How to Create the Perfect Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie

Perfect Cranberry Balance

Cooking cranberries just until burst ensures they maintain some texture while releasing their bright flavor.

Pecan Caramelization

Carefully coating and toasting the nuts develops complex flavors while maintaining their essential crunch.

Baking Precision

Proper timing creates the ideal warm, melty interior while preserving the brie's structure.

Strategic Scoring

Crosshatching the rind allows for better integration of toppings without compromising the cheese's form.

Baking Tips

Choose a brie that's ripe but still firm for the best melting properties. An overripe brie might collapse when baked.

For a more dramatic presentation, you can wrap the brie in puff pastry before baking (increase baking time to about 25 minutes or until golden brown).

The cranberry sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator until needed.

For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of Grand Marnier or Cointreau to the cranberry sauce during cooking.

Don't remove the rind from the brie before baking - it helps the cheese keep its shape while baking.

If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar in the cranberry sauce to 2-3 tablespoons.

For a nut-free alternative, substitute the pecans with pumpkin seeds or simply omit them.

To make this ahead, prepare the cranberry sauce and candied pecans separately, then assemble and bake just before serving.

Leftover baked brie can be refrigerated and reheated in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes, though the texture won't be quite as good as freshly baked.

Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie

Name: Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: French-inspired, American
Ingredients: 1 wheel of brie cheese (8-12 ounces); 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup water; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 2 tablespoons orange juice; 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; Pinch of salt; 1 sprig fresh rosemary for garnish (optional); Crackers, sliced baguette, or apple slices for serving

This elegant Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie transforms a simple wheel of cheese into a showstopping appetizer perfect for holidays and special gatherings. The creamy, melting brie provides a rich canvas for the sweet-tart cranberry sauce and crunchy toasted pecans. As it bakes, the cheese becomes irresistibly gooey while the topping caramelizes slightly, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite. Visually stunning yet surprisingly simple to prepare, this crowd-pleasing appetizer pairs beautifully with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh fruit. The combination of warm, melted cheese with festive cranberries and buttery pecans creates an unforgettable starter that will have your guests coming back for more.

Prep Time

10 Minutes

Cook Time

20 Minutes

Total Time

30 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

1 wheel of brie cheese (8-12 ounces)

1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup water

1 tablespoon orange zest

2 tablespoons orange juice

1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 tablespoon maple syrup

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pinch of salt

1 sprig fresh rosemary for garnish (optional)

Crackers, sliced baguette, or apple slices for serving

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a rack in the middle position.

In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, granulated sugar, water, orange zest, and orange juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

Cook the cranberry mixture for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce begins to thicken. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

In a separate small skillet, toast the chopped pecans over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Add butter to the skillet with the pecans and allow it to melt. Stir in brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

Cook the pecan mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the nuts are well coated. Remove from heat.

Place the brie wheel in a small baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. For easier serving, you can place it in a small cast iron skillet or a ceramic brie baker if you have one.

Using a sharp knife, score the top rind of the brie in a crosshatch pattern (optional, but helps the toppings meld with the cheese).

Spoon the cranberry sauce over the top of the brie, followed by the candied pecan mixture.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the cheese is soft and beginning to ooze but not completely melted.

If desired, garnish with a small sprig of fresh rosemary for color and aroma.

Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving (the cheese will be extremely hot inside).

Serve warm with crackers, sliced baguette, or apple slices.

Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

How to Create the Perfect Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie

Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie

Ingredients

Instructions