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
- 1 handful fresh or frozen cranberries
- ⅓ cup cranberry sauce
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- 250–350 g (8.8–12.3 oz) double cream brie cheese
- 1.5 tablespoons (tbsps) honey
- Zest from ½ orange
- Fresh rosemary for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat: Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C), setting the stage for a delectable cheese transformation.
- 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.
- Layer Flavors: Spread cranberry sauce evenly across the brie, creating a vibrant base that will infuse the cheese with tangy sweetness.
- 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.
- 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.
- Finish: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, adding a final aromatic touch to this luxurious appetizer.
- 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