The easiest holiday appetizer for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and entertaining at home!
If there’s one thing I love when we’re having people over, it’s an appetizer that looks like I spent way more time on it than I actually did.
And this cranberry pecan baked brie is exactly that.
Warm, creamy brie topped with cranberry sauce, crunchy pecans, a little fresh rosemary, and a drizzle of honey. It’s sweet and savory, looks beautiful on a holiday cheese board, and takes just a few minutes to put together.
I made this for one of our holiday hosting spreads, and I love how it turned out. It’s the kind of appetizer you can set in the middle of a board with crackers, grapes, and a few other favorites and let everyone dig in.
Plus, you only need a handful of ingredients!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Baked Brie
The best part about this recipe is how easy it is. There’s no pastry to wrap, and you don’t need to spend forever preparing it.
The cranberry sauce adds that perfect holiday flavor, while the honey and pecans make it feel a little extra special.
And when you cut into the warm brie? All that melted cheese is SO good with a crunchy cracker.
Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie Recipe
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: About 20 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) wheel of brie cheese
- ⅓ cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
- ¼ cup pecans, roughly chopped or halved
- 1 tablespoon honey, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
- Crackers, sliced apples, or toasted baguette for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Place the brie wheel in a small oven-safe baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave the rind on.
- Spoon the cranberry sauce over the top of the brie.
- Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of honey and sprinkle with fresh rosemary.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the brie is soft and warmed through.
- While the brie bakes, lightly toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently.
- Remove the brie from the oven and top with the toasted pecans.
- Finish with another little drizzle of honey and serve warm with your favorite crackers or sliced baguette.
Tips for the Best Baked Brie
Leave the rind on. The rind is completely edible and helps hold the melted cheese together while it bakes.
Don’t overbake. You want the inside warm and creamy, but the wheel should still hold its shape.
Toast the pecans. This is a small extra step that brings out so much flavor and gives the topping a delicious crunch.
Serve it warm. Baked brie is best right out of the oven, while the center is soft and scoopable.
Can You Make Baked Brie Ahead of Time?
You can prep most of this appetizer before your guests arrive!
Place the brie in your baking dish, add the cranberry sauce, and keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Add the honey and rosemary before baking, then finish with the toasted pecans.
That way, you’re not spending the whole party in the kitchen.
What to Serve with Cranberry Baked Brie
I love adding this to a larger holiday grazing board. Some of my favorites to serve alongside it are buttery crackers, toasted baguette slices, red grapes, apple slices, and a few savory cheeses or meats.
It makes such a pretty centerpiece without needing to prepare a complicated appetizer spread.
My Favorite Holiday Hosting Finds
I’ve rounded up some of my favorite serving boards, cheese knives, small bowls, and entertaining essentials in my Amazon Holiday Hosting list.
Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, having friends over for Christmas, or just want something cozy to snack on during a holiday movie night, this cranberry pecan baked brie is such an easy recipe to keep on hand.
And if you make it, let me know! I’d love to hear how you serve yours.
Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) wheel of brie cheese
- ⅓ cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
- ¼ cup pecans, roughly chopped or halved
- 1 tablespoon honey, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
- Crackers, sliced apples, or toasted baguette for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Place the brie wheel in a small oven-safe baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave the rind on.
- Spoon the cranberry sauce over the top of the brie.
- Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of honey and sprinkle with fresh rosemary.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the brie is soft and warmed through.
- While the brie bakes, lightly toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently.
- Remove the brie from the oven and top with the toasted pecans.
- Finish with another little drizzle of honey and serve warm with your favorite crackers or sliced baguette.
Notes
Leave the rind on. The rind is completely edible and helps hold the melted cheese together while it bakes.
Don't overbake. You want the inside warm and creamy, but the wheel should still hold its shape.
Toast the pecans. This is a small extra step that brings out so much flavor and gives the topping a delicious crunch.
Serve it warm. Baked brie is best right out of the oven, while the center is soft and scoopable.
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