Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie: How to Make in 7 Steps

Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie transforms any gathering into an elegant affair with its perfect blend of creamy melted cheese, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans. Picture this: your guests arrive to the irresistible aroma of warm brie bubbling in the oven, topped with a golden mixture that looks like autumn on a plate.

This festive brie cheese recipe has become my go-to holiday appetizer because it delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, a Christmas party, or an intimate wine night, this easy baked brie with cranberries creates those memorable moments that keep everyone talking long after the last bite.

Explore more delicious dinner recipes here to complete your holiday menu.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I discovered this cranberry pecan baked brie recipe during a particularly stressful holiday season when I needed something impressive but foolproof. After trying countless complicated appetizers that left me frazzled, this gooey baked brie became my secret weapon. The magic happens when the brown sugar and maple syrup caramelize with the pecans, creating a sweet-savory topping that perfectly complements the creamy brie underneath.

What makes this pecan brie appetizer truly special is how it brings people together. I’ve watched shy guests become animated conversation partners while gathered around this bubbling masterpiece, using crusty bread to scoop up every last bit of that melted goodness. The combination of textures and flavors creates an experience that feels both rustic and refined – exactly what holiday entertaining should be.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you need for this baked brie holiday appetizer:

Ingredient	Amount
Brie cheese	1 wheel
Dried cranberries	½ cup
Chopped pecans	½ cup
Brown sugar	¼ cup
Maple syrup	2 tbsp
Butter	1 tbsp
Cinnamon	¼ tsp

The beauty of this simple baked brie lies in its straightforward ingredient list – most items you likely already have in your pantry, making it perfect for last-minute entertaining.

Find more quick lunch ideas here for easy meal planning throughout the week.

Step-by-Step Directions

Creating this Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie is surprisingly simple and yields impressive results every time. Follow these detailed steps for a perfectly melted and beautifully topped appetizer:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and select a small baking dish that will hold your brie wheel snugly.

Step 2: Remove the brie from its packaging but leave the white rind intact. Place the brie wheel in your chosen baking dish.

Step 3: Using a sharp knife, score the top of the brie in a crosshatch pattern, making shallow cuts about ¼ inch deep. This allows the toppings to nestle into the cheese and prevents the rind from puffing up too much during baking.

Step 4: In a small bowl, combine the dried cranberries, chopped pecans, brown sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, and cinnamon. Mix until everything is well coated and the mixture holds together slightly.

Step 5: Spoon the cranberry-pecan mixture evenly over the top of the scored brie, pressing gently to help it adhere to the surface.

Step 6: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the brie feels soft when gently pressed and the topping is golden and fragrant.

Step 7: Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly while remaining perfectly gooey.

Exact Timing to make Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie

This Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie comes together remarkably quickly, making it perfect for both planned gatherings and unexpected guests. Here’s your complete timeline:

• Prep Time: 8 minutes
• Baking Time: 12-15 minutes
• Cooling Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 25-28 minutes

The beauty of this timing is that you can prepare the topping mixture hours ahead and simply assemble and bake when your guests arrive. This flexibility makes it an ideal choice for stress-free entertaining.

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional profile of this festive brie cheese recipe helps you plan balanced holiday menus. Here’s the comprehensive breakdown per serving (assuming 8 servings per wheel):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	285	14%
Total Fat	22g	28%
Saturated Fat	11g	55%
Cholesterol	58mg	19%
Sodium	320mg	14%
Total Carbohydrates	12g	4%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Total Sugars	10g	–
Protein	12g	24%
Calcium	180mg	14%
Iron	0.8mg	4%
Vitamin A	420 IU	8%

The high protein and calcium content from the brie cheese provides substantial nutritional value, while the pecans contribute healthy monounsaturated fats and vitamin E. The cranberries offer antioxidants and vitamin C, making this indulgent appetizer more nutritionally balanced than many holiday treats.

Healthier Alternatives

Transform your Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie into a more health-conscious option without sacrificing the beloved flavors that make this dish special. These modifications allow you to accommodate various dietary preferences while maintaining the recipe’s crowd-pleasing appeal:

Original Ingredient	Healthier Alternative	Nutritional Benefit
Regular brie wheel	Light brie or camembert	Reduces calories by 30% and saturated fat
Brown sugar	Coconut sugar or stevia blend	Lower glycemic index and fewer calories
Maple syrup	Sugar-free maple syrup	75% fewer calories, diabetes-friendly
Butter	Coconut oil or olive oil	Healthier fat profile, dairy-free option
Regular pecans	Raw pecans (reduce amount)	Lower sodium, more natural nutrients
Dried cranberries	Fresh cranberries with honey	Less added sugar, more vitamin C

For those following specific dietary plans, consider using cashew-based vegan brie for a plant-based version, or substitute the dried cranberries with fresh pomegranate seeds for added antioxidants and reduced sugar content.

Explore more delicious desserts here for additional healthy holiday treats.

Serving Suggestions

Bread and Cracker Pairings: Serve your Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie with an assortment of vehicles that complement its rich, creamy texture. Crusty baguette slices, toasted brioche rounds, and crispy water crackers provide the perfect base for scooping up the melted cheese. For added sophistication, include fig crackers or rosemary flatbread that echo the autumn flavors of the topping.

Wine and Beverage Combinations: This gooey baked brie pairs beautifully with crisp white wines like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, whose acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese. For red wine lovers, a light Pinot Noir complements the cranberry flavors perfectly. Non-alcoholic options include sparkling apple cider or a robust black tea that balances the sweetness of the maple syrup.

Accompaniment Ideas: Create a stunning cheese board by surrounding your baked brie holiday appetizer with fresh apple slices, dried figs, and additional toasted pecans. Adding a small bowl of honey and some cornichons provides sweet and tangy contrasts that cleanse the palate between bites of the rich cheese.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overbaking the Brie: The most frequent error when making Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie is leaving it in the oven too long, which causes the cheese to become completely liquid and lose its creamy texture. Watch for the moment when the brie feels soft to gentle pressure but still holds its shape – this typically occurs at the 12-15 minute mark depending on your oven and the size of your cheese wheel.

Skipping the Scoring Step: Failing to score the top of the brie prevents the toppings from properly integrating with the cheese and can cause the rind to puff up dramatically during baking. Those shallow crosshatch cuts are essential for both visual appeal and optimal melting, allowing the cranberry-pecan mixture to nestle into the cheese for maximum flavor distribution.

Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold topping ingredients directly from the refrigerator can create uneven baking and prevent proper caramelization. Allow your butter to soften and your cranberries to come to room temperature before mixing, which ensures the brown sugar and maple syrup distribute evenly and create that perfect golden finish.

Storing Tips

Refrigerator Storage: Leftover Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie should be covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While the texture will firm up when cold, you can restore some of its creamy consistency by allowing it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving, or gently rewarming in a 250°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Make-Ahead Preparation: You can assemble this simple baked brie up to 4 hours before baking by preparing the topping mixture and storing it separately in the refrigerator. Score your brie and keep it covered at room temperature, then add the topping just before baking. This strategy allows you to have an elegant appetizer ready with minimal last-minute effort during busy entertaining periods.

Freezing Guidelines: While not ideal due to texture changes in the cheese, you can freeze the prepared topping mixture for up to 2 months in a sealed container. Fresh brie doesn’t freeze well, so it’s best to prepare this pecan brie appetizer fresh rather than attempting to freeze the completed dish, which can result in a grainy texture when thawed.

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