This spectacular baked brie recipe is the ultimate party starter. Learn how to make a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s super elegant and easy to make at home.
Sweet, gooey, creamy, and crunchy — this easy baked brie is an explosion of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy dinner starter or as a holiday appetizer for a festive gathering with friends, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
If you’re a true cheese lover, this baked brie with cranberries and pecans will instantly win your heart. With its velvety white rind and luxuriously creamy center, brie melts into the perfect dip for toasted bread or crisp crackers.
What makes this recipe truly special is how simple and quick it is. In just a few minutes, you can have a stunning appetizer that feels elegant and indulgent — perfect for last-minute guests or a spontaneous night in.
- 1 Why Are You Going To Love This Recipe
- 2 Ingredients For This Baked Brie Recipe
- 3 How To Make This Baked Brie Recipe
- 4 Pro Tips for the Perfect Baked Brie
- 5 How to Store and Reheat Baked Brie
- 6 Serving Ideas
- 7 How to Serve Baked Brie
- 8 Presentation Tips
- 9 More Easy Appetizer Recipes
- 10 Baked Brie Recipe
Why Are You Going To Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons why this easy baked brie with cranberries and pecans will become one of your go-to appetizers. It’s elegant, delicious, and requires almost no effort — the kind of recipe that always impresses!
- Quick and effortless: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Simple ingredients: Made with just a handful of easy-to-find pantry staples.
- Creamy and gooey texture: The melted brie turns irresistibly soft and spreadable.
- Perfect for entertaining: It looks stunning on any holiday or dinner party table.
- Packed with flavor: Sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and fragrant herbs make every bite divine.
- Totally customizable: Add your favorite toppings — think honey, figs, caramelized onions, or toasted almonds.
- Whether you’re planning a Christmas appetizer, a Thanksgiving party, or simply a cozy cheese night, this baked brie recipe is guaranteed to wow your guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients For This Baked Brie Recipe
You’ll only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this irresistible baked brie appetizer. Here’s what goes into it:
- Brie Cheese – Use cold brie straight from the fridge. If it’s too warm before baking, it will melt too quickly in the oven and lose its shape.
- Pecans – Add a nutty crunch and rich flavor. Lightly toast them beforehand for extra depth. You can also swap them for walnuts or almonds if that’s what you have on hand.
- Dried Cranberries – Their sweet-tart flavor perfectly balances the creamy cheese. Chop them finely so every bite has a little burst of cranberry goodness.
- Thyme – Fresh thyme adds a subtle earthy aroma that complements the brie beautifully. If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme works too—just use a smaller amount since it’s more concentrated.
How To Make This Baked Brie Recipe
Making baked brie at home is easier than you might think! With just a few simple ingredients and about 20 minutes, you can create a warm, creamy, and luxurious appetizer that looks straight out of a restaurant kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, wine night, or cozy dinner, this baked brie with cranberries and pecans is guaranteed to impress every time.
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a small baking sheet or cast iron skillet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Remove the brie cheese wheel from its packaging. If you like, gently score the top rind in a crisscross pattern — this helps the toppings blend beautifully into the melted cheese.
- Sprinkle chopped dried cranberries and pecans evenly over the top of the brie. Tuck in a few rosemary leaves or a small sprig for that cozy, fragrant aroma.
- Place the brie in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese feels soft and gooey in the center when lightly pressed.
- Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for extra shine and sweetness, then serve warm with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or apple wedges.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Baked Brie
- Keep it cold before baking. Cold brie holds its shape better and melts evenly.
- Toast the nuts. Lightly toast your pecans or walnuts beforehand to bring out their nutty aroma.
- Don’t overbake. The cheese should be soft and melty, not runny. Check it after 15 minutes.
- Add a drizzle. A touch of honey, balsamic glaze, or even hot honey takes this to the next level.
- Serve immediately. Brie firms up as it cools, so it’s best enjoyed warm and gooey.
Delicious Topping Ideas
This baked brie recipe is endlessly customizable. Mix and match your favorite flavors to suit any occasion:
- Sweet & Fruity: Fig jam, apricot preserves, or pomegranate arils.
