Indulge in the irresistible combination of creamy, mellow Brie cheese and a rich, sticky-sweet pecan topping with this stunning Pecan Pie Baked Brie. It’s an absolute must-have for your holiday table or any festive gathering this season, promising an unforgettable sweet and savory experience.

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Elegant Pecan Pie Baked Brie: Your Perfect Holiday Appetizer

Elevate your fall and winter entertaining with this exquisite Pecan Pie Baked Brie. Combining the luxurious creaminess of warm, melting Brie with the comforting, festive flavors of a spiced pecan pie topping, this appetizer is as visually captivating as it is delicious. It’s designed to be a showstopper, offering a gourmet experience without the gourmet effort. The blend of textures – from the smooth, gooey cheese to the crunchy, caramelized pecans – creates a truly amazing sensation. Serve it alongside crisp apple slices and hearty multigrain crackers for a symphony of flavors that will undoubtedly delight your guests and make your holiday spread truly special.

A Simple Appetizer That Promises to Impress Every Guest

There’s something inherently comforting and luxurious about warm, melted Brie cheese. It’s a versatile ingredient that shines in countless preparations. Throughout the year, I find myself drawn to its creamy allure. In the warmer months, we often enjoy lighter versions, like the vibrant Grilled Brie with Strawberries or the refreshingly savory Grilled Brie with Peaches and Pesto, cooked al fresco on the grill. These recipes capture the essence of summer entertaining with minimal fuss.

However, as the air turns crisp and the holiday season approaches, my culinary focus shifts to the warmth and richness of a baked Brie. This Pecan Pie Baked Brie takes everything you love about a classic baked brie and infuses it with the iconic, heartwarming essence of a traditional pecan pie. The rich, savory, and wonderfully gooey notes of the cheese perfectly balance the sweet, buttery crunch of the spiced pecan topping, creating an appetizer that feels both sophisticated and incredibly inviting. It’s a gorgeous dish that looks complex and high-effort, but is remarkably simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for hosts who want to impress their guests without being tethered to the kitchen during precious holiday moments.

Why Pecan Pie Baked Brie is the Ultimate Holiday Treat

The holiday season is all about creating memorable moments, sharing joy, and, of course, indulging in delicious food with loved ones. This Pecan Pie Baked Brie fits perfectly into that tradition, offering a unique and festive twist on a beloved appetizer classic. Imagine the inviting aroma filling your home as this golden-brown delicacy bakes – a warm, sweet, and nutty scent that immediately hints at the delightful flavors to come. It’s more than just an appetizer; it’s an experience that sets a welcoming tone for any celebration.

What makes this dish so exceptionally special for the holidays? Firstly, its stunning presentation. The beautifully caramelized pecans glistening atop the melting Brie create a visual feast that immediately catches the eye, making it a natural centerpiece on any appetizer spread. Secondly, the flavor profile is undeniably festive and comforting. The warm spices in the pecan topping, reminiscent of classic holiday desserts, beautifully complement the mild, earthy, and buttery notes of the Brie. It’s a harmonious blend of sweet and savory that appeals to nearly everyone, striking that perfect balance between decadent and approachable. Finally, its simplicity is a host’s dream. Despite its gourmet appearance and exquisite taste, the preparation process is remarkably straightforward, allowing you more time to genuinely enjoy your guests and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere.

Essential Ingredients and Supplies for Your Pecan Pie Baked Brie

Crafting this elegant appetizer requires just a handful of common ingredients and basic kitchen tools, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. You’ll find the precise measurements and detailed instructions in the recipe card towards the end of this post, but here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to gather to get started:

Ingredients:

• 8-ounce wheel of Brie cheese: The heart of our dish. Choose a good quality Brie; its creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor melt beautifully, providing the perfect base for our topping.
• Unsalted butter: Crucial for two purposes – it helps caramelize the Brie and forms the rich foundation of our pecan topping. Using unsalted butter gives you better control over the dish’s overall saltiness.
• Light brown sugar: This ingredient imparts a deep, molasses-rich sweetness and is key to achieving that desirable caramelization on the Brie and the sticky, gooey consistency in the pecan sauce.
• Chopped pecans: The star of the “pecan pie” element. Ensure they are finely chopped for an even distribution and delightful crunch in every bite, offering a textural contrast to the soft Brie.
• Light corn syrup: This clear, viscous syrup is essential for binding the pecan topping together, giving it that classic gooey, sticky texture so characteristic of traditional pecan pie fillings.
• Vanilla extract: A small but mighty addition, a touch of vanilla enhances the overall sweetness and adds a warm, aromatic depth that beautifully complements the nuts and sugar in the topping.
• Apple slices, for serving: Their crisp texture and tart freshness provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, warm Brie and sweet pecan topping.
• Crackers, for serving: An assortment of your favorite crackers – such as multigrain, water crackers, or even toasted baguette slices – serves as the perfect vehicle for scooping up this decadent and delicious dip.

