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Perfect Holiday Baked Brie with Cranberry Pecans

baked brie with cranberry pecans - featured image

Warm, gooey baked brie topped with tart cranberries and sweet, crunchy candied pecans. This easy appetizer comes together in under 30 minutes and is perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (8-ounce) wheel of brie cheese
  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
  • 1/2 cup pecan halves
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional garnish)
  • Additional fresh cranberries (optional garnish)
  • Honey or pomegranate molasses (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Let brie sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. Make candied pecans: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add pecan halves and stir for 1 minute until fragrant. Add brown sugar and sea salt; stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until sugar melts and coats pecans. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract. Spread on parchment paper to cool.
  3. Make cranberry topping: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, maple syrup, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon, and cloves. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook 3-4 minutes until cranberries pop. Reduce heat to low and cook 5-6 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
  4. On a lightly floured surface, roll puff pastry into a 10×10 inch square. Place brie in center. Spoon cranberry topping over brie, spreading evenly. Scatter candied pecans on top, pressing gently. Fold pastry corners over brie, pinching seams to seal. Brush with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with water).
  5. Place assembled brie on prepared baking sheet. Bake 12-15 minutes until pastry is golden brown and puffed. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with rosemary and extra cranberries if desired. Serve warm with crackers, baguette slices, or apple slices.

Notes

Assemble up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerate; add 2-3 minutes to baking time. Cranberry topping can be made up to 3 days in advance. For gluten-free, skip puff pastry and bake in a dish. For dairy-free, use plant-based brie.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked brie, holiday appetizer, cranberry, candied pecans, puff pastry, easy appetizer