Description
1 round of Brie cheese (8 oz)
1 apple, peeled, cored, and diced
¼ cup pecans, chopped
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp lemon juice
Fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
Crackers or baguette slices, for serving
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Brie cheese on a parchment-lined baking sheet or oven-safe dish.
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apple and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.
Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup, and lemon juice. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples are
caramelized.
Stir in the chopped pecans and remove from heat.
Spoon the spiced apple and pecan mixture over the Brie cheese, spreading it evenly.
Bake the Brie for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is soft and slightly melted.
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
Serve warm with crackers or baguette slices for dipping. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Kcal: 250 per serving Servings: 6 servings
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect baked Brie every time.
- Prep & Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a small baking sheet or an oven-safe dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup and place the whole round of Brie on it.
- Cook the Apples: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the diced apple and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it begins to soften.
- Create the Caramel: To the skillet, add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup, and lemon juice. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes syrupy, coating the apples.
- Add Crunch: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped pecans, allowing them to toast slightly in the residual heat.
- Assemble: Spoon the warm apple-pecan mixture directly over the top of the Brie round, letting any excess drizzle down the sides.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The Brie is ready when the edges look soft and the center is warm to the touch. It should be gooey but not completely collapsed.
- Garnish & Serve: Carefully remove from the oven, garnish with fresh thyme, and let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to avoid burns.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile appetizer pairs beautifully with various dippers and accompaniments.
- Classic: Serve with plain water crackers, sliced baguette, or crisp apple slices.
- Sweet & Savory: Offer dried cranberries, fig jam, or slices of pear on the side.
- For a Crowd: Place the warm baked Brie on a large board surrounded by an assortment of nuts, charcuterie, and grapes for an impressive centerpiece.
- Beverage Pairing: Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, a light Pinot Noir, or sparkling cider.
How-to Summary
In under 30 minutes, create an elegant appetizer by sautéing diced apples with butter, warming spices, brown sugar, and pecans, then spooning the mixture over a Brie round and baking until warm and gooey. Serve immediately with your choice of crackers or bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this ahead of time? Yes. You can prepare the apple-pecan topping up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble and bake just before serving.
Do I need to remove the rind from the Brie? No, the rind is edible and helps the cheese hold its shape while baking. It becomes soft and delicious.
Can I use a different type of nut? Absolutely. Walnuts or almonds make excellent substitutes for pecans. Toast them lightly for extra flavor.
My Brie exploded in the oven. What happened? This usually means it was baked too long or at too high a temperature. Stick to 350°F and check at the 10-minute mark. A slight ooze is good; a full collapse is overdone.
How do I know when the Brie is perfectly baked? The cheese should be soft to the touch when gently pressed in the center, and the very top may just start to melt. It will continue to soften after removal from the oven.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking: This causes the Brie to liquefy completely and lose its form. Bake just until warmed through.
- Using a Cold Topping: Adding cold topping from the fridge can increase baking time and result in an unevenly heated dish. Let topping come to room temp first.
- Skipping the Lemon Juice: The acid in the lemon juice balances the sweetness and prevents the apples from turning to mush.
- Cutting the Brie Too Soon: Let the baked Brie rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the cheese to set slightly for easier serving.
Conclusion
This Baked Brie with Spiced Apples and Pecans is the ultimate fuss-free yet impressive appetizer. With its perfect balance of creamy, sweet, crunchy, and spiced flavors, it’s guaranteed to be the star of any gathering. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish in just 25 minutes.
