Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie (Easy Holiday Appetizer)

Warm, gooey cheese. Sweet-tart cranberries. Buttery toasted pecans. This cranberry pecan baked brie is the kind of appetizer that steals the spotlight every holiday season. It looks impressive, tastes luxurious, and yet takes barely 15 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or bringing a dish to a party, this baked brie delivers elegance with almost no effort.

Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie Recipe

📋 Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Calories: ~215 per serving

🧀 Ingredients

• 1 (8-ounce) round of Brie cheese
• 1/2 cup whole cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans, lightly toasted
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
• 1/4 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
• Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
• Crackers, toasted baguette slices, or apple slices for serving

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Brie: Unwrap the cheese and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Scoring the rind lightly is optional but helps the toppings seep in.
3. Add the topping: Spoon the cranberry sauce over the top, then sprinkle with toasted pecans. Drizzle with maple syrup and add orange zest or cinnamon if using.
4. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is warm and soft but not collapsed.
5. Serve immediately with crackers, bread, or fruit slices.

Substitutions & Dietary Swaps

• Gluten-free: Pair with gluten-free crackers or apple slices.
• Nut-free: Skip pecans or use pumpkin seeds for crunch.
• Vegan option: Use vegan brie and top with cranberries and walnuts or seeds.
• Low-sugar: Use unsweetened cranberry sauce and omit maple syrup.

Chef’s Pro Tips

• Warm the cranberry sauce before adding it this helps it spread evenly.
• Do not overbake. Brie melts fast and can turn into a puddle if heated too long.
• Use a small oven-safe dish to contain melty overflow for a neater presentation.
• Toast pecans for deeper flavor just 3–4 minutes in a dry skillet.

Make Ahead, Storage & Reheating

• Make ahead: Assemble the Brie with toppings up to 24 hours in advance. Refrigerate tightly wrapped.
• Storage: Leftovers keep for 2 days, though texture is best fresh.
• Reheating: Warm gently at 250°F for 8–10 minutes until soft again.

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

• Brie exploded: You may have baked it too long or at too high a temperature.
• Topping slid off: Score the rind lightly to help it stay in place.
• Cheese not melting: Increase baking time by 2–3 minutes.
• Pecans burned: Add nuts halfway through baking instead of from the start.

Flavor Pairings & Serving Suggestions

Serve your cranberry pecan baked brie with Gingerbread Brownies (Soft, Fudgy & Perfectly Spiced)

Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie

This cranberry pecan baked brie is a warm, gooey holiday appetizer topped with sweet-tart cranberries, buttery toasted pecans, and a drizzle of maple syrup. Elegant enough for parties, easy enough for any cozy night in.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Calories: 215

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Baked Brie

• 1 round Brie cheese (about 8 oz)
• 1/2 cup whole cranberry sauce homemade or canned
• 1/4 cup pecans chopped and lightly toasted
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
• 1/4 tsp orange zest optional
• 1 pinch ground cinnamon optional

To Serve

• crackers for serving
• toasted baguette slices for serving
• apple or pear slices optional, for serving

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Unwrap the Brie and place it in the center of the prepared baking sheet. If you like, lightly score the top rind in a crisscross pattern to help the cheese and toppings meld together.
3. Spoon the cranberry sauce over the top of the Brie and spread it gently to the edges.
4. Sprinkle the chopped toasted pecans over the cranberry layer, then drizzle with maple syrup (or honey). Add the orange zest and a pinch of cinnamon, if using.
5. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the Brie is very soft to the touch and just starting to ooze but has not completely collapsed.
6. Carefully transfer the baked Brie to a serving plate. Serve immediately with crackers, toasted baguette slices, and apple or pear slices for dipping and scooping.

Notes

For extra flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant. You can assemble the Brie with toppings up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate; bake just before serving.

FAQs

Can I bake Brie in the microwave?

Yes1 heat for 45–60 seconds, but the rind may split more dramatically than in the oven.

Do I remove the rind before baking?

No, leave it on. The rind holds the cheese together as it melts.

Can I use double or triple cream Brie?

Absolutely! richer Brie varieties melt beautifully.

Can this be made with Camembert?

Yes, Camembert works perfectly and has a slightly earthier flavor.

What can I use instead of cranberry sauce?

Try fig jam, cherry preserves, or apricot jam for a similar sweet-savory effect.

How do I transport baked Brie?

Bake it in a small dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm it again for a few minutes before serving.

Conclusion

This cranberry pecan baked brie is simple, elegant, and guaranteed to impress your guests. Whether it’s for a holiday party or a cozy winter evening, this melt-in-your-mouth appetizer brings festive flair with minimal effort. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite!