Apple Pecan Baked Brie
When it comes to appetizers that seamlessly blend sweet and savory flavors, Apple Pecan Baked Brie takes the crown. It combines the creamy richness of Brie cheese with the natural sweetness of apples and the nutty crunch of pecans. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply looking for another girl dinner recipe, this one is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
Ingredient Notes:
To create this seasonal and tasty baked brie, you’ll need a few key ingredients. First and foremost, select a good-quality Brie cheese wheel, not a wedge. Choose crisp and slightly tart apples, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala, which complement the cheese beautifully. Freshly chopped pecans will bring a nice crunch, and a touch of sweetness can be added with brown sugar or maple syrup. Finally, gather some cinnamon and lemon juice, to bring the festive flavors together.
How To Make Apple Pecan Baked Brie
Step 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2. Place the brie cheese wheel on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Using a knife, cut into the rind on top of the brie about a quarter inch to a half inch from the edge all the way around. Leave the rind on.
Step 3. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted.
Step 4. While the brie is baking, make the apple pecan topping. In a medium saucepan or skillet, combine the chopped apple, lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes until apples are soft and slightly caramelized.
Step 5. Stir in the chopped pecans with the caramelized apples and cook for another minute. Set aside.
Step 6. Remove the hot brie from the oven and carefully transfer it to a serving plate. Remove the top rind.
Step 7. Spoon the apple pecan mixture on top of the brie. Serve the brie warm with toasted baguette slices or crackers.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of brie?
A: While brie is the obvious choice for baked brie recipes, you can experiment with other soft and creamy cheeses like Camembert or even goat cheese.
Q: Can I prepare the apple-pecan topping in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the apple-pecan mixture up to a day in advance. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble and bake the brie. Simply warm it up in a skillet or saucepan and then top the melted brie cheese.
Q: How long can I store leftover baked brie?
A: Leftover baked brie can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. When reheating, cover it loosely with foil and warm it in a preheated oven until the cheese becomes gooey again.
Q: Can I replace pecans with a different type of nut?
A: Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts according to your preference or dietary needs.
What To Serve With Baked Brie
My personal favorite – the classic crostini – toasted, of course. Here’s how I make it: thinly slice a french baguette (the skinny kind not the large, thick baguette), arrange on a parchment lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 8-10 minutes at 400F until lightly toasted.
Crackers
Rainforest Crisps
Toasted bread
Apple slices
If you make this Apple Pecan Baked Brie, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I’d love to hear what you think about it, or better yet, see what you’re cooking! Tag me on Instagram, @fettysfoodblog with your creation.
Apple Pecan Baked Brie
Ingredients
- 1 8 oz round wheel of brie cheese
- 1 large apple – Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala, peeled and diced
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup pecans, chopped
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- crostini, crackers, or apple slices, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- Place the brie cheese wheel on a parchment lined baking sheet. Using a knife, cut into the rind on top of the brie about a quarter inch to a half inch from the edge all the way around. Leave the rind on.
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted.
- While the brie is baking, make the apple pecan topping. In a medium saucepan or skillet, combine the chopped apple, lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes until apples are soft and slightly caramelized.
- Stir in the chopped pecans with the caramelized apples and cook for another minute. Set aside.
- Remove the hot brie from the oven and carefully transfer it to a serving plate. Remove the top rind.
- Spoon the apple pecan mixture on top of brie. Serve brie warm with toasted baguette slices or crackers.