If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s both elegant and irresistibly delicious, then this Cranberry Baked Brie with Pecans and Rosemary Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Creamy, warm brie melds perfectly with tangy, chunky cranberry sauce, while the toasted pecans add a delightful crunch and the fresh rosemary brings a fragrant herbal note that rounds out every bite. It’s simple to prepare, yet tastes like a festive celebration in your mouth, making it perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or any time you want to impress without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of ingredients makes this Cranberry Baked Brie with Pecans and Rosemary Recipe wonderfully straightforward. Each element plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture that dance together in perfect harmony.
- 10-14 Ounce Round Brie: The star of the show, soft and creamy, providing that rich, gooey center when baked.
- ½ Cup Chunky Cranberry Sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy zing with a luscious texture that complements the brie’s creaminess.
- ¼ Cup Chopped Pecans: Brings a toasty crunch and a warm nutty flavor to contrast the softness.
- 1 Full Sprig Fresh Rosemary: Infuses a fresh, pine-like aroma and a subtle earthy taste that elevates the dish.
- Drizzle of Olive Oil: Helps to meld the toppings together and adds a beautiful glossy finish.
How to Make Cranberry Baked Brie with Pecans and Rosemary Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Surface
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, ensuring it reaches the perfect temperature to warm the brie evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper – this simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Bake the Brie
Place the round brie right onto the parchment. Bake for about 8 minutes, or until the center becomes delightfully soft and oozing but not completely melted out. This warming stage is essential to bring out the luscious, spreadable texture we all crave.
Step 3: Add Your Toppings
Gently remove the baked brie from the oven and spread the chunky cranberry sauce over the top. Sprinkling on the chopped pecans adds that irresistible crunch, while the fresh rosemary sprig lends its fragrant, earthy notes. A light drizzle of olive oil over everything finishes it off with a subtle richness.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Now for the fun part: serve your creation with bagel chips, crackers, or even slices of crusty bread. Dig in while the brie is warm and melty for the ultimate cozy, festive treat.
How to Serve Cranberry Baked Brie with Pecans and Rosemary Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful finishing touch, try adding a few fresh rosemary leaves or a light sprinkle of additional chopped pecans just before serving. A few whole cranberries scattered around the platter can also add a splash of vibrant color and a little burst of tartness.
Side Dishes
This baked brie pairs amazingly well with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears adds a refreshing sweetness. You could also serve it alongside a platter of assorted cured meats for a full charcuterie experience.
Creative Ways to Present
To elevate your presentation, serve the baked brie on a wooden board with small bowls of extra cranberry sauce and nuts for guests to personalize their bites. Wrapping the brie in puff pastry before baking is a fun twist that turns this recipe into a delicate, golden pastry bundle. Alternatively, individual mini brie rounds can be topped and baked for personal servings at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the baked brie covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because it’s so rich, portioning it out in smaller containers helps retain that creamy texture without drying out.
Freezing
While you can freeze baked brie, keep in mind it may lose some of its creamy texture upon thawing. It’s best to freeze the unbaked brie wrapped with cranberries and pecans on top, then bake fresh when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, warm the brie gently in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes until softened and melty again. Avoid microwaving, as this can cause uneven heating and make the texture less appealing.
FAQs
What kind of brie should I use for this recipe?
Choose a whole, round brie between 10-14 ounces with a white rind. Triple-cream brie works wonderfully for extra richness, but a good quality regular brie will also do marvelously.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the brie with toppings up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just bake it fresh right before serving to maintain that luscious warm center.
Are there alternatives to pecans if I have allergies?
Yes! Walnuts, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds can be wonderful substitutes that still add the desired crunch and nutty flavor without compromising the dish.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?
Fresh cranberries are quite tart and firm, so it’s best to cook them down first or use a quality chunky cranberry sauce to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
What’s the best way to serve this for a crowd?
Serve the baked brie on a large wooden or slate board surrounded by a variety of crackers, chips, and sliced bread. Including small spoons for the cranberry topping and bowls of extra nuts invites guests to build their own perfect bites.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a warm, melty wheel of brie topped with bright cranberry sauce, crunchy pecans, and fragrant rosemary. This Cranberry Baked Brie with Pecans and Rosemary Recipe brings an effortless touch of elegance and heartwarming flavor to your table that’s perfect for any cozy occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch it become an instant favorite for your gatherings and celebrations!
Print
Cranberry Baked Brie with Pecans and Rosemary Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cranberry Baked Brie is a quick and elegant appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. A warm, creamy wheel of brie cheese baked until soft, topped with tangy chunky cranberry sauce, crunchy chopped pecans, and fresh rosemary, finished with a drizzle of olive oil. Serve it with bagel chips or crackers for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Cheese
- 10–14 Ounce Round Brie
Toppings
- ½ Cup Chunky Cranberry Sauce
- ¼ Cup Chopped Pecans
- 1 Full Sprig Fresh Rosemary
- Drizzle of Olive Oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Bake Brie: Place the whole brie round onto the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 8 minutes or until the center becomes soft and creamy but the cheese retains its shape.
- Add Toppings: Remove the brie from the oven carefully. Spoon the chunky cranberry sauce evenly over the top, sprinkle the chopped pecans, and garnish with the full sprig of fresh rosemary. Finish by drizzling a little olive oil on top for extra richness.
- Serve: Serve warm with bagel chips or your favorite crackers, allowing guests to scoop the gooey, flavorful cheese and toppings for a delightful appetizer experience.
Notes
- The brie should be served warm to enjoy its creamy texture fully.
- Fresh rosemary adds a wonderful aromatic note, but you can substitute with thyme if preferred.
- Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
- Bagel chips or sturdy crackers work best to scoop the soft cheese without breaking.
- For a nuttier flavor, you can toast the pecans lightly before adding.
