Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie has always been a reader favorite here at Fresh Leaf Rezepte, and it’s easy to see why. My story with this recipe goes back to a chilly autumn evening when the leaves painted the sidewalks in amber and gold. Inspired by a trip to a French-style bistro in Montreal, where I first tasted Brie paired with fruit preserves, I brought that moment home. Over time, I added toasted pecans, a buttery pastry shell, and a swirl of cranberry sauce.
Now it’s my go to for fall dinner parties, Thanksgiving starters, or when I simply crave something warm, melty, and festive. The contrast of creamy Brie with tart cranberries and crunchy nuts wrapped in golden pastry is irresistible. If you love seasonal appetizers that come together quickly but wow like they took hours, this one’s for you.
This post walks you through every step: from ingredients to pro tips, flavor ideas, and storage options. Even beginners can handle it and guests will ask for the recipe.
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Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm, melty Brie wrapped in golden puff pastry and topped with tart cranberry sauce, toasted pecans, and a touch of maple. A holiday favorite that’s as elegant as it is easy.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese (around 8 oz)
- ¼ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- ¼ cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Fresh rosemary sprig (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll puff pastry and place Brie in the center. Top with cranberry sauce, chopped pecans, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Fold puff pastry over Brie, pleating edges and sealing tightly. Flip seam-side down onto baking sheet.
- Whisk egg with a splash of water and brush over pastry for a golden finish.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and puffed. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with rosemary if desired.
Notes
Keep puff pastry chilled until ready to use. Let baked Brie rest before slicing to prevent cheese from oozing out too quickly. For make-ahead, wrap and chill for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll only need a handful of accessible ingredients to make this Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie shine.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese (around 8 oz)
- ¼ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- ¼ cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Fresh rosemary sprig (optional, for garnish)
All ingredients are pantry-friendly and perfect for last-minute hosting. Looking for other easy appetizers? Try our Pumpkin Soup Served in Mini Pumpkins or Mini Brie Bites with Fig and Rosemary.
Step by Step Instructions
Let’s get to the fun part baking!
1. Prep the Brie
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Unroll your thawed puff pastry and place the Brie in the center. Spoon cranberry sauce on top of the cheese, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle chopped pecans generously, then drizzle maple syrup over the top.
2. Fold and Seal
Fold the puff pastry up and over the cheese, pleating it neatly. Press the seams together so everything stays tucked in. Flip the whole thing over so the seam is on the bottom, placing it on your baking sheet.
3. Add Egg Wash
Crack an egg into a bowl, whisk it with a splash of water, then brush it all over the top and sides of the pastry. This gives it that irresistible golden shine.
4. Bake and Rest
Bake for 20–25 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with rosemary if you like.
For a twist on baked Brie, you might enjoy our Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread a pull-apart party version that’s equally delicious.
Tips for the Perfect Baked Brie
- Keep the puff pastry cold: If it gets too warm, it’ll become sticky and hard to work with.
- Use a baking sheet with parchment: It helps with cleanup and prevents sticking.
- Chill before baking: If the pastry feels soft, place the wrapped Brie in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking.
- Let it rest after baking: This keeps the cheese from flowing out too quickly when you cut it.
This dish shares a lot in common with our Caramelized Onion and Brie Puff Pastry Tarts simple, impressive, and loaded with flavor.
Flavor Variations
Baked Brie is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to make this recipe your own:
1. Nut Free Option
Skip the pecans entirely. You can replace them with crushed pretzels, sesame seeds, or leave them out. Try adding a bit of cinnamon sugar on top for a sweet-only twist.
2. Gluten Free Version
Swap in gluten free puff pastry. Brands like Schär or Jus-Rol offer great options that bake beautifully.
3. Sweet or Savory
Instead of cranberry, use:
- Fig jam for a gourmet touch (like in our Brie and Fig Flatbread Appetizer)
- Apple butter for fall spice
- Apricot preserves for a summery note
Want savory? Spread caramelized onions or pesto under the pecans for a flavor twist. Our Skillet Brie with Fig Chutney is a great example of how savory toppings can transform Brie.
What to Serve with Baked Brie
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Sliced apples or pears
- Seedy crackers or toasted baguette slices
- Fresh grapes or figs
- A fall salad with arugula and walnuts
Hosting a wine night? Add this dish to a board with Blue Cheese and Pear Crostini and olives for a flavor-packed appetizer spread.
How to Store and Reheat
You probably won’t have leftovers, but if you do:
- Refrigerate: Wrap tightly and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm it in a 300°F oven for 10–12 minutes. Don’t microwave it’ll make the crust soggy.
- Avoid freezing baked Brie: It affects both texture and flavor.
Make ahead tip: Wrap the Brie and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Perfect for holiday prep, just like our Baked Brie en Croute with Fig Jam Center, which also holds well before baking.
Why Home Bakers Love This Recipe
It’s easy. It’s elegant. And it’s totally foolproof. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just getting started, Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie is one of those recipes that makes you feel like a kitchen pro with very little effort.
The golden pastry makes it look impressive, the warm Brie feels luxurious, and the cranberry-pecan topping adds that seasonal wow factor. Serve it warm and melty on a cold evening and watch how fast it disappears.
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie is everything you want in a fall appetizer simple, stunning, and downright delicious. It’s a recipe with heart, inspired by memories and shaped by seasons. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a wine night with friends, or just a quiet evening at home, this dish will always be a welcome guest at your table.
Try it once, and it might just become a tradition in your kitchen too.