Brie: Evenly spread the cranberry mixture over the top of the brie.
- Step 6: Bake Until Bubbling: Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 12 to 15 minutes. Check occasionally; the brie is ready when it is soft and bubbling. If the brie is not melting to your liking, extend baking time by 2 to 3 minutes. To prevent topping burning, you may cover the brie loosely with foil after 8 minutes of baking.
- Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches: Remove the baked brie from the oven, then drizzle with maple syrup evenly over the top. Sprinkle orange zest on top if using, adding brightness and freshness.
- Step 8: Serve Immediately: Serve the baked brie right away while still warm to enjoy the creamy texture and flavor contrast.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Avoid air exposure to preserve freshness.
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container and refrigerate at or below 40°F (4°C) for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly with plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- If the brie sticks to the pan, line the skillet with parchment paper prior to baking for easy removal.
- To promote even melting, prick the top of the brie with a fork before baking.
- Use a thermometer to check doneness; internal temperature should reach 150°F (65.5°C) after 12-15 minutes.
- When topping is browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil after 8 minutes to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Calories: Not specified
- Sugar: Not specified
- Sodium: Not specified
- Fat: Not specified
- Saturated Fat: Not specified
- Unsaturated Fat: Not specified
- Trans Fat: Not specified
- Carbohydrates: Not specified
- Fiber: Not specified
- Protein: Not specified
- Cholesterol: Not specified
Ingredient Notes
- Brie cheese: Look for a good quality wheel of brie with a soft rind; it melts beautifully and offers a rich, creamy texture that elevates the dish.
- Cranberry sauce: Use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce for a sweet-tart balance. Avoid sauces with added preservatives for the best flavor and texture.
- Pecans: Choose fresh, chopped pecans for a nice crunch. Toasting them lightly enhances their flavor and adds depth to the baked brie.
- Honey: Opt for raw or local honey for a natural sweetness that complements the savory brie. It also helps achieve a nice, caramelized topping.
- Fresh thyme: This herb adds a hint of earthiness. Use fresh thyme leaves instead of dried for a brighter, more aromatic flavor profile.
- Bread or crackers: Select a variety of crusty bread or sturdy crackers for serving. They should hold up well when scooping the warm brie without getting soggy.
- Brie cheese: Look for a good quality wheel of brie with a soft rind; it melts beautifully and offers a rich, creamy texture that elevates the dish.
- Cranberry sauce: Use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce for a sweet-tart balance. Avoid sauces with added preservatives for the best flavor and texture.
- Pecans: Choose fresh, chopped pecans for a nice crunch. Toasting them lightly enhances their flavor and adds depth to the baked brie.
- Honey: Opt for raw or local honey for a natural sweetness that complements the savory brie. It also helps achieve a nice, caramelized topping.
- Fresh thyme: This herb adds a hint of earthiness. Use fresh thyme leaves instead of dried for a brighter, more aromatic flavor profile.
- Bread or crackers: Select a variety of crusty bread or sturdy crackers for serving. They should hold up well when scooping the warm brie without getting soggy.
Recipe Tips
- If brie isn’t melting as expected, consider increasing the baking time by 2-3 minutes, checking for desired softness before removing from the oven.
- When the topping is browning too quickly, cover the brie loosely with foil 8 minutes into baking to prevent burning before the cheese melts.
- If the brie is sticking to the pan, line it with parchment paper before placing the cheese in the skillet to avoid any difficulties when serving.
- For an unevenly melted texture, prick the top of the brie with a fork before baking, allowing heat to penetrate more evenly throughout the cheese.
- If you’re unsure if the brie is done, use a thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 150°F after about 12-15 minutes of baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with gluten-free crackers or toasted baguette slices for dipping. Add a side of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette for balance.
Use to make baked brie en croûte or as a topping for gluten-free flatbreads. Add to a charcuterie board with assorted cheeses and fruits.
Top with honey or balsamic reduction for an extra layer of flavor. Drizzle with additional maple syrup and sprinkle fresh herbs for freshness.
Recipe variations
- You can use a whole wheel of brie cheese weighing about 8 ounces for this baked brie recipe to maintain creaminess and structure during baking.
- Add 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar and ¼ cup each of fresh cranberries and chopped pecans to create the topping that contrasts sweetness with tartness and crunch.
- Either a small cast iron skillet or any oven-safe dish around 6 inches in diameter can hold the brie for even heat distribution while baking.
- If serving 12 people, double the ingredients to bake two 8-ounce brie wheels separately, ensuring each gets 15 minutes at 350°F for best results.
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How to Store?
To keep your cranberry pecan baked brie fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store the baked brie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Avoid exposure to air.
Refrigeration: Place the baked brie in an airtight container and refrigerate at 40°F or below for up to 5 days to maintain flavor.
Freezing: Wrap the baked brie tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
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