This festive baked Brie is a rich, gooey wheel of cheese topped with tart cranberry sauce, crunchy toasted pecans, a touch of honey, and bright orange zest. Once baked, it turns into a warm, melty appetizer perfect for serving with crostini or crackers. I love making this dish around the holidays or whenever I want something that feels elegant without requiring much effort. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and the sweet-savory contrast never fails to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• I only need a few ingredients to make something that looks and tastes gourmet.

• It’s the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and tangy.

• I can prep everything in minutes—ideal for last-minute gatherings.

• It bakes quickly, so it’s ready in under 30 minutes.

• I can customize the toppings to suit any flavor profile or dietary preference.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 wheel (about 225 g or 8 oz) of double-cream Brie cheese

• 1/4 cup cranberry sauce (I use either homemade or good-quality store-bought)

• 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped and lightly toasted

• Zest from 1/2 of a medium orange

• 1 tablespoon honey (plus more for drizzling, if desired)

• Optional: a small handful of fresh or frozen cranberries for garnish

• Optional: 1–2 sprigs of fresh rosemary for garnish

Directions

1. I start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). I line a small baking dish or oven-safe serving dish with parchment paper.

2. I place the Brie wheel in the dish and score the top of the rind with a sharp knife in a crisscross pattern. This helps the toppings sink in and allows the cheese to warm evenly.

3. I spoon the cranberry sauce over the top of the Brie, then sprinkle on the chopped pecans.

4. I add the orange zest evenly across the top and drizzle the honey over everything.

5. I bake the Brie for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the cheese is warm, melty, and slightly oozing from the sides.

6. After removing it from the oven, I garnish with fresh cranberries and rosemary (optional), then serve immediately with crostini, crackers, or slices of baguette.

Servings And Timing

• Servings: 4 to 6 people

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 18 to 22 minutes

• Total Time: Approximately 25 to 30 minutes

Variations

• I swap pecans for chopped walnuts or slivered almonds if that’s what I have on hand.

• If I want a nut-free version, I skip the nuts entirely and add extra cranberry sauce or whole cranberries.

• Instead of honey, I sometimes drizzle maple syrup for a deeper, earthy sweetness.

• I’ve also used fig jam or raspberry preserves instead of cranberry sauce for a different twist.

• A sprinkle of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne adds warmth or spice if I’m feeling adventurous.

Storage/Reheating

Baked Brie is at its best right after baking—warm, gooey, and fresh.

• If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• To reheat, I place the Brie in a small oven-safe dish and warm it at 325°F (165°C) for about 10 minutes until soft again.

• I can also microwave it in short 15-second bursts, though the texture may soften more than when reheated in the oven.

• If the cheese firms up after cooling, I enjoy it spread on toast or as part of a sandwich.

FAQs

Can I Use A Different Cheese Instead Of Brie?

I prefer Brie for its creamy texture and mild flavor, but I can use Camembert as a similar substitute. Just make sure to bake it for the same amount of time.

Do I Need To Remove The Rind Before Baking?

No, I always leave the rind on. It helps hold the cheese together while baking. I just score the top to let the flavors in.

Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?

I can prepare everything a few hours in advance—assemble the Brie with toppings and refrigerate. When ready to serve, I simply bake it fresh.

What Should I Serve With Baked Brie?

I like to serve it with crostini, crackers, or sliced baguette. Sliced apples or pears also pair beautifully for a sweet contrast.

Can I Make This Without Nuts?

Yes, I can easily leave out the pecans. The cranberry, honey, and orange zest still provide great flavor on their own.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie is one of my favorite go-to appetizers during the holiday season and beyond. It’s warm, creamy, and bursting with flavor, yet so simple to put together. Whether I’m hosting a party or just treating myself to something special, this dish never fails to impress. I love how flexible it is with variations too—it’s a must-try for any cheese lover.