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Easy Baked Cranberry Pecan Brie: The Perfect Holiday Appetizer

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A warm, gooey wheel of brie topped with sweet-tart cranberries and buttery toasted pecans. This deceptively simple appetizer is ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (8-ounce) wheel of brie cheese (Double Cream Brie recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Flaky sea salt (for finishing)
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (if frozen, do not thaw)
  • ¼ cup orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (light or dark)
  • ½ teaspoon orange zest
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • ½ cup pecan halves (raw)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup (for pecans)
  • Pinch of salt (for pecans)
  • Crackers or sliced baguette (for serving)
  • Apple slices or pear slices (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take the brie out of the fridge and let it sit on the counter for about 10 minutes to take the chill off.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, brown sugar, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  3. Cook the cranberry mixture for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a jam-like consistency and cranberries soften but hold their shape.
  4. While cranberries cook, melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add pecan halves and stir for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly darker. Drizzle in 1 teaspoon maple syrup and sprinkle with salt, stir for 30 seconds. Transfer to a plate to cool.
  5. Unwrap the brie and place it in an oven-safe baking dish. Using a sharp knife, score the top of the brie in a crosshatch pattern about ¼ inch deep, without cutting through the rind on the sides.
  6. Spoon the cranberry mixture over the scored brie, letting it cascade down the sides slightly. Drizzle honey over the top.
  7. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the brie is soft and puffy, and the topping is bubbly. Start checking at 15 minutes.
  8. Remove from oven and arrange toasted pecans on top. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Let rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
  9. Carefully transfer to a serving board. Arrange crackers, baguette slices, and fresh fruit around it. Serve warm.

Notes

Score the brie to allow cranberry mixture to seep in. Watch the oven closely as brie can go from melted to puddle quickly. Toast pecans separately for crunch. Let brie rest 3-5 minutes before serving to set up. Cranberry topping can be made up to 3 days ahead. For a savory version, skip honey and add rosemary and thyme. For a spicy twist, add diced jalapeño to cranberry mixture.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked brie, cranberry pecan brie, holiday appetizer, easy appetizer, warm cheese appetizer, cranberry brie, pecan brie

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/easy-baked-cranberry-pecan-brie-the-perfect-holiday-appetizer/