Supplies:

• Pie plate or small sheet pan: Essential for baking your Brie wheel evenly and containing any potential delicious spills.
• Parchment paper: A non-stick marvel that prevents your Brie from sticking to the pan and makes cleanup an absolute breeze.
• Small saucepan: The ideal vessel for preparing the delectable, gooey pecan pie topping.
• Sharp knife: Necessary for scoring the Brie and precisely chopping your pecans if you’re not using pre-chopped varieties.
• Pastry brush: Useful for evenly applying the melted butter to the Brie, ensuring a golden, caramelized crust.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Pecan Pie Baked Brie

This recipe is incredibly straightforward, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks seeking a show-stopping appetizer without extensive effort. Follow these simple steps to create a truly delicious and impressive dish:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the Brie bakes quickly and evenly, achieving that perfect melty, gooey consistency in the center.
2. Score the Brie: Carefully score the top rind of your Brie wheel with a sharp knife. Make shallow cuts, about ⅛ inch deep, in an appealing crisscross or diamond pattern. This step is more than just for aesthetics; it helps the butter and sugar seep into the cheese, promoting beautiful caramelization, and makes it easier for your guests to scoop up the delicious melted Brie.
3. Arrange for Baking: Place the scored Brie wheel on a piece of parchment paper. Then, transfer the parchment paper and Brie to a pie plate or a small sheet pan. The parchment paper is crucial here as it will prevent any cheese from sticking to your bakeware and will make cleanup incredibly effortless.
4. Butter and Sugar the Brie: Brush the scored top of the Brie generously with 1 tablespoon of melted unsalted butter. Follow this immediately by sprinkling 1 teaspoon of light brown sugar evenly over the buttered surface. This combination will create a wonderfully sweet, slightly caramelized crust as the Brie bakes.
5. Bake to Perfection: Place the prepared Brie in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes. Keep a close eye on it – you’re looking for the cheese to be beautifully melted and luxuriously gooey, with the top lightly caramelized and golden brown. Once it reaches this stage, carefully remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This brief resting period allows the cheese to set slightly, preventing it from oozing out too quickly when served and helping it hold its shape.

6. Prepare the Pecan Pie Topping: While your Brie is baking, you can quickly prepare the delectable pecan pie topping. In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans to the melted butter and toast them gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn a beautiful golden brown and release a fragrant, nutty aroma. This toasting step is crucial for deepening their flavor.
7. Create the Gooey Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the remaining ¼ cup of light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of light corn syrup, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Continue to stir continuously until the pecans are thoroughly coated and a thick, gooey, irresistible sauce forms. Keep this topping warm over very low heat until your baked Brie has finished its resting period and is ready for the grand finale.
8. Assemble and Serve: Once the baked Brie has rested for its full 5 minutes out of the oven, carefully spoon the warm, sticky pecan pie topping evenly over the entire surface of the melted cheese. Serve immediately with a generous spread of crisp apple slices and an assortment of your favorite crackers. The contrast of the warm, sweet, and savory Brie and pecans with the fresh fruit and crunchy crackers is simply divine and will be an instant hit!

Storing and Reheating Your Pecan Pie Baked Brie

Baked Brie is undeniably at its best when enjoyed fresh, straight from the oven, while it’s gloriously warm and melty. However, if you happen to find yourself with leftovers (a rare but delightful occurrence!), proper storage and reheating techniques will ensure you can savor its deliciousness at a later time. For food safety, Brie cheese, once baked, should be refrigerated promptly, ideally within 3 hours of being removed from the oven, to maintain its freshness and prevent spoilage.

To store any leftover Pecan Pie Baked Brie, first allow it to cool completely to room temperature. This step is important to prevent condensation, which can make the cheese watery. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can then be stored safely in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is a simple process. Transfer the leftover Brie (with its topping still intact) to an oven-safe dish. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil to protect the pecan topping from burning or drying out. Place it in an oven preheated to a moderate 300°F (150°C) and bake for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is wonderfully warm and melty once more. It’s generally advisable to avoid microwaving baked Brie, as it can significantly alter the desirable creamy texture of the cheese.

Recipe Card: Pecan Pie Baked Brie

Pecan Pie Baked Brie

• Author: The BakerMama
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings

Description

Mellow melting brie and a sticky sweet pecan topping make this Pecan Pie Baked Brie a must-have at this year’s holiday table.

Ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) wheel Brie cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon light brown sugar, divided
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Score the top of the wheel of Brie cheese with a sharp knife, about ⅛ inch deep, in a crisscross pattern.
3. Place the Brie wheel on a piece of parchment paper down in a pie plate or on a small sheet pan.
4. Brush the scored Brie wheel with 1 tablespoon of melted butter and then sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of the light brown sugar.
5. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the Brie cheese is melted and caramelized on top. Let sit for 5 minutes.
6. Meanwhile, make the pecan pie topping: melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans and let toast for about 5 minutes or until golden and fragrant.
7. Turn the heat to low and stir in the remaining 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons light corn syrup and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until the pecans are well coated and a thick gooey sauce is formed. Keep the topping over low heat until you’re ready to top the baked Brie cheese.
8. Once the Brie has set for 5 minutes out of the oven. Top it with the pecan pie topping.
9. Serve with apple slices and crackers.

If you create this delicious Pecan Pie Baked Brie, please share your culinary masterpiece with me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can admire your work! If you’re on Facebook, consider joining my Friends of The BakerMama group. It’s a wonderful community to connect, share your creations, and discuss all the fun and yummy recipes I share. I truly love seeing how inspired and creative y’all get with the ideas I provide. Enjoy every delicious bite!

xoxo,