Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie

Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie first made its way to my holiday table on a chilly December evening when I needed a quick appetizer that still felt warm and elegant because I had just an hour before guests arrived. I had a wheel of brie in the fridge and leftover cranberry sauce from earlier in the week so I layered everything with crunchy pecans and a drizzle of honey and popped it in the oven.

The result was melty creamy perfection with sweet tart berries and toasted nuts on top that had everyone gathering around the platter before I could even set it down. Since then this has become my signature warm starter for everything from casual dinners to holiday brunches and it always disappears within minutes.

Ingredients :

• Brie cheese – The rich creamy star of the dish that melts beautifully
• Cranberry sauce – Adds tangy sweetness and seasonal flavor
• Pecans – Toasted for crunch and nutty depth
• Honey – For a glossy sweet finish that ties everything together
• Optional: fresh rosemary or thyme – For a touch of herbal fragrance
• Crackers, apple slices, or baguette – Perfect dippers for scooping up all that gooey goodness

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking dish or sheet – To heat and serve the brie without it losing shape
• Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier
• Small saucepan (optional) – To warm the cranberry sauce and honey together
• Spatula or knife – For spreading the toppings evenly over the cheese
• Serving platter – To present the brie with dippers all around

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

I preheat the oven to 350°F while I prep everything so the brie goes straight into the heat.

Step 2: Unwrap the Brie

I remove the brie from any packaging and place it on a piece of parchment paper in a small oven-safe dish. I like to keep the rind on since it holds everything together.

Step 3: Add the Toppings

Next, I spoon cranberry sauce right over the top of the brie then sprinkle chopped pecans all over. I drizzle everything with a generous spoonful of honey for that glossy finish.

Step 4: Bake Until Gooey

I bake the brie for about 12–15 minutes or until the center is soft and melty when I press it gently with a spoon. I don’t overbake it or it’ll get too runny.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven I top it with a few fresh herbs if I have them on hand and transfer the brie (parchment and all) to a serving plate. I surround it with crackers, fruit, or bread slices for dipping.

Tips

I toast the pecans lightly in a dry pan before adding them it brings out their flavor

For extra flavor I mix the cranberry sauce with a touch of orange zest

Brie can be baked in puff pastry for a more decadent version but I love the simplicity of this open-faced style

Let it rest a minute or two after baking so it’s gooey but not overly runny

Ways to Serve

On a festive charcuterie board with meats and fruit

As an appetizer for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner

Paired with mulled wine or sparkling cider for a cozy night in

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use jellied cranberry sauce for Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie?

Yes! Just spoon it over the brie as-is or warm it slightly to make it easier to spread.

Should I remove the rind from the brie before baking Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie?

Nope! The rind helps hold everything together and is totally edible.

How do I know when the brie is done baking?

The top should look soft and slightly puffed and when you press it gently the cheese should feel melted underneath.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try this Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie at your next get-together because it’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is secretly effortless. I’d love to hear how you serve it or if you make any delicious twists!

Happy Cooking!

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