Baked brie with bacon and candied pecans will be your go-to appetizer the next time you have any type of gathering.
Creamy, gooey baked brie is one of my absolute favorite appetizers. There’s something so enticing about a melty, pool of decadent cheese slathered over a crispy baguette. Add anything else, say bacon and pecans to the mix, and it’s pure sweet, salty, creamy perfection!
Simple and minimal ingredients. Those are components of some of my favorite recipes. An added bonus is if the finished product yields an impressive piece of edible art.
I believe this baked brie topped with candied pecans and bacon checks all those boxes and them some.
We are avid lovers of cheese in our house. Cold, cubed, shredded, melted, and baked just to name a few. I have to say, I’m quite fond of warm cheese the spills out in a warm, gooey pool of melted goodness. Give me a spoon and I’ll scoop it up and devour it on the spot! But, since that’s not the most proper of ways to enjoy, say baked brie…especially in the presence of company. So, when company is present I’ll use come couth and schmear some on a toasted baguette or one of my favorite crackers.
That’s exactly what I did with this baked brie. The puff pastry provides a perfect vessel for the cheese to be scooped up, but inevitably there is always excess cheese. Which isn’t a bad thing! So, for liquid goodness I use some toasted baguettes that have been rubbed lightly with a clove of garlic to scoop of that excess cheese. And oh-my-goodness, it’s heaven!
This brie has it all. It is like a little present of smooth, melted cheese enveloped in a flaky, buttery pastry. And just like any perfect present, the bow to this brie salty, crispy bacon and sweet and spicy candied pecans. Perfection!
This a definite crowd pleaser and a show stopping presentation. Baked brie is so versatile, but I’d have to say this is one of my favorite recipes. Sweet, salty, savory and creamy in each bite!
Baked Brie with Candied Pecans
Creamy brie cheese wrapped up in buttery puffed pastry and baked to ooey gooey perfection. Topped with sweet, crunchy pecans and salty, crispy bacon.
Ingredients
- For the baked brie-
- 1 (8oz) wheel creamy brie cheese
- 1 Sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 Egg
- 4 Slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2-3 Tablespoons candied pecans, recipe follows
- Candied Pecans-
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter
- 1/4 Cup brown sugar, packed
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- 1 Cup pecan pieces or halves
Instructions
For the Baked Brie
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Line a Baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place puff pastry on the prepared baking sheet. Using a rolling pin, gently roll out until slightly larger than original size.
- Place the brie in the center of the pastry. Gather the corners of the pastry and bring to the center, gently press together the seems to ensure all edges are sealed. Gently pinch the corners together at the top, and twist (making it look like a little pouch).
- Combine egg and 1 tablespoon of water in a bowl and whisk. Brush the puff pastry with the egg wash. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes to one hour, until the pastry is cooked through and golden brown.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with bacon and candied pecans and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve with crackers, toasted baguettes or pita chips.
For the Candied Pecans-
- Place butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once butter has melted add the sugar and stir to combine, leave over heat until sugar dissolves and begins to slightly bubble. Add cayenne pepper, if desired, and stir to combine.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, add pecans and toss to coat. Cook mixture for about 5-8 minutes.
- Pour the pecans on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and allow to cool.
- Once cooled, break pieces up. If not using immediately, store in an airtight container.
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