Name: Maple Pecan Baked Brie Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (8-ounce) wheel brie cheese; ½ cup pecan halves; ⅓ cup maple syrup; 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 12 reviews

I absolutely adore sharing this Maple Pecan Baked Brie Recipe because it’s one of those magical dishes that feels both fancy and incredibly easy to make. The way the rich, creamy brie melts under a warm, glossy layer of toasted pecans bathed in fragrant maple syrup and fresh rosemary is simply irresistible. Whenever I make this, it becomes the star of any gathering, from casual family nights to festive holiday celebrations, and I can’t wait for you to try it too!

Why You’ll Love This Maple Pecan Baked Brie Recipe

From the very first bite, I fall in love with the blend of flavors in this Maple Pecan Baked Brie Recipe. The buttery, milky creaminess of the brie pairs perfectly with the sweet, slightly woody notes of the maple syrup, while the toasted pecans add the perfect crunch. The fresh rosemary sneaks in a subtle herbal freshness that balances out the sweetness beautifully. It’s like a cozy celebration on your palate that feels elegant but approachable.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how incredibly easy it is to put together. With just four main ingredients, it requires minimal prep time and a handful of simple steps that anyone can handle, even if you’re new to entertaining or not a seasoned cook. It’s perfect for whipping up last minute when friends pop over or for serving as a warm, welcoming appetizer at holiday parties. What really makes this dish stand out is that dazzling maple pecan topping—so impressive-looking but surprisingly effortless to make!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The dish shows a round baked cheese wheel with a white rind, placed on crumpled light beige parchment paper inside a white round baking dish. The top of the cheese is scored with crosshatch lines and covered with a generous layer of dark brown roasted pecans mixed with a shiny glaze. Small pieces of fresh green rosemary are sprinkled over the nuts and around the dish. There's a dark sticky sauce pooled slightly around the base of the cheese on the parchment. To the bottom left, there are three golden toasted bread slices on a metal rack. The background has a white marbled texture and a striped brown cloth is partially visible on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, and each ingredient plays a vital role in building the perfect balance of taste, texture, and aroma. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand to make the magic happen:

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

8-ounce wheel brie cheese: The star ingredient, creamy and mild, it melts beautifully under the warm topping.
½ cup pecan halves: Adds much-needed crunch and a nutty depth to contrast the silky cheese.
⅓ cup maple syrup: Provides natural sweetness and that signature rich, caramel-like flavor.
2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves: Brings a fragrant herbaceous note that elevates the entire dish.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning to amplify the complex flavors and bring balance.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the brie will soften perfectly without melting into a puddle.

Step 2: Place your wheel of brie on a rimmed baking sheet or, if you have one, a 5-inch cast iron skillet for an even bake and charming presentation.

Step 3: Bake the brie in the oven until softened but still holding its shape, about 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s just starting to ooze softly. Allow it to cool slightly for 5 minutes before adding the topping.

Step 4: While the brie bakes, spread your pecan halves in a single layer on a clean baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for roughly 6 to 8 minutes until they’re fragrant and golden brown. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!

Step 5: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the maple syrup, chopped rosemary, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes as it becomes foamy, stirring occasionally. This step helps concentrate the flavor while infusing the rosemary.

Step 6: Stir the toasted pecans into the maple syrup mixture, making sure they’re well coated.

Step 7: Spoon the warm maple pecan topping over the baked brie, serving it immediately with crackers or sliced baguette so everyone can enjoy that gooey, nutty, sweet combination!

Servings and Timing

This Maple Pecan Baked Brie Recipe yields about 8 servings, making it a perfect appetizer for a small gathering or holiday party. The prep time is just 10 minutes, while the baking and toasting take about 15 minutes, bringing your total to a quick 25-minute commitment. You’ll want to factor in about 5 minutes resting time for the cheese after baking, which really helps the flavors set and the cheese reach a luscious creaminess without being too runny.

