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Holiday Baked Cranberry Pecan Brie: Best Easy Appetizer

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This baked brie with cranberry sauce and pecans is a quick, easy, and impressive holiday appetizer that comes together in under 20 minutes. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for Christmas parties, Thanksgiving, or New Year’s Eve.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (8-ounce) wheel of brie cheese
  • ½ cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
  • ⅓ cup pecan halves
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional, for garnish)
  • Crackers, baguette slices, or apple slices for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, take the brie out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
  2. Line a small baking sheet or oven-safe dish with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  3. Using a sharp knife, gently cut a shallow crosshatch pattern into the top rind of the brie. Don’t cut all the way through—just score the top layer.
  4. Place the brie on the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Spoon the ½ cup of whole-berry cranberry sauce over the top of the brie. Spread it gently, leaving a small border around the edge.
  6. Scatter the ⅓ cup of pecan halves over the cranberry sauce. Press them in slightly so they stick to the sauce.
  7. Drizzle the 1 tablespoon of maple syrup over the top.
  8. Bake for 12-15 minutes. The brie should be soft and puffed up, and the cranberry sauce should be bubbly around the edges.
  9. Let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
  10. Transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs if desired. Arrange crackers, baguette slices, or apple slices around it.

Notes

Let the brie sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking for the most luscious, creamy texture. Don’t overbake—check at 12 minutes if your oven runs hot. For a deeper caramelization, broil for the last 30 seconds but watch carefully. You can prep ahead by assembling the brie with toppings on the baking sheet, then covering and refrigerating for up to 24 hours; add 2-3 minutes to baking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked brie, cranberry brie, holiday appetizer, easy appetizer, pecan brie, Christmas appetizer, Thanksgiving appetizer

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/holiday-baked-cranberry-pecan-brie-best-easy-appetizer/