Baked Brie with Cranberry-Orange Sauce and Pecans

Looking for the perfect appetizer to kick off your holiday feast? This Baked Brie with Cranberry-Orange Sauce and Pecans is creamy, tangy, and delightfully nutty—an elegant starter that pairs beautifully with show-stopping mains like beef tenderloin, roast leg of lamb, or royal crown pork roast. It’s the ideal way to welcome guests and set the tone for a festive and memorable meal.

🍊 The Ingredients

This recipe combines rich, creamy cheese with bright citrus and warm spices, complemented by toasted nuts and a touch of sweetness for a perfectly balanced holiday appetizer. Find ingredient notes (including substitutions and variations) below.

📝 Ingredients Notes with Substitutions

• Brie: Choose a good-quality wheel with a soft, creamy interior; Camembert can be used as a similar alternative.
• Cranberries: Fresh or frozen, both work well; if fresh cranberries aren’t available, frozen are a great substitute and just as flavorful.
• Orange Juice and Zest: Freshly squeezed juice and zest provide the best bright citrus flavor; bottled juice can be used in a pinch, but may be less vibrant.
• Pecans: Toasted pecans add a rich crunch; walnuts or almonds can be substituted if preferred.
• Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness; salted butter can be used, but reduce added salt elsewhere.
• Honey: Adds a natural sweetness and glossy finish; maple syrup or agave nectar are good alternatives.
• Fresh Rosemary: Adds aromatic herbal notes; thyme or sage can be used as substitutes for a different flavor profile.

See the recipe card (with video) below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

📌 Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Holiday Appetizer

• Use a whole wheel of Brie with the rind intact to help the cheese hold its shape while baking and create a beautiful presentation.
• Toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet to enhance their flavor and crunch before adding them to the sauce.
• Simmer the cranberry-orange sauce gently to allow the cranberries to burst and thicken without burning or sticking to the pan.
• Let the sauce cool slightly before spooning it over the baked Brie to avoid making the cheese too runny.
• If using puff pastry, wrap the Brie tightly and seal the edges well to prevent leaks during baking.
• Serve immediately after baking for the best gooey texture and flavor.

👩🏼‍🍳 How to Make Baked Brie with Cranberry-Orange Sauce and Pecans

1. Step 1: Place the brie in a baking dish. Don’t remove the rind.

2. Step 2: Bake for 15 minutes, or until the brie is soft and melty.

3. Step 3: While the brie is baking, cook the cranberries, orange juice, sugar, orange zest, and cinnamon in a saucepan over medium heat until slightly thickened.

4. Step 4: Stir in the butter until heated through.

5. Step 5: Pour the cranberry-orange sauce over the warm brie and top with toasted chopped pecans.

6. Step 6: Drizzle with honey and serve at once.

🍽️ How to Serve

• Serve warm and gooey straight from the oven for the best creamy texture and flavor.
• Accompany the brie with sliced baguette, assorted crackers, or toasted bread for easy dipping.
• Add fresh fruit like apple slices, grapes, or figs on the side to balance the richness with natural sweetness.
• Garnish with extra fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for a festive touch and aroma.
• Perfect as an elegant appetizer for holiday gatherings, cocktail parties, or cozy winter evenings.
• Pair with a crisp white wine, sparkling wine, or a light red like Pinot Noir to complement the flavors.

🙋🏽‍♂️ Frequently Asked Questions

🎄 More Amazing Holiday Appetizers

Ready to make the most impressive holiday appetizer in town? Go for it!

And when you do, be sure to take a photo of it, post it on Instagram, and tag @HowToFeedaLoon and hashtag #HowToFeedaLoon!