Baked Brie Cranberry Pecan

The moment someone walks through the door and catches that first whiff of warm brie melting in the oven, conversation stops cold. I discovered this during a last-minute dinner party years ago when I threw together whatever was in my fridge and ended up with the most requested dish I've ever made.

Last Christmas my sister stood over the baking sheet watching the cheese bubble through the cranberries, literally bouncing on her heels. She later confessed she'd been secretly checking my oven every five minutes because she couldn't believe something this impressive came from ten minutes of prep time.

Ingredients

• 1 wheel of Brie: Let it come to room temperature for 20 minutes before baking for the most even melting
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce: Whole berry gives you those beautiful jewel-like bursts that everyone fights over
• 1/3 cup pecans: Toast them first and your kitchen will smell like a holiday bakery
• 2 tbsp honey: Drizzles over everything and creates these incredible caramelized spots in the oven
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon: Just enough to make people ask what that warm hint is
• Pinch of sea salt: Wakes up all the sweet flavors and keeps it from becoming one-note
• Baguette or crackers: Whatever you choose, make sure they're sturdy enough to scoop up the gooey center

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 350°F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper because spilled brie is not something you want to deal with later

Prep the cheese:

Score the top of your brie in a criss-cross pattern but don't cut through to the creamy layer underneath

Make the magic topping:

Mix cranberry sauce, pecans, honey, cinnamon and salt in a small bowl until it looks like confetti

Pile it on:

Mound that cranberry pecan mixture right on top of the scored brie, letting some tumble down the sides

Bake until bubbling:

12 to 15 minutes is all it takes for the cheese to turn into a molten pool underneath that gorgeous topping

The hardest part:

Let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes because nobody needs a burnt tongue tragedy

Serve it up:

Bring it to the table warm and watch everyone's face light up when you cut into that center

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This became our traditional New Year's Eve opener after the year we canceled the caterer and had to throw everything together at the last minute. Sometimes the best traditions start from happy accidents.

Make It Yours

Swap pecans for walnuts if that's what you have in the pantry. I've used pistachios too and the green specks look gorgeous against the red cranberries. Fresh rosemary tucked into the topping makes the whole house smell like pine trees and comfort.

Serving Strategy

Set out small knives and let everyone dig in from the center. There's something deeply satisfying about that first scoop that breaks through the crust and reveals all the melted goodness underneath.

Perfect Pairings

A crisp white wine cuts through all that richness beautifully. Sparkling cider works for non-drinkers and looks just as festive in the glass.

• Double everything for a crowd but use two separate wheels instead of one massive one
• Keep the topping in a sealed container for up to three days before you need it
• The brie is best served immediately but still delicious at room temperature

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Somehow this always ends up being the dish everyone talks about long after the party ends.

Recipe FAQ

→ How do I prepare the Brie for baking?

Score the top of the Brie in a crosshatch pattern without cutting through to help the topping seep in and the cheese melt evenly.

→ Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or pistachios, toasted lightly for best flavor and texture.

→ What are good serving options for this dish?

Serve warm with sliced baguette or an assortment of crackers for dipping and spreading.

→ How do I add extra flavor to the topping?

Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or garnish with fresh rosemary or orange zest for festive aroma and taste.

→ Is it suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, serve with certified gluten-free crackers or bread to accommodate gluten-free needs.