Gourmet Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie Recipe

Pecan-Cranberry Baked Brie Recipe: A Festive Cheese Treat

Indulgent cheese lovers rejoice!

This cranberry pecan delight baked brie recipe brings together creamy, melted cheese with a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors.

Warm, gooey brie becomes the star when topped with a vibrant cranberry and pecan mixture that adds delightful texture and complexity.

Each bite promises a luxurious blend of tangy and rich notes that dance across your palate.

The combination of soft cheese, tart berries, and crunchy pecans creates a stunning appetizer that’s both elegant and irresistible.

Serve this showstopping dish at your next gathering, and watch as guests marvel at your culinary prowess.

You’ll want to savor every single decadent morsel of this irresistible cheese creation.

Presenting Baked Brie for Guests or Gatherings

  • Festive Party Platter: Arrange the baked brie on a rustic wooden board surrounded by an array of crackers, sliced baguettes, and fresh fruit like green apple wedges or grapes for a stunning holiday appetizer spread.
  • Charcuterie Companion: Pair this creamy brie with thin slices of prosciutto, salami, and a selection of cured meats to create a rich, indulgent flavor experience that will impress guests at any gathering.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the sweet and tangy brie with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir, which will beautifully balance the cranberry and honey notes in the dish.
  • Brunch Centerpiece: Transform this baked brie into a show-stopping brunch item by serving alongside mimosas, fresh berries, and a light mixed green salad for a sophisticated morning meal.

How to Store and Reheat Brie Without Melting It All

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftover baked brie wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making each bite even more delicious.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or place in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes until cheese softens. Avoid overheating to maintain the creamy texture.
  • Party Prep Tricks: Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours before baking. Cover and refrigerate, then pop directly into the preheated oven when ready to serve. This makes entertaining super easy and stress-free.
  • Freezing Wisdom: While fresh is best, you can freeze the unbaked brie with toppings for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time if needed.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients That Make Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie Special

For Cheese Base:
  • Brie: Creamy French cheese that melts beautifully, creating a luxurious base for toppings with its rich, buttery texture and soft consistency.
For Sweet and Tangy Toppings:
  • Cranberry Sauce: Provides bright, tart flavor that cuts through the cheese's richness, adding a festive touch and vibrant color.
  • Honey: Natural sweetener that balances the tangy cranberries and adds a golden sheen to the dish.
  • Orange Zest: Brings citrusy brightness and aromatic depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile with its intense, fresh essence.
For Crunch and Depth:
  • Pecans: Adds delightful nutty crunch and earthy undertones, complementing the soft cheese with their rich, toasted flavor.
  • Rosemary: Fresh herb that introduces a subtle pine-like aroma and elegant garnish, elevating the dish's visual and flavor complexity.
For Serving Companions:
  • Crackers: Crisp base for scooping melted brie, providing textural contrast.
  • Baguette Slices: Rustic bread option for spreading warm, gooey cheese.

Gear for Baking Brie Without the Mess

  • Baking Dish: Essential for baking and containing the brie while cooking.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of the baked brie.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for scoring the brie's surface and creating decorative patterns.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately drizzle honey and measure ingredients precisely.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping pecans and zesting orange.
  • Grater or Zester: Perfect for creating delicate orange zest without bitter pith.
  • Oven Mitts: Protects hands when handling hot baking dishes and removing from oven.

How to Wrap and Bake Brie the Easy Way

  • Oven Warmth

Crank up the oven to a toasty 375°F, creating the perfect cozy environment for our cheesy adventure.

  • Cheese Canvas

Nestle a round of brie onto a parchment-lined baking dish, preparing it for its delicious transformation.

  • Surface Design

Gently trace light crosshatch lines across the brie’s surface, inviting toppings to mingle and merge.

  • Flavor Layers

Blanket the cheese with a vibrant cranberry sauce, sprinkle crunchy pecans, and dust with bright orange zest. Drizzle golden honey for a sweet whisper.

  • Melty Magic

Slide the dish into the oven, letting the brie bubble and soften for about 20 minutes until gloriously gooey.

  • Festive Finish

Pull out the molten masterpiece, crown with fragrant rosemary sprigs, and serve alongside crisp crackers or rustic bread slices for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Tips for Balancing Sweet, Nutty, and

  • Flavor Boosters: Experiment with different fruit preserves like fig jam or apricot compote for a unique twist on the classic cranberry topping.
  • Nutty Alternatives: Swap pecans with toasted almonds, walnuts, or pistachios to add different textures and flavor profiles to your baked brie.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the brie with toppings up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator. Remove 30 minutes before baking to bring to room temperature for even heating.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper to the honey drizzle for an unexpected warmth and complexity to the dish.
  • Serving Suggestions: Create a stunning appetizer board by surrounding the baked brie with fresh apple slices, dried fruits, and an assortment of crunchy crackers or crusty bread.
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Gourmet Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie Recipe

Gourmet Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie Recipe


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4.5 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Cranberry pecan delight baked brie merges sweet and savory flavors for an elegant appetizer. Warm cheese, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans create a memorable starter perfect for holiday gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 handful fresh or frozen cranberries
  • ⅓ cup cranberry sauce
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans
  • 250350 g (8.812.3 oz) double cream brie cheese
  • 1.5 tablespoons (tbsps) honey
  • Zest from ½ orange
  • Fresh rosemary for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C), setting the stage for a delectable cheese transformation.
  2. Prepare: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and center the brie wheel, then carefully score its surface with a crosshatch pattern to enhance topping absorption.
  3. Layer Flavors: Spread cranberry sauce evenly across the brie, creating a vibrant base that will infuse the cheese with tangy sweetness.
  4. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped pecans generously over the sauce, then dust with orange zest and drizzle honey in a delicate spiral to build complex flavor dimensions.
  5. Bake: Slide the adorned brie into the preheated oven and allow it to melt and bubble for 18-22 minutes, transforming into a creamy, golden centerpiece.
  6. Finish: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, adding a final aromatic touch to this luxurious appetizer.
  7. Serve: Present the warm brie immediately alongside crisp crackers or toasted baguette slices, inviting guests to savor the rich, melted delicacy.

Notes

Optimize Brie Selection: Choose a high-quality, soft wheel around 8-10 ounces for best melting performance and creamy texture.

Prevent Overflow Mishap: Score brie’s rind lightly to help toppings penetrate without causing uncontrolled melting during baking.

Topping Balance Technique: Apply cranberry sauce and pecans sparingly to maintain structural integrity and prevent overwhelming the delicate cheese flavor.

Temperature Precision Matters: Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm internal cheese temperature reaches 165°F for perfect creamy consistency without burning.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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