Embrace the spirit of the holidays with our Festive Delight: Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce and Pecans. This decadent appetizer features creamy Brie cheese, baked until warm and gooey, then topped with a tangy cranberry sauce and crunchy pecans. It's a perfect combination of flavors and textures, ideal for festive gatherings or a luxurious treat.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Yields 8 servings
- Serving Size: 1 portion
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 240mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 8g
Ingredients
- Whole Brie cheese (about 8 ounces)
- Cranberry sauce - 1 cup (homemade or store-bought)
- Pecans, chopped - ½ cup
- Honey - 1 tablespoon
- Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish (optional)
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the Brie cheese in a small baking dish or on a baking sheet.
- Bake the Brie for about 15 minutes, or until it's soft and slightly melted.
- While the Brie is baking, warm the cranberry sauce in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in the honey.
- Once the Brie is done, spoon the warm cranberry sauce over the cheese, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the cranberry sauce.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary, if desired.
- Serve the baked Brie warm with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or apple slices.
Tips for Culinary Success
- For a more festive touch, use homemade cranberry sauce with orange zest.
- Keep a close eye on the Brie while baking to avoid over-melting.
- Allow the Brie to sit for a few minutes after baking for easier serving.
- Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds for variation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I bake Brie with the rind on?
Yes, the rind is edible and helps hold the cheese together while baking.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate any leftovers and consume within 2 days.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Assemble the Brie with cranberry and pecans ahead of time, but bake just before serving.
Your Festive Delight: Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce and Pecans is ready to enchant your guests and add a touch of elegance to your holiday table. This warm, gooey cheese topped with sweet and tangy cranberry sauce and crunchy pecans is a celebration of flavors. Serve it at your next gathering and watch as it becomes the centerpiece of your festive feast!