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Easy Baked Brie with Cranberry and Candied Pecans

easy baked brie - featured image

Warm, gooey brie topped with tart cranberries and sweet candied pecans. This easy appetizer comes together in 25 minutes and is perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (8-ounce) wheel of brie cheese
  • 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup pecan halves
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, take the brie out of the fridge to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. Score the top of the brie. Use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts in a crosshatch pattern on the top rind, about 1/4 inch deep. Place the brie in your baking dish.
  3. Make the cranberry topping. In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, and honey (or maple syrup). Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the cranberries pop and soften. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Candy the pecans. In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and cinnamon, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Toss in the pecan halves and stir to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until glossy and bubbling. Transfer to a plate to cool slightly.
  5. Assemble the brie. Spoon the cranberry mixture evenly over the top of the scored brie. Arrange the candied pecans on top. Sprinkle with a tiny pinch of salt.
  6. Bake the brie. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the brie is soft and puffed slightly but not completely melted. If the top browns too fast, tent loosely with foil.
  7. Rest and serve. Let the baked brie sit for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs if desired.

Notes

Don’t overbake the brie—start checking at 15 minutes. Score the rind but don’t peel it. Toast pecans first for extra crunch. Make toppings ahead up to 2 days in advance. Use a small dish so the brie fits snugly. Let it rest before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked brie, cranberry brie, candied pecan brie, easy appetizer, holiday appetizer, cheese appetizer