Easy Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie

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Nothing says cozy indulgence quite like a warm wheel of brie oozing with melted cheese and topped with a sweet and tangy cranberry pecan mixture. This Easy Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie is your go-to appetizer for holiday gatherings, wine nights, or when you simply want to impress guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

The creamy richness of the baked brie pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries and the crunch of toasted pecans, all drizzled with just a touch of honey or maple syrup. It’s a festive, elegant dish that feels gourmet but takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish.

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What Kind of Brie Should I Use?

You’ll want a round, double-cream brie for this recipe, around 8 ounces in size. Double-cream brie melts beautifully and offers that luscious, buttery texture everyone loves. You can bake it with the rind on—it’s completely edible and adds structure to hold the toppings.

If you’re feeling extra fancy, try a triple-cream brie for an ultra-decadent twist. But don’t worry if you only have a basic supermarket brie—it’ll still turn out melty and delicious.

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Ingredients for the Easy Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie

Brie Cheese Wheel – The star of the show. Choose an 8 oz round of creamy, mild brie for optimal melting.

Fresh or Frozen Cranberries – These bring tartness and color. Fresh is best during the holidays, but frozen works great too.

Chopped Pecans – Adds a nutty crunch and pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cranberry topping.

Maple Syrup or Honey – Just a touch for sweetness and shine. Either option complements the other flavors.

Fresh Thyme (optional) – Adds an herby, fragrant note that balances the richness.

Butter – Used to sauté the cranberries and toast the pecans slightly.

Pinch of Salt – Helps enhance and round out the sweet and tart notes.

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How To Make the Easy Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie

Step 1: Prep Your Brie

Place the wheel of brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a small oven-safe dish. If you prefer a slightly less strong rind flavor, you can gently trim off the top rind, but it’s totally optional.

Step 2: Make the Cranberry-Pecan Topping

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt a tablespoon of butter. Add in the cranberries, a pinch of salt, and cook until they begin to soften and burst—about 5 minutes. Stir in the chopped pecans and maple syrup (or honey), letting everything simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes glossy and syrupy.

Step 3: Bake the Brie

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spoon the warm cranberry-pecan topping over the brie. Bake uncovered for 10-12 minutes, just until the cheese feels soft to the touch but hasn’t completely lost its shape.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Carefully transfer the baked brie to a serving platter. Sprinkle with fresh thyme for an herby touch and serve warm with crackers, apple slices, crostini, or toasted baguette slices. It’s best enjoyed immediately while gooey and melty.

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How to Serve and Store This Easy Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie

This baked brie is best served fresh out of the oven while the center is warm and gooey. You can present it directly on a wooden board or elegant serving platter surrounded by your favorite dippers—crackers, baguette slices, apple wedges, or even pretzels for a salty crunch.

If you’re serving it at a party, keep it in a warm oven (around 200°F) until guests arrive, then transfer and serve.

Leftovers? Wrap the cooled brie in foil or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, or microwave in short bursts to gently remelt the cheese without drying it out.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce instead?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, canned whole cranberry sauce can be used. Just warm it up and mix in toasted pecans before spooning it over the brie.

What if I don’t have pecans?

You can swap pecans for walnuts or almonds. If you’re nut-free, try using crunchy pumpkin seeds or simply skip them.

Should I remove the rind before baking?

It’s not necessary. The rind is edible and helps the cheese hold its shape while baking. If you’re not a fan, you can slice off just the top rind to allow easier dipping.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the cranberry-pecan topping ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, top the brie and bake fresh.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The baked brie itself is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free crackers or dippers.

Can I freeze leftover baked brie?

Freezing is not ideal as the texture of the cheese can change. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a couple of days.

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Want More Appetizer Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Easy Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie, you might want to try these deliciously creative appetizer-style dishes next:

• Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread for another cheesy, festive favorite.
• Reese’s Cheese Ball: A Sweet and Salty Delight if you’re leaning toward sweet party snacks.
• Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly for a spicy and savory kick.
• Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts if you want to keep the holiday theme going with a touch of sweetness.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites if you’re after something more protein-packed yet still party-ready.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer or holiday board so it’s ready when you need a crowd-pleaser.

And when you make it, drop a comment below! Did you go for maple syrup or honey? Add rosemary instead of thyme? I’d love to know how you made it your own.

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