I love how this dish brings together the richness of baked brie with the warm sweetness of apples and a crunchy pecan topping. The textures are heavenly—from gooey cheese to soft fruit to crisp nuts. It’s also incredibly versatile. I can serve it with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or even spooned over roasted meats or sweet potatoes. Best of all, it’s a one-dish recipe that comes together quickly and fills the kitchen with the most inviting aroma.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 wheel of brie cheese (8 oz), rind on or off depending on preference
2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), peeled and diced
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Optional: a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary for a savory twist
Directions
I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a small baking dish or casserole.
In a skillet, I melt the butter over medium heat and stir in the diced apples. I cook them for about 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften.
I add brown sugar, maple syrup (or honey), cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, stirring to coat the apples evenly. I let them cook for another 2 minutes until they’re golden and sticky.
I gently fold in the pecans, just to toast them slightly and coat them in the syrupy mixture.
I place the wheel of brie in the center of the casserole dish and spoon the warm apple-pecan mixture on top.
I bake the casserole for 10–15 minutes, just until the brie is soft and gooey in the center.
Once out of the oven, I let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving warm with crackers, toasted bread, or apple slices.
Servings and timing
This casserole serves 4–6 people as an appetizer. Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15–20 minutes Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Variations
For a more savory version, I add chopped shallots or fresh thyme to the apple mixture.
I sometimes use pears instead of apples for a more delicate flavor.
To make it extra decadent, I drizzle more maple syrup over the top before serving.
If I want more texture, I add a sprinkle of granola or crushed pretzels before baking.
I’ve also made this in puff pastry—just wrap the whole brie and topping in dough and bake until golden.
Storage/Reheating
If there are leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave for 30–60 seconds until warm. It’s best enjoyed fresh but still delicious the next day over toast or stirred into oatmeal for a sweet-savory twist.
FAQs
Do I need to remove the rind from the brie?
I usually leave the rind on because it melts beautifully and adds flavor. But if I prefer a smoother texture, I trim it off before baking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I prep the apple pecan topping a day in advance and refrigerate it. Right before serving, I assemble it with the brie and bake.
What apples work best in this recipe?
I like using firm, sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. They hold their shape and don’t get too mushy while baking.
Can I make this dish nut-free?
Absolutely. I skip the pecans and add sunflower seeds or just leave the topping as apples for a nut-free option.
What should I serve this with?
I serve it with crackers, toasted baguette slices, apple wedges, or even warm biscuits. It’s also fantastic spooned over roasted vegetables or baked sweet potatoes.
Conclusion
This cozy warm apple pecan brie casserole is everything I want in a fall or winter comfort dish—melty cheese, caramelized fruit, and toasty nuts all baked into one irresistible bite. Whether I’m sharing it with guests or just curling up with a plate and a blanket, it brings warmth and flavor to any moment.
This cozy warm apple pecan brie casserole is the perfect sweet and savory dish for fall or winter. Rich, gooey brie, spiced apples, and toasted pecans come together in one irresistible bake.
Ingredients
1 wheel of brie cheese (8 oz), rind on or off depending on preference
2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), peeled and diced
½ cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Optional: fresh thyme or rosemary for a savory twist
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish or casserole.
In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add diced apples and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
Stir in brown sugar, maple syrup (or honey), cinnamon, and salt. Cook for another 2 minutes until apples are golden and sticky.
Fold in chopped pecans and stir to coat in the mixture.
Place brie in the center of the casserole dish. Spoon apple-pecan topping over the brie.
Bake for 10–15 minutes, until brie is soft and gooey in the center.
Let rest for 2 minutes, then serve warm with crackers, toasted bread, or apple slices.
Notes
For a more savory flavor, add chopped shallots or fresh thyme to the apple mixture.
Try pears instead of apples for a delicate twist.
Drizzle extra maple syrup before serving for added sweetness.
Top with granola or crushed pretzels for added texture.
For a puff pastry version, wrap the brie and topping in dough and bake until golden.