Prepare to transform your appetizer game with a mind-blowing French-inspired delicacy that will have your guests swooning from the first bite! This Baked Brie with Apple Pecan Topping is not just a recipe—it's a culinary experience that marries the creamy decadence of melted cheese with the irresistible crunch of caramelized pecans and sweet, spiced apples. Whether you're hosting a sophisticated dinner party or looking to elevate your weekend snacking, this show-stopping dish promises to be the star of any spread.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 round Brie or Camembert cheese
- 1 apple, diced
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Baguette slices for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Remove the Brie or Camembert from its packaging and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Allow the cheese to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced apple, chopped pecans, brown sugar, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon. Gently mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Using a sharp knife, make a shallow score around the top rind of the cheese wheel, creating a light crosshatch pattern. This will help the topping adhere and allow the cheese to melt more evenly.
- Spoon the apple-pecan mixture generously over the top of the cheese, ensuring even coverage and allowing some mixture to cascade down the sides.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The cheese should be visibly soft and slightly puffy, with the topping caramelized and bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly and prevent immediate running.
- Serve warm directly on the baking sheet or transfer to a serving platter. Arrange baguette slices around the cheese for guests to spread the melted cheese and topping.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cheese: Select a high-quality, room-temperature Brie or Camembert for the smoothest, most luxurious melt.
- Scoring Technique: When making the crosshatch pattern on the cheese rind, use a very sharp knife and make gentle, shallow cuts to prevent completely cutting through the cheese.
- Topping Consistency: For the best caramelization, ensure your apple pieces are diced uniformly and not too large to prevent uneven cooking.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately after resting to capture the perfect balance of melted cheese and crisp topping. Warm baguette slices are essential for the full experience!
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the apple-pecan topping in advance and store it in the refrigerator, adding it to the cheese just before baking.
- Oven Variations: If your oven runs hot, check the cheese at 15 minutes to prevent over-browning. Every oven is slightly different, so keep a close eye during the final minutes of baking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 75mg
