Description
Warm Maple Pecan Brie is a delicious fall appetizer featuring creamy brie topped with spiced apples and pecans.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 wheel (250-300 g / 9-10.5 oz) Brie cheese, creamy texture with white rind
- 2 tablespoons (28 g / 1 oz) unsalted butter
- 2 medium (about 300 g / 10.5 oz) Honeycrisp apples, sliced
- ¼ cup (30 g / 1 oz) chopped pecans
- 1 ¼ teaspoons (3 g) ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon (1 g) ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons (48 ml) pure maple syrup, divided (1 tbsp and 2 tbsp)
- Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
- Step 2: Using a sharp knife, score the top of the brie in a crisscross pattern. This allows steam to escape and ensures even melting for a gooey center. Place the brie in the prepared baking dish and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup.
- Step 3: In a medium pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir frequently for 8 to 12 minutes until apples soften but do not over-brown. If apples start to brown too quickly, reduce the heat and cover the pan for 5 minutes to allow softening without burning.
- Step 4: Stir in the vanilla extract and remaining 2 tablespoons of maple syrup into the cooked apples. Keep the mixture warm by covering the pan with a lid while you prepare the brie in the oven.
- Step 5: Bake the scored brie for 18 to 22 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and slightly softened, indicating it is ready. If it is not melting sufficiently, bake for up to an additional 5 minutes while checking frequently to avoid burning.
- Step 6: Spoon the warm apple mixture over the baked brie. For best flavor melding without overcooking the apples, add the topping 2 minutes before finishing the bake or after removing the brie from the oven.
- Step 7: Sprinkle the chopped pecans and fresh thyme leaves over the brie and apples. Serve warm with gluten-free crackers or sliced apples for dipping.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, away from direct heat or sunlight.
- Refrigeration: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Let stand briefly at room temperature before serving to soften the cheese.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or serving cold.
- Scoring the brie enables steam release and even melting, essential for its signature gooey texture.
- If apples overcook and start to break down, add a splash of water or cider mid-cook to keep them tender.
- To prevent brie leakage during baking, place it on parchment and tuck edges slightly upward; this helps contain melted cheese and eases cleanup.
- Spoon the apple topping shortly before serving to maintain the texture contrast between the warm apples and melty cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg