There’s something about warm, gooey cheese that makes everything feel a little fancier. And when you throw in toasted pecans, tart cranberries, and just a touch of sweetness—all while keeping it keto-friendly? That’s next-level comfort food. This Keto Baked Brie with Pecans and Cranberries is the kind of dish that makes people stop mid-bite and go, “Wait… this is low-carb?”
Perfect for holidays, parties, or a quiet night in, this dish takes minimal effort but looks and tastes like something straight out of a gourmet kitchen. So, if you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen, you’re in the right place.
What Makes This Keto?
A lot of baked brie recipes use honey, maple syrup, or other high-carb ingredients. That’s a problem if you’re keeping your carbs low. This version skips all the sugar-loaded toppings and swaps in a keto-friendly sweetener, keeping the flavors balanced without the sugar spike.
Here’s what we’re working with:
- Brie: Soft, creamy, and naturally low in carbs.
- Pecans: Crunchy, buttery, and packed with healthy fats.
- Cranberries: A little tartness goes a long way. We’ll keep them minimal and balance them out with a low-carb sweetener.
- Butter: Because butter makes everything better.
- Low-carb sweetener: Monk fruit, erythritol, or allulose—whichever you prefer.
- Spices: Just enough to warm up the flavors without overpowering the cheese.
If you’ve never had baked brie before, get ready. The way the cheese melts and oozes while mixing with the buttery pecan topping? That’s the kind of thing that gets people crowding around the appetizer table.
Ingredients
For the Baked Brie:
- 1 whole wheel of brie (about 8 oz)
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh or frozen cranberries (unsweetened)
- 1 tbsp keto-friendly sweetener (like monk fruit or erythritol)
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
For Serving:
- Low-carb crackers
- Sliced cucumbers or celery sticks
- Toasted keto bread
- Almond flour crackers
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Brie
Take your brie out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes while you prep everything else. Cold brie doesn’t bake as evenly, and nobody wants half-melted cheese.
If you like, you can score the top of the brie with a sharp knife. Just make a few shallow cuts in a crisscross pattern. This helps the toppings seep into the cheese while baking.
2. Toast the Pecans
Toasting pecans brings out their natural sweetness and makes them extra crunchy.
- Heat a small skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped pecans and stir them around for about 2-3 minutes until they start to smell nutty.
- Once toasted, transfer them to a bowl and set them aside.
3. Cook the Cranberries & Butter Mixture
Now for the fun part.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
- Add the cranberries, sweetener, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and a tiny pinch of salt.
- Stir everything together and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until the cranberries soften and the mixture thickens slightly.
This step makes the