Easy Baked Brie with Cranberries and Pecans (5-Minute Prep!)

Hi, I’m Hannah! The holiday season is my favorite time of year, but it can also be the busiest. I’m always on the lookout for recipes that feel special and celebratory but don’t add any stress to my plate. This Easy Baked Brie with Cranberries and Pecans is my ultimate holiday party secret weapon. It’s the ‘good habit’ of knowing how to create a showstopping, “wow-factor” appetizer with literally five minutes of hands-on prep. The result is a warm, gooey, sweet, and savory masterpiece that disappears from the plate every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Brie Recipe

• Effortlessly Elegant: This is one of the most impressive-looking appetizers you can make for the least amount of effort. It’s a guaranteed hit at any holiday gathering.
• 5-Minute Prep: This is not an exaggeration. You simply top the brie and bake. It’s the perfect last-minute appetizer.
• Incredibly Delicious: The combination of warm, creamy brie, tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a hint of sweet maple syrup is absolutely irresistible.
• Festive & Beautiful: With its vibrant red cranberries and rustic pecans, this dish looks like a beautiful holiday wreath and is the perfect centerpiece for your appetizer spread.

The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of ingredients to create this masterpiece.

• Brie Cheese: The star of the show! You’ll need one 8-ounce wheel of brie. No need to splurge on a super expensive one; a standard grocery store brie works perfectly.
• Dried Cranberries: These add a festive pop of color and a wonderful chewy, tart contrast to the creamy cheese.
• Pecans: Raw, chopped pecans add a much-needed crunchy texture and a nutty, buttery flavor. Walnuts also work wonderfully.
• Maple Syrup: We use pure maple syrup to add a touch of natural sweetness and to create a beautiful glaze over the toppings.
• Rosemary (Optional but Recommended): A sprig of fresh rosemary adds a fragrant, woodsy, holiday aroma that makes this dish feel even more special.
• For Serving: Crackers, crostini, apple slices, or pear slices.

How to Make This Easy Christmas Appetizer

You won’t believe how simple this is. The full, detailed recipe is in the recipe card below.

1. Prep the Brie: Place your wheel of brie in a small, oven-safe skillet or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If the brie has a thick top rind, you can optionally score it in a crisscross pattern to help the toppings meld.
2. Add the Toppings: Pile the dried cranberries and chopped pecans on top of the brie wheel.
3. Drizzle and Bake: Drizzle the maple syrup evenly over the toppings. If using, lay a sprig of fresh rosemary on top. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the brie is softened and warm throughout.
4. Serve Immediately: Carefully remove the brie from the oven. Let it sit for just a minute, then serve immediately with your favorite crackers and apple slices for dipping into the gooey, melted cheese.

Tips for the Best Baked Brie with Cranberries

• The “Bake in a Dish” Habit: While you can bake brie on a sheet pan, the ‘good habit’ is to place it in a small, snug-fitting oven-safe dish or cast-iron skillet. This contains the cheese as it melts, making it easier and cleaner to serve.
• Don’t Remove the Rind: The rind is completely edible and is essential for holding the cheese together as it bakes. Don’t cut it off!
• Watch It Closely: Brie goes from perfectly warm and soft to a completely melted puddle very quickly. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking. You want it to be soft and yielding to the touch, not liquid.
• Sweet or Savory: This Baked Brie with Cranberries is a perfect sweet and savory mix. For a more savory version, you could swap the cranberries and pecans for fig jam and walnuts or even caramelized onions and thyme.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Do I need to let the brie come to room temperature first?
  It’s not necessary. This recipe works perfectly with a wheel of brie straight from the refrigerator, making it ideal for a last-minute appetizer.
• Can I make this ahead of time?
  Baked brie is best served fresh and warm from the oven. However, you can prep it by placing the brie in its baking dish and piling on the toppings. Just cover and refrigerate, then drizzle with maple syrup and bake right before your guests arrive.
• What kind of crackers are best for baked brie?
  A sturdy cracker is best for scooping up all that gooey cheese. I love simple water crackers, hearty multi-grain crackers, or toasted baguette slices (crostini). Sliced apples and pears are also a delicious and healthy gluten-free option.
• How do I know when the brie is done?
  Gently press on the side of the brie with a spoon. It should feel very soft and yielding, like a water balloon. The cheese should be warm and gooey, but not completely melted through.

More Easy Holiday Appetizers & Recipes

• Easy Christmas Cookies (Healthy Oatmeal Cranberry)
• Healthy Christmas Thumbprint Cookies (Easy & Gluten-Free)
• Easy Chewy Gingerbread Cookies (Healthy & One-Bowl)

Build Your Healthiest Habit

End the “what’s for dinner?” stress. Get my free guide with 5 Healthy Dinners in Under 30 Minutes, plus simple weekly recipes to help you feel good, consistently.

Get My Free Guide!

Easy Baked Brie with Cranberries and Pecans Recipe

Easy Baked Brie with Cranberries and Pecans is your answer! It takes just 5 minutes to prep and bakes into a warm, gooey, sweet, and savory masterpiece. It's the most impressive and delicious appetizer for any holiday party.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings 8

Equipment

• Small Oven-Safe Skillet or Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper

Ingredients

  

• 1 8-ounce wheel of brie cheese
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans raw or toasted
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary optional
• Crackers crostini, or apple slices, for serving

Instructions

 

• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Prep Brie: Place the wheel of brie in a small oven-safe skillet or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Add Toppings: Sprinkle the dried cranberries and chopped pecans evenly over the top of the brie.
• Drizzle & Bake: Drizzle the maple syrup over the nuts and cranberries. Lay the rosemary sprig on top, if using.
• Bake: Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the brie is softened through and just beginning to ooze.
• Serve Immediately: Carefully remove from the oven. Let it rest for 2-3 minutes, then serve hot with an assortment of crackers, crostini, or sliced fruit for dipping.