Maple Pecan Baked Brie Appetizer Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Maple Pecan Baked Brie Appetizer Recipe with you! It’s truly one of those treats that’s buttery, sweet, and a little nutty — perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests without a ton of fuss. When I first tried this recipe, I couldn’t believe how quickly it came together and how the warm melted brie paired with the maple-pecan topping just stole the show. You’ll find it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels fancy but is super simple to whip up.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Maple Pecan Baked Brie Appetizer Recipe is a star in its own right, yet they come together magically. When picking your brie, I recommend a double cream wheel for that rich melt, and don’t skimp on the maple syrup — it makes the topping heavenly. Fresh herbs on top are the cherry on the cake for a fresh aroma.

• Double cream brie cheese: Choose a quality wheel for creamy melting and mild flavor.
• Brown sugar: Adds subtle molasses notes that enhance the sweetness.
• Maple syrup: Use pure maple syrup if possible — it’s worth it for that authentic taste.
• Vanilla extract: Just a little to round out the flavors and add warmth.
• Cinnamon: A pinch brightens the topping with cozy spice.
• Pecan halves: Toasted pecans bring crunch and nuttiness; you can gently toast them beforehand for extra flavor.
• Fresh rosemary or fresh thyme: These herbs add a lovely earthy note and make your presentation pop.

Variations

I love that this Maple Pecan Baked Brie Appetizer Recipe is such a blank canvas—you can easily tweak it to suit your mood or dietary needs. Over time, I’ve played around with adding different nuts and spices, and I encourage you to make it your own!

• Nut swaps: I’ve tried walnuts or even sliced almonds instead of pecans when that’s what I have on hand, and it still works beautifully.
• Spice it up: For a little kick, sprinkle a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper into the topping—it adds unexpected warmth.
• Herb choice: I sometimes swap fresh thyme for rosemary, depending on what I have; both add lovely aroma.
• Gluten-free option: Serve with gluten-free crackers to accommodate everyone.
• Drizzle on extra: For super maple lovers, drizzle a little more maple syrup just before serving.

How to Make Maple Pecan Baked Brie Appetizer Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Score Your Brie

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a small baking dish with parchment paper—this helps keep cleanup easy. Gently place your brie wheel in the dish and use a sharp knife to lightly score the top in a diagonal crisscross pattern. This scoring isn’t just for looks; it helps the maple-pecan topping soak in and lets the cheese melt evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Maple Pecan Topping

In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until fully blended. Then, fold in the pecan halves, making sure they’re evenly coated—this mix creates that sticky, sweet crunchy goodness you’re after. If you have time, I like to toast the pecans lightly beforehand; it deepens their flavor and adds an extra crunch that’s irresistible.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Spoon your maple pecan mixture over the top of the scored brie, spreading it evenly. Don’t forget to drizzle any extra syrup from the bowl over the nuts and cheese—that sticky syrup helps everything bake into a gooey, rich delight. Bake in your preheated oven for 18-22 minutes. You’re aiming for the cheese to bubble gently, almost to the point of oozing, but not spilling over. Keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid burning.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve Warm

Once baked, spoon any maple syrup pooling in the dish over the brie topping to amplify flavor and gloss. Then, garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme—whichever herb you prefer. The fresh green really contrasts beautifully with the golden pecans and cheese. Serve immediately with your favorite crackers or toasted baguette slices (crostini) for dipping. Trust me, people won’t be able to stop themselves!

How to Serve Maple Pecan Baked Brie Appetizer Recipe

Garnishes

I usually use fresh rosemary because its piney aroma pairs so nicely with maple and pecans, but fresh thyme is just as wonderful. Occasionally, I toss a few pomegranate seeds on top for a pop of color and a hint of tartness — it always wows guests visually and taste-wise.

Side Dishes

This baked brie goes beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or roasted autumn vegetables. For parties, I like serving it alongside apple slices or pear wedges — the fruit’s natural sweetness complements the appetizer perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like to serve this brie right in a mini cast iron skillet or on a pretty wooden cheese board surrounded by nuts, fresh figs, and slices of honey-drizzled baguette. It makes the whole spread look inviting and rustic. Another fun twist is baking the brie inside puff pastry to keep that oozy cheese intact and add a buttery shell—definitely something to try when you want to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers — which doesn’t happen often! — wrap the baked brie tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. The texture will firm up when cold but will still taste delicious.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing baked brie with the maple pecan topping because the texture of the nuts and syrup can get a bit soggy when thawed. However, you can freeze a fresh wheel of brie and bake it fresh with the topping when you’re ready.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the brie on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until it’s warmed through and gooey again. I like to add a little fresh maple syrup over the top before warming to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Maple Pecan Baked Brie Appetizer Recipe has quickly become my go-to for holiday parties and cozy nights in. It’s that perfect combination of sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy—all in one simple dish. When you make it for your friends and family, I promise you’ll get those “mmm” sounds and requests for seconds. Honestly, it’s one I keep coming back to because it’s easy, elegant, and downright delicious. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear what you think!

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