Easy Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie

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When you’re looking for a warm, rich, and flavorful appetizer that impresses without stress, this Easy Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie is your go-to dish. It pairs creamy, gooey Brie cheese with tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a drizzle of maple syrup to deliver a sweet and savory bite in every spoonful.

Perfect for the holidays, intimate gatherings, or even as a decadent solo snack, this baked brie recipe is simplicity at its most delicious. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish ready in under 20 minutes.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie

This recipe is a celebration of contrasts—warm cheese and cool fruit, sweet and savory tones, soft and crunchy textures. It takes a basic wheel of Brie and transforms it into an eye-catching centerpiece. The best part? It looks like you fussed, but it’s practically effortless.

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What Kind of Brie Should I Use?

Choose a wheel of Brie cheese that is around 8 oz for optimal melt and portioning. A double or triple cream Brie will yield the creamiest texture once baked. Avoid pre-sliced Brie or varieties with extra flavorings—keep it simple so the toppings can shine.

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Ingredients for the Easy Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie

This dish needs only a handful of quality ingredients to come alive:

• Brie Cheese (8 oz wheel): The rich and creamy base that turns gooey and luxurious when baked.
• Fresh Cranberries (1/2 cup): Brings a tart burst of flavor that balances the richness of the cheese.
• Pecans (1/3 cup, chopped): Adds crunch and nutty warmth.
• Maple Syrup (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the topping with depth and richness.
• Fresh Thyme (2 sprigs): Optional but adds a fragrant herbaceous note.
• Crackers or Bread (for serving): The perfect vehicle for scooping up all that molten cheesy goodness.

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How To Make the Easy Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the 8 oz Brie wheel on the sheet and let it come to room temperature while the oven heats.

Step 2: Assemble the Topping

In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, 1/3 cup chopped pecans, and 2 tablespoons maple syrup. Stir gently to coat the ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Top the Brie

Spoon the cranberry pecan mixture over the top of the Brie, allowing it to cascade slightly down the sides. Optionally, add a couple sprigs of fresh thyme on top.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the Brie feels soft in the center when lightly pressed. Be careful not to overbake or it may burst.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 3-5 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate and pair with crackers or slices of crusty bread.

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How to Serve and Store This Baked Brie

This baked Brie serves 6 to 8 people as an appetizer. Serve it immediately while warm for the best experience. If you have leftovers (a rare occurrence!), wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven until warmed through.

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What to Serve With Easy Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie

H3: Sliced Baguette or Crostini

Crusty slices make perfect companions for scooping up the melty Brie.

H3: Apple or Pear Slices

The sweetness and crunch of fresh fruit complement the tart cranberries.

H3: Prosciutto or Salami

Add some savory meats to your board for a charcuterie-style presentation.

H3: Rosemary Almond Crackers

Herbaceous crackers add a fragrant and crisp base.

H3: Sparkling Wine or Cider

A fizzy drink refreshes the palate after each rich bite.

H3: Stuffed Mushrooms with Cheese & Herbs

Pair this Brie with another crowd-pleasing bite like stuffed mushrooms.

H3: Rainbow Smoothie Bowls

If you’re looking to balance out the decadence with something fruity and vibrant, check out our rainbow smoothie bowls.

H3: Vegan Breakfast Quesadillas

Surprisingly great contrast when serving a brunch spread — see our vegan breakfast quesadillas.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, but soak them in warm water for 5-10 minutes to rehydrate before mixing.

2. What if I don’t have maple syrup?

Honey or brown sugar works well as an alternative.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the topping and have the Brie ready to bake, but it’s best served fresh from the oven.

4. Is the rind of Brie edible?

Absolutely! The rind is perfectly edible and adds flavor and texture.

5. Can I freeze leftover baked Brie?

It’s not recommended. The texture changes significantly. Stick to refrigerating and reheating gently.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use honey or stick with maple syrup? Maybe you added orange zest or cinnamon?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

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Conclusion

This Easy Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie proves that elegant doesn’t have to mean complicated. With simple prep and bold flavors, it’s a reliable recipe to turn any gathering into a cozy celebration. Want more recipe inspiration? Follow me over on Meals We Share for daily dishes you’ll crave again and again.

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