Get ready to transform your appetizer game with a mouthwatering Pecan Cranberry Baked Brie that's about to become the star of every gathering! Imagine a creamy, luxurious wheel of Brie cheese topped with a golden, caramelized mixture of crunchy pecans, sweet cranberries, and aromatic rosemary - this recipe is not just a dish, it's an experience that will have your guests begging for more. Whether you're hosting a sophisticated dinner party or looking for a show-stopping holiday appetizer, this recipe is your ticket to instant culinary fame!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 round Brie cheese
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Crackers for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Remove the Brie cheese from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature. This helps the cheese melt more evenly.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the chopped pecans, dried cranberries, brown sugar, maple syrup, and fresh chopped rosemary. Mix thoroughly to create a sweet and nutty topping.
- Place the Brie round on the prepared baking sheet. If the Brie has a rind, you can leave it intact or carefully trim the top rind using a sharp knife.
- Generously spoon the pecan-cranberry mixture over the top of the Brie, ensuring it's evenly distributed and covers most of the cheese surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and beginning to ooze, and the topping is lightly caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly and prevent immediate running.
- Serve warm directly on the baking sheet or transfer to a serving plate. Arrange crackers around the Brie for easy dipping and enjoying.
- Garnish with additional fresh rosemary sprigs for a beautiful presentation if desired. Serve immediately while the cheese is warm and melty.
Tips
- Temperature is key! Always let your Brie sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking to ensure even melting.
- Use high-quality ingredients - fresh rosemary and real maple syrup can elevate this dish from good to extraordinary.
- Don't overbake! Watch your Brie closely. You want it soft and slightly oozing, not completely liquefied.
- For a beautiful presentation, garnish with extra rosemary sprigs and serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and inviting.
- Experiment with different crackers or bread - a rustic sourdough or crisp water crackers work wonderfully with this recipe.
- If you're preparing ahead of time, you can mix the pecan-cranberry topping in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- For a more decadent version, drizzle a little extra maple syrup over the top just before serving for added shine and sweetness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 55mg
