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Baked Brie with Cranberry and Pecans

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This easy baked brie appetizer features creamy brie cheese wrapped in golden puff pastry, topped with tart cranberry sauce, sweet toasted pecans, and a drizzle of honey. It’s a crowd-pleasing, festive starter perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 wheel brie cheese (8 oz), rind on
  • 1/3 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry preferred)
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans (toasted)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
  • 1 sheet puff pastry (about 8–9 oz), thawed if frozen
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
  • Extra cranberries or pecans (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow to fully preheat for at least 10 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, mix cranberry sauce, chopped pecans, honey, salt, brown sugar (if using), and orange zest (if using) until well combined.
  3. On a lightly floured surface, unfold puff pastry sheet. Let sit for 5 minutes if stiff, then roll gently to smooth creases to about 1/8 inch thick.
  4. Place brie wheel in the center of the pastry. Let brie sit at room temperature for a few minutes if very cold.
  5. Spoon cranberry-pecan mixture evenly over the top of the brie.
  6. Fold pastry up over the brie, gathering edges in the center to seal. Trim excess pastry and pinch seams together if needed.
  7. Brush all exposed pastry with beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish.
  8. Transfer wrapped brie to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until pastry is puffed and deep golden brown. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  9. Remove from oven and let sit for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow cheese to firm up.
  10. Garnish with fresh rosemary, extra cranberries, or pecans if desired. Slice into wedges and serve warm with crackers, apple slices, or baguette rounds.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature brie and toast pecans before mixing. Don’t overstuff the pastry to avoid bursting. Let baked brie cool for 10 minutes before slicing to prevent cheese from flooding out. You can assemble ahead and bake just before serving. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free pastry sheet. Crescent roll dough can substitute for puff pastry. Camembert or dairy-free brie can be used for variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked brie, cranberry, pecans, Thanksgiving appetizer, holiday appetizer, puff pastry, cheese appetizer, easy appetizer, party food

Find it online: https://wigglebite.com/baked-brie-with-cranberry-and-pecans-easy-thanksgiving-appetizer-recipe/