Nothing kicks off a holiday gathering or cozy night-in quite like a warm wheel of baked brie dripping in cranberry sauce and studded with toasted pecans. This Easy Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie is the kind of recipe that looks stunning and gourmet, yet takes barely 15 minutes from start to serve. It’s a melt-in-your-mouth, sweet-meets-savory crowd-pleaser.

Wrapped in golden puff pastry or simply baked as-is, this appetizer is versatile and indulgent. The creamy brie gets irresistibly gooey, pairing beautifully with the tart cranberry sauce and crunchy nuts. Whether you’re hosting or bringing it to a party, this one gets devoured every time.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie
- It’s quick and only takes a few ingredients.
- Visually impressive with almost no effort.
- Sweet, tart, creamy, and crunchy in every bite.
- Can be made ahead and baked when ready.
- Perfect for holidays, wine nights, or spontaneous guests.
What Kind of Brie Should I Use?
Look for a round wheel of double or triple cream brie, typically 8 oz in size. Make sure the rind is intact, as it helps hold the cheese together as it bakes. There’s no need to remove the rind before baking—it’s edible and adds a delicious earthiness. If you prefer a stronger flavor, opt for an aged brie.
Ingredients for the Easy Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie
This recipe keeps things simple yet flavorful with just a few key ingredients. Each plays an important role in creating the perfect balance:
- Brie Wheel: The star of the dish. Use an 8 oz round wheel for ideal melting and presentation.
- Cranberry Sauce: A slightly tart counterpoint to the rich cheese. Use homemade or a quality whole-berry canned version.
- Pecans: Toasted for a warm, nutty crunch that contrasts the softness of the brie.
- Fresh Thyme or Rosemary (optional): Adds herbal aroma and color contrast.
- Honey (optional): For an extra hint of sweetness and glossy finish.
How To Make the Easy Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the wheel of brie on the sheet.
Step 2: Add the Toppings
Spoon cranberry sauce over the top of the brie, letting some drip down the sides. Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans generously over the cranberry layer. Drizzle with honey if using.
Step 3: Bake Until Gooey
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is soft when gently pressed in the center. Don’t overbake or it may burst.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it sit for 2 minutes. Top with fresh herbs and serve warm with crackers, crostini, or apple slices.

How to Serve and Store Easy Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie
This brie is best served warm, straight from the oven when the center is molten and spreadable. It serves 6 to 8 people as an appetizer, especially if paired with a variety of crackers or fresh fruit.
To store leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any), wrap tightly and refrigerate. Reheat gently in the oven until warmed through. Keep in mind the texture will be slightly different when reheated, but still delicious.
What to Serve With Easy Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie?
Crackers and Crostini
Thin, crisp crackers or toasted slices of baguette are perfect vehicles for the creamy brie.
Apple or Pear Slices
Their sweetness and freshness balance the richness of the cheese.
Prosciutto or Salami
For a charcuterie-style board, adding cured meats rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Roasted Garlic
Spreadable and mellow, roasted garlic adds savory depth.
Spiced Nuts
Serve alongside to double-down on that crunchy, sweet-savory combo.
Fig Jam or Chutney
Adds a new flavor layer and a bit of elegance.
Mixed Olives
A salty, briny counterpoint to the creamy and sweet elements.
Sparkling Wine or Rosé
Balance the richness with something bubbly and bright.
Want More Appetizer Ideas?
If you loved this Easy Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie, try these irresistible crowd-pleasers next:
- Jalapeno Popper Dip with creamy, spicy comfort.
- Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs for cheesy handheld bites.
- Creamy Irresistible Crack Dip that keeps guests dipping nonstop.
- Taco Ranch Bites with a Tex-Mex flair.
- Garlic Ritz Snacks if you’re craving easy, crunchy, buttery snacks.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it any time.
And if you made this for a holiday spread or weekday wine night, I’d love to know how it turned out. Did you go with honey or skip it? Wrap it in pastry or leave it open-faced?
Tag me and explore more health-boosting and indulgent bites on Nora Nosh Pinterest.
Print
Easy Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6–8
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Melt-in-your-mouth creamy brie meets tart cranberry sauce and toasted pecans in this irresistible Easy Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie. Whether you’re planning holiday appetizers, wine night snacks, or simple party food ideas, this quick and easy recipe brings bold flavor with minimal effort. It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that takes only 15 minutes from start to finish—ideal for spontaneous entertaining or elegant gatherings. A favorite for fans of creamy cheese, festive flavors, and quick snack ideas.
Ingredients
1 8 oz wheel of brie
0.5 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
0.25 cup toasted pecans, chopped
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place brie on the sheet. Spoon cranberry sauce over the top.
3. Sprinkle chopped pecans generously. Drizzle honey if using.
4. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the center is soft but not bursting.
5. Remove and let sit for 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs.
6. Serve warm with crackers, crostini, or apple slices.
Notes
Use double or triple cream brie for ultra-gooey texture.
Don’t overbake—watch closely around the 10-minute mark to avoid bursting.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 wheel
- Calories: 175
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Easy Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6–8
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Melt-in-your-mouth creamy brie meets tart cranberry sauce and toasted pecans in this irresistible Easy Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie. Whether you’re planning holiday appetizers, wine night snacks, or simple party food ideas, this quick and easy recipe brings bold flavor with minimal effort. It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that takes only 15 minutes from start to finish—ideal for spontaneous entertaining or elegant gatherings. A favorite for fans of creamy cheese, festive flavors, and quick snack ideas.
Ingredients
1 8 oz wheel of brie
0.5 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
0.25 cup toasted pecans, chopped
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place brie on the sheet. Spoon cranberry sauce over the top.
3. Sprinkle chopped pecans generously. Drizzle honey if using.
4. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the center is soft but not bursting.
5. Remove and let sit for 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs.
6. Serve warm with crackers, crostini, or apple slices.
Notes
Use double or triple cream brie for ultra-gooey texture.
Don’t overbake—watch closely around the 10-minute mark to avoid bursting.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 wheel
- Calories: 175
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
