Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie – A Perfect Appetizer Recipe
Introduction
Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie is an elegant and easy appetizer that combines creamy cheese with a sweet, nutty glaze. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion where you want to impress your guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 wheel of brie cheese
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp butter
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a small ovenproof dish.
- Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is bubbly.
- Step 3: Add dried cranberries and chopped pecans to the skillet, tossing them to coat evenly in the glaze.
- Step 4: Spoon the cranberry and pecan mixture over the top of the brie, spreading it out evenly.
- Step 5: Bake the brie for 10–12 minutes, until it is soft and slightly melted.
- Step 6: Serve warm with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or apple wedges for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a splash of bourbon to the glaze while cooking.
- Substitute walnuts or almonds if pecans aren’t available.
- For a festive twist, sprinkle some fresh rosemary on top before baking.
- Use fresh cranberries if preferred, but increase cooking time slightly to soften them.
Storage
Store any leftover baked brie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 5–7 minutes to soften before serving again. Note that reheated brie may not be as smooth as freshly baked.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this appetizer ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the cranberry-pecan topping a few hours ahead and refrigerate it separately. Assemble and bake the brie shortly before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What can I serve alongside baked brie?
Crackers, toasted baguette slices, apple wedges, or pear slices pair wonderfully with baked brie and complement the sweet and nutty topping.
PrintCranberry Pecan Baked Brie – A Perfect Appetizer Recipe
Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie is an elegant and easy-to-make appetizer featuring a wheel of creamy brie topped with a warm, sweet glaze of dried cranberries, chopped pecans, brown sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon. This dish combines rich, melty cheese with fruity and nutty flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cheese
- 1 wheel of brie cheese
Topping
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp butter
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the wheel of brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet or small ovenproof dish to prepare it for baking.
- Prepare the glaze: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon, stirring frequently. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the mixture becomes bubbly and well combined.
- Add cranberries and pecans: Toss the dried cranberries and chopped pecans into the glaze in the skillet, stirring until they are evenly coated with the sweet mixture.
- Top the brie: Spoon the glazed cranberry and pecan mixture evenly over the top of the brie wheel, ensuring it is well covered.
- Bake the brie: Place the prepared brie into the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes until the cheese is soft and slightly melted underneath the topping.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or apple wedges for a delightful, melty appetizer experience.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans if preferred.
- For a more pronounced maple flavor, drizzle extra maple syrup over the top before baking.
- Serve immediately after baking to enjoy the gooey texture of the brie.
- For added aroma, sprinkle a pinch of fresh rosemary or thyme on top before baking.
- This recipe pairs beautifully with white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
Keywords: cranberry baked brie, baked brie appetizer, pecan brie, holiday appetizers, melty brie cheese, sweet and nutty appetizer
