Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie in Just 15 Minutes

Name: Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie in Just 15 Minutes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 wheel of brie (8 oz); 1/4 cup dried cranberries; 1/4 cup chopped pecans; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tsp fresh thyme (optional); Crackers or sliced baguette for serving

Author: lia

Published: October 2, 2025

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Oh, the first time I tried cranberry pecan baked brie at my friend’s holiday party, I nearly swooned! That golden wheel of creamy cheese, oozing just enough to cradle the sweet-tart cranberries and crunchy pecans—it was love at first bite. I begged for the recipe right then and there. What makes it magic? It looks fancy but takes barely 15 minutes to throw together (seriously!), and the combination of flavors—rich brie, tangy cranberries, nutty pecans, and a drizzle of honey—is pure holiday joy on a cracker. Trust me, this appetizer disappears faster than Santa’s cookies. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something indulgent, cranberry pecan baked brie is your golden ticket.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie

This isn’t just another cheese platter—it’s a showstopper that’ll have everyone hovering around the appetizer table. Here’s why it’s my go-to:

Effortless elegance: 5 ingredients, 15 minutes, and you’ve got a dish that looks like you fussed for hours
Sweet-savory magic: The creamy brie melts into the tart cranberries and toasty pecans—every bite is pure harmony
Crowd-proof: Picky eaters, gluten-free friends, vegetarians? Check, check, and check. It pleases everyone
Holiday vibes: That ruby-red cranberry topping screams festive, but it’s delicious year-round

Seriously, I’ve never brought this to a gathering without someone asking for the recipe. It’s that good.

Ingredients for Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie

Here’s the beautiful part – you only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this stunning appetizer. But pay attention to the details! They make all the difference between good and oh-my-goodness brie:

1 wheel of brie (8 oz): Leave the rind on – it holds everything together when melted (and yes, it’s edible!)
1/4 cup dried cranberries: Not fresh! Dried cranberries give that perfect chewy-sweet contrast
1/4 cup chopped pecans: Toast them first for extra crunch – trust me on this
1 tbsp honey: The glue that brings it all together – use local if you can
1 tsp fresh thyme (optional): For a pretty herby finish
Crackers or sliced baguette: For serving – I’m partial to water crackers

See? Nothing fancy, just quality ingredients treated right. Now let’s make some magic!

How to Make Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie

Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Don’t let the fancy look fool you – making this baked brie is easier than wrapping presents (and way more delicious). Follow these simple steps:

Prep your brie: Take the cheese out of the fridge about 20 minutes before baking. Room temp brie melts more evenly – no cold center surprises!
Toast those pecans: While you wait, toss your chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Watch closely – nuts burn fast!
Assemble your masterpiece: Place the brie wheel on a parchment-lined baking sheet (trust me, cleanup is a breeze this way). Pile on the cranberries and toasted pecans, then drizzle with honey like you’re painting a tiny cheese canvas.
Bake to gooey perfection: Pop it in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges bubble slightly and the center feels soft when gently pressed (but not collapsed – we’re not making a brie pancake!).
Finish with flair: Sprinkle with fresh thyme if you’re feeling fancy. The green looks gorgeous against the red cranberries.

Pro tip: Serve immediately while it’s gloriously warm and melty. The cheese will start to firm up as it cools, though honestly, in my experience, it never lasts that long!

Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie – A Perfect Appetizer - detail 2

Tips for the Best Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie

After making this dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks to guarantee your baked brie turns out perfect every time:

Temperature matters: That 20-minute rest for the brie? Non-negotiable! Cold cheese won’t melt evenly, leaving you with a sad, firm center.
Parchment is your BFF: No one wants to scrape molten cheese off a baking sheet. The parchment slides right out with zero mess.
Sweetness control: Taste your cranberries first! If they’re super tart, add an extra drizzle of honey before baking.
Watch like a hawk: Set a timer for 10 minutes and peek – that butterfat separates fast if overbaked (though the “oops, it’s extra gooey” version still tastes amazing).
Serve warm: Have your crackers ready because cooled brie turns back into cheese – still tasty, but not that magical molten moment.

Follow these, and you’ll be the brie hero of every party!

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Out of something? Want to mix it up? No problem – this recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are my favorite swaps that still deliver amazing results:

Walnuts instead of pecans: Just as crunchy, but with a slightly earthier flavor (toast them first either way!)
Fig jam for honey: Spread a thin layer under the toppings – it caramelizes beautifully and adds depth
Rosemary or sage for thyme: More woodsy herbs work great – just go light as they’re stronger
Dried cherries for cranberries: Sweeter and darker – perfect for a richer vibe
Add orange zest: A teaspoon brightens everything up beautifully

My only hard rule? Keep the rind on the brie – it’s the secret to that perfect melty-but-held-together texture!

Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie

Oh, the fun part—what to serve with this melty masterpiece! My golden rule? Keep it simple so the brie stays the star. Thin water crackers are perfect—they don’t overwhelm the cheese’s creaminess. For something heartier, try toasted baguette slices rubbed with garlic. Apple or pear slices add a fresh crunch that cuts through the richness beautifully. Drink-wise? A chilled glass of sparkling wine or crisp apple cider makes everything taste even more festive. Cheers to that!

Storing and Reheating Leftover Baked Brie

Okay, I know – “leftover baked brie” sounds like a myth because it usually disappears instantly! But if you somehow have some, here’s how to handle it. Cover any leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready for round two, reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes – the microwave will turn it into a rubbery mess (learned that the hard way). Sadly, freezing is a no-go – thawed brie gets grainier than beach sand. Your best bet? Just eat it all fresh – problem solved!

Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie Nutrition Facts

Here’s the scoop on what’s in each delicious serving (about 1/6 of the recipe): roughly 180 calories, with 12g of that glorious melty fat (7g saturated), 10g carbs (8g from natural sugars), and a happy 8g protein. The pecans add fiber too! Keep in mind—these numbers dance around depending on your exact ingredients (like how generous you are with that honey drizzle!).

FAQs About Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the ones I get asked most about this crowd-pleasing appetizer:

Can I use fresh cranberries? Stick with dried – fresh ones are way too tart and release too much liquid.
How do I know when the brie is done? Look for slightly bubbly edges and a soft center that gives gently when pressed.
Can I prep this ahead? Only assemble right before baking – pre-toasted nuts and pre-measured toppings are fine though!
What if my brie oozes out? No stress! That golden pool of cheese is a delicious “oops” – just scoop it up with crackers.
Can I make it sweeter? Absolutely! Add an extra drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of brown sugar before baking.

For more delicious recipes and inspiration, check out our Pinterest page!