How to Serve This Maple Pecan Baked Brie Recipe

A white round of soft cheese with its top layer removed, revealing creamy, melting cheese oozing out. The top is covered with glossy, dark brown pecans mixed with sprigs of fresh rosemary and a drizzle of syrup. The cheese is surrounded by a variety of crackers: light beige round crackers on the bottom left, rectangular golden crackers on the bottom and left edges, and dark brown seeded bread slices with visible oats and seeds on the top right. The whole arrangement is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this baked brie warm so the cheese is wonderfully melty and gooey, perfect for scooping onto crackers or toasted baguette slices. It pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments like crisp apple slices, fresh grapes, or even a few dried figs for a sweet contrast. Adding a handful of fresh herbs or a sprinkle of additional chopped pecans on top can amp up the presentation and flavor appeal.

For beverage pairings, a glass of fruity white wine like a Chardonnay or Riesling complements the richness of the brie and the sweetness of the maple syrup so well. If you prefer cocktails, a light, herbal gin and tonic is refreshing alongside this dish. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a twist of lemon or a warm apple cider works wonders to match the cozy vibes.

This appetizer is a true crowd-pleaser at holiday parties, casual weeknight dinners, or even a chic brunch gathering. I find it easiest to present the whole wheel on a beautiful platter, letting guests serve themselves with small bread slices or crackers. Portion sizes come naturally since people typically take as much as they like, but this dish’s rich flavors mean smaller bites tend to be more satisfying!

Variations

If you want to switch things up, I’ve found some fun ways to customize this Maple Pecan Baked Brie Recipe that keep it exciting. For instance, swapping pecans for walnuts or almonds gives a different crunch and subtle flavor shift that’s just as delicious. You could also experiment with drizzling honey in place of maple syrup if you’re looking for a milder sweetness.

For guests looking for gluten-free options, serving this baked brie with gluten-free crackers or crisp vegetable slices like celery or cucumber is fantastic—and the recipe itself is naturally gluten-free. Though this recipe isn’t vegan, you could try a vegan brie alternative and top it similarly for a plant-based twist, though the texture won’t be quite the same.

If you have a bit more time, stirring in dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots into the maple pecan topping creates a lovely burst of fruity flavor that warms up the dish further. Another technique I sometimes use is wrapping the brie in puff pastry for a golden, flaky crust, effectively turning it into a more substantial baked brie wheel perfect for special occasions.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your baked brie, you may have some leftovers—lucky you! I always transfer any remaining cheese and topping to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It’s best eaten within 2 to 3 days since the cheese continues to soften and the topping might lose some texture over time. Keeping it chilled helps preserve freshness without compromising flavor.

Freezing

This Maple Pecan Baked Brie Recipe doesn’t freeze particularly well because the texture of the cheese changes after thawing, becoming grainy or crumbly. The maple pecan topping might also become gummy or lose its crispness. If you must freeze it, I recommend freezing the baked brie before adding the topping, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 1 month, but fresh is definitely best for this one!

Reheating

To revive leftover baked brie, I gently reheat it at 300 degrees Fahrenheit in the oven for about 5 to 7 minutes — just until it’s warm and soft again. Avoid microwaving as it tends to heat unevenly and can make the cheese rubbery. After reheating, add fresh maple pecan topping or reheat the topping separately on low heat to preserve its texture and warmth before serving again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of brie?

While brie is ideal because of its creamy texture and mild flavor, you can experiment with camembert, which has similar characteristics. Harder cheeses won’t melt the same way, so they aren’t recommended for this recipe.

Is it necessary to use fresh rosemary?

Fresh rosemary adds an aromatic brightness that dried herbs can’t quite replicate. However, if fresh isn’t available, you can substitute with dried rosemary but use only about half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

What are the best crackers or bread to serve with this baked brie?

I prefer lightly toasted baguette slices, water crackers, or multigrain crackers—they’re sturdy enough to hold the warm cheese and complement the savory-sweet topping without overwhelming the flavors.

Can I prepare this appetizer ahead of time?

You can toast the pecans and prepare the maple rosemary mixture a day ahead, storing each separately. However, I recommend baking the brie and assembling the topping just before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor.

What should I look for when buying brie for baking?

Choose a high-quality, soft brie that hasn’t been overly refrigerated or frozen. A wheel that is about 8 ounces and room temperature before baking ensures even melting and the best creamy consistency.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Maple Pecan Baked Brie Recipe a try because it’s such a delightful way to impress your guests with minimal effort. The sweet and nutty topping marrying with warm, melty brie feels like comfort and elegance all in one. It’s become one of my personal favorite go-to appetizers for any celebration, and I know it will become a favorite for you too.