Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the magic of Baked Brie with Maple Pecans! Imagine a round of creamy, gooey brie, melting beautifully in the oven, topped with a sweet, sticky mixture of crunchy pecans and maple syrup. Seriously, it’s like a warm hug in appetizer form! Every time I make this for gatherings, it disappears faster than I can say “cheese!” The rich, buttery flavor of the brie combined with the caramelized sweetness of the pecans is just heavenly. It’s become my go-to dish for entertaining, and trust me, everyone raves about it. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering, this dish always brings smiles and happy tummies. You’ve gotta try it!
Ingredients for Baked Brie with Maple Pecans
- 1 round brie cheese: Choose a good-quality brie for the creamiest texture. It should be at room temperature for easier melting.
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped: I love using fresh pecans for that delightful crunch and rich flavor. Chop them roughly for a nice texture.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup: This sweet goodness adds a wonderful depth to the dish. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference!
- 1 tablespoon butter: Unsalted butter works best here, helping to create a luscious topping.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aromatic sweetness that pairs beautifully with the maple and pecans.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Just a pinch of cinnamon brings warmth and an extra layer of flavor to the pecan topping.
- 1 baguette, sliced: A crusty baguette is perfect for scooping up the gooey brie and sweet pecans. You want those crispy edges!
How to Prepare Baked Brie with Maple Pecans
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it helps the brie melt evenly and creates that perfect gooey texture we all love! If you skip this, you might end up with a less-than-ideal cheese experience. So, set that oven and let it warm up while you get everything else ready!
Step 2: Prepare the Brie
Now, grab your lovely round of brie cheese and place it on a baking dish. No need to fuss too much here—just make sure it’s centered and has a bit of space around it. I like to leave the rind on; it adds flavor and helps keep everything together as it bakes. Trust me, the brie will ooze and melt beautifully!
Step 3: Make the Pecan Topping
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt that delicious butter. Once it’s melted, toss in the chopped pecans and stir them around for about 1-2 minutes until they start to smell toasty. Then, pour in the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Cook this mixture for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pecans are well-coated and fragrant. Oh wow, the smell is heavenly!
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Now comes the fun part! Pour that pecan mixture generously over the brie, making sure to cover it all. Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the brie is soft to the touch and just starting to ooze out. Keep an eye on it; you want it warm and melty, not completely runny!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once it’s out of the oven, let it sit for just a minute before serving. This cheesy goodness is best enjoyed warm, so grab your sliced baguette and dig in! Scoop up some of that gooey brie with a spoonful of the sweet pecans on top. Trust me, everyone will be coming back for more, and you’ll be the star of the gathering!
Tips for Success with Baked Brie with Maple Pecans
To make sure your Baked Brie with Maple Pecans turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, make sure your brie is at room temperature before baking; this helps it melt more evenly. If you want an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a touch of sea salt on top of the pecan mixture before baking. Also, don’t rush the cooking time—keep an eye on it to ensure you get that ideal gooey texture without overdoing it. And remember, serve it immediately! It’s best warm, so gather your guests around as soon as it’s ready!
Nutritional Information for Baked Brie with Maple Pecans
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for each serving of this delightful Baked Brie with Maple Pecans:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy your cheesy indulgence!
Why You’ll Love Baked Brie with Maple Pecans
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for last-minute gatherings!
- Decadent and creamy flavor that’s sure to impress your guests.
- Sweet and nutty topping adds a delightful crunch to each bite.
- Perfectly pairs with a crispy baguette for a delightful combination.
- Always a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for more!
FAQ About Baked Brie with Maple Pecans
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common ones I get about this delicious dish:
Can I make this ahead of time? You can prepare the pecan topping a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve!
What if I don’t have pecans? No problem! You can easily substitute walnuts or even almonds for a different twist. Each nut brings its own unique flavor.
How should I store leftovers? If you happen to have any left, store the baked brie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat gently in the oven to bring back that gooey goodness!
Can I use a different cheese? Absolutely! Camembert works wonderfully, too. It has a similar texture and flavor profile that will still delight your guests.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store any leftover Baked Brie with Maple Pecans, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until it’s warmed through and gooey again. You can also microwave it for a quick fix, but be careful not to overdo it—just a 30-second burst should do the trick! Trust me, it’s totally worth the wait to bring back that melty goodness!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
For a delightful twist on pecans, you might enjoy maple pecan pumpkin cheesecake trifle!
Print
Baked Brie with Maple Pecans: 5 Steps to Pure Indulgence
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and gooey baked brie topped with sweet maple pecans.
Ingredients
- 1 round brie cheese
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 baguette, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the brie cheese on a baking dish.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped pecans, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir well.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes until the pecans are coated and fragrant.
- Pour the pecan mixture over the brie.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until the brie is soft.
- Serve warm with sliced baguette.
Notes
- Use fresh pecans for best flavor.
- Adjust maple syrup to taste.
- Serve immediately for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Baked Brie, Maple Pecans, Cheese, Appetizer