This Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie is an easy, yet elegant appetizer that’s perfect for serving at holiday parties. With creamy brie cheese, crunchy pecans, and tart and tangy cranberries, it’s a stunning show-stopping appetizer everyone will love!
If you’re looking for an easy appetizer that’s also an elegant showpiece, try this Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie recipe.
More than just an appetizer, this delicious dish a stunning statement piece for your holiday table.
The combination of flavors and textures is sure to be a hit with your guests, making it a must-have for any winter gathering. With its festive colors, ease of preparation, and crowd-pleasing appeal, this recipe is the perfect addition to your holiday entertaining repertoire!
Jump to:
🌟 Why this recipe works
There’s something magical about baked brie during the holiday season. The creamy, melted cheese paired with the sweet and tangy flavors of cranberries and the crunch of pecans creates the perfect combination of indulgence and festivity.
- Easy to make – This is one of the easiest appetizers to make. I’ve included step-by-step photos below to show you just how simple yet sophisticated this baked brie is.
- Simple ingredients – You only need five simple ingredients to make this easy recipe!
- No fuss cooking – With a little prep, the oven does most of the work. This appetizer is perfect for winter parties where you want to impress without spending too much time in the kitchen.
- Versatile – One of the best things about Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie is its versatility. It can be served as a standalone appetizer or as part of a charcuterie spread.
- A warm welcome – It’s warm, gooey, and just the right amount of sweet and savory to kick off your holiday festivities.
- Show-stopping appetizer – This baked brie is visually stunning! A golden, melty wheel of brie topped with ruby-red cranberries and rich brown pecans adds a festive touch to any table.
🛒 Ingredient notes
You only need five simple ingredients to make this stunning holiday appetizer!
- Brie cheese: The star of the show. Use a whole wheel of brie. And, be sure NOT to use “soft-ripened” brie, as that kind would be melt too much in the oven. Trust me: I’ve made this mistake before, so I know!
- Cranberries: Cranberries bring tartness and bright color, as well as a tangy sweetness that balances the creaminess of the brie.
- Pecans: Toasted pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that enhances the overall dish. You can substitute with walnuts if you prefer.
- Maple syrup: A drizzle of maple syrup adds sweetness and helps to bind the cranberries and pecans together. You can substitute honey if you prefer. It also gives the dish a beautiful glossy finish.
Optional:
- Fresh thyme or rosemary: Optional garnishes include adding a sprig or two of fresh herbs brings a touch of earthiness and aroma that complements the richness of the cheese.
- Orange zest: Adds a bright citrus zing to every bite!
✅ Step-by-step instructions
You’ll find a full list of ingredients with measurements and detailed baking instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. Here are step-by-step photos to show you how easy it is to make this brie appetizer.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Optional: score the top of the brie in any pattern you wish. This helps the topping flavors infuse into the brie as it bakes in the oven.
- Place brie in the center of a small cast iron skillet or other small oven safe pan.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the cranberries, chopped pecans, and brown sugar.
- Top the brie with the cranberry mixture.
- Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes.
- Drizzle the maple syrup over the top of the brie, and sprinkle the optional orange zest on top.
- Serve immediately.
👩🏻🍳 Recipe FAQs
Yes! You can assemble the brie with the cranberry and pecan topping ahead of time and store it, unbaked, in the fridge overnight. Bake it right before serving to ensure it’s warm and gooey.
If you don’t have cranberries, dried cherries or figs work wonderfully as a substitute. Both will add a unique sweetness to the dish.
The brie is done when it feels soft in the center and has just started to melt. Avoid overbaking, as it may cause the cheese to become too runny.
Absolutely! You can wrap the brie in puff pastry for an even more decadent presentation. Simply add the cranberry and pecan topping on top of the brie before wrapping it, then bake until golden brown.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days at the most.
🍽 Serving ideas
Whether you’re hosting a cozy holiday gathering or looking for an elegant appetizer for a family dinner, Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Serve it with crackers, sliced baguette, apple slices, or even pear slices. The mild sweetness of fruit complements the tangy cranberries and rich brie perfectly.
For a holiday party, serve it as part of a Christmas Charcuterie Board. Or serve it alongside other holiday appetizers such as a Christmas Wreath Salad and Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread. For drinks, serve Cranberry Moscow Mule Margaritas.
🍷 🥂 Wine pairings
Chardonnay: A buttery, oaky Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of baked brie. The wine’s light acidity also complements the sweetness of the cranberries and the richness of the pecans.
Pinot Noir: For a lighter red wine option, Pinot Noir is a fantastic choice. Its subtle fruitiness and earthy notes balance the tang of the cranberries and enhance the flavor of the brie without overpowering it.
🍳 Kitchen tools and equipment
Ready to make this recipe? You’ll need:
More winter holiday recipes
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card, and if you really loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Thank you!
Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie
Equipment
- 1 small cast iron skillet
Ingredients
- 1 8-ounce wheel of brie cheese
- 2 Tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup cranberries
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- 2 Tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Optional: score the top of the brie in any pattern you wish. This helps the topping flavors infuse into the brie as it bakes in the oven.
- Place brie in the center of a small cast iron skillet or other small oven safe pan.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the cranberries, chopped pecans, and brown sugar.
- Top the brie with the cranberry mixture.
- Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes.
- Drizzle the maple syrup over the top of the brie, and sprinkle the orange zest on top.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