- Savory & Sophisticated: Caramelized onions, roasted garlic, or a touch of truffle oil.
- Nutty & Crunchy: Swap pecans for walnuts, pistachios, or almonds.
- Festive Twist: Garnish with orange zest, fresh thyme, or a sprinkle of sea salt.
How to Store and Reheat Baked Brie
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which doesn’t happen often!), here’s how to store and reheat your baked brie while keeping that soft, melty texture and delicious flavor.
How to Store Baked Brie
- Refrigerate: Once the brie has completely cooled, transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Avoid leaving it out: Since brie is a soft cheese, don’t let it sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours after baking.
How to Reheat Baked Brie
- Oven method (best results): Place the leftover brie in an oven-safe dish and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes, or until it becomes soft and creamy again.
- Microwave method (quick fix): Heat in short 10–15 second intervals until just warm and gooey. Be careful not to overheat — it can melt completely.
- Add freshness: Before serving, top with a few extra cranberries, nuts, or a drizzle of honey to revive the flavors.
Freezing Tips (Optional)
You can freeze unbaked brie wrapped in puff pastry or plain brie for up to 1 month, but baked brie with toppings isn’t ideal for freezing — it tends to lose its creamy texture once thawed.
Serving Ideas
This Baked Brie it can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some great ideas:
- Crackers – serve with some classic crackers or flaxseed crackers.
- Wine and Toasted Bread
- With smoked meat and raw vegetables.
How to Serve Baked Brie
Once your baked brie comes out of the oven all warm and gooey, it’s time for the best part — serving it! This elegant appetizer pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory sides, making it a true crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
- With bread and crackers: Serve it straight from the skillet or transfer it onto a small serving board surrounded by toasted baguette slices, low-carb crackers, or crisp breadsticks for dipping and spreading.
- With fruit: Pair with fresh apple slices, pear wedges, or grapes to balance the rich, creamy cheese with natural sweetness.
- With something sweet: A drizzle of honey or maple syrup enhances the flavors perfectly. You can also add a spoonful of fig jam, apricot preserves, or a few pomegranate seeds on top.
- With something savory: Try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a few roasted garlic cloves, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch.
- On a charcuterie board: Baked brie is a stunning centerpiece for your holiday cheese board. Surround it with prosciutto, salami, olives, nuts, and berries for an impressive and balanced spread.
Presentation Tips
- Serve the brie warm and gooey — it tastes best right after baking.
- If using a cast iron skillet, place it on a wooden board or trivet for a rustic look.
- Garnish with a few fresh rosemary sprigs, a drizzle of honey, or extra cranberries and pecans for that picture-perfect presentation.
- For holidays or special occasions, scatter a few fresh herbs or edible flowers around the plate to make it even more eye-catching.
More Easy Appetizer Recipes
Baked Brie Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 1 8 ounce wheel of Brie cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries finely chopped
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- fresh thyme sprig
Optional for serving:
- Honey or maple syrup for drizzling
- Crackers, toasted baguette slices, or apple wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a small baking tray or cast iron skillet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the brie: Remove the brie from its packaging. If desired, gently score the top rind in a crisscross pattern — this helps the toppings meld beautifully as it bakes. Place the cheese on the prepared skillet or tray.
- Add the toppings: Sprinkle the cranberries and pecans evenly over the top. Tuck in the thyme sprig or scatter a few leaves for aroma.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the brie feels soft and gooey in the center when gently pressed.
- Serve warm: Remove from the oven, drizzle with a touch of honey or maple syrup (optional), and garnish with a few extra rosemary leaves. Serve immediately with your favorite dippers.
Notes
Chef’s Tips
- Toasting the nuts: Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until fragrant — it makes a big difference.
- Baking alternative: For an even more decadent version, wrap the brie in puff pastry before baking (brush with egg wash and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden).
- Make-ahead option: Assemble the brie with toppings up to 4 hours ahead. Keep it refrigerated and bake right before serving.
How do we calculate the nutrition info?
These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.