Description
A warm, gooey, and impressive holiday appetizer featuring a wheel of brie drizzled with spicy hot honey and topped with toasted pecans. This easy-to-make dish looks fancy but requires minimal effort, making it perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 wheel Brie cheese (approx. 8–10 oz / 250-300g)
- ½ cup (120ml) hot honey
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) maple syrup
- ½ cup (60g) pecans, chopped
- 1 pinch flaky sea salt
- Baguette, crackers, or fruit slices for serving
- Optional: Fresh thyme sprigs, fig jam, or walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove plastic wrap from the brie wheel. If wrapped in paper, you may leave it on or remove it. Place the brie in a baking dish.
- Using a sharp knife, score the top of the brie in a crosshatch pattern, cutting about ¼ inch deep without cutting all the way through.
- Warm the hot honey and maple syrup in a microwave-safe bowl (20-30 seconds) or a small saucepan over low heat (2 minutes) until liquid and pourable.
- Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or in an oven at 350°F for 5 minutes. Let cool slightly and chop roughly.
- Drizzle the warm honey mixture evenly over the scored brie, allowing it to seep into the cuts.
- Sprinkle the toasted pecans generously over the top and press them down slightly. Finish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the brie is soft, jiggly in the center, and golden around the edges.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly.
- Serve immediately with baguette slices, crackers, or fruit.
Notes
[‘For best results, let the brie come to room temperature 30-60 minutes before baking to ensure even melting.’, ‘Do not overbake; the center should jiggle like jelly when shaken.’, ‘Toasting the pecans significantly enhances the flavor and crunch.’, ‘Use flaky sea salt (like Maldon) for texture and visual appeal.’, ‘Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, but the texture will harden. Reheat gently in the microwave.’]
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice/wedge with d
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 8
Keywords: baked brie, hot honey, holiday appetizer, pecans, cheese board, easy appetizer, party food, gluten-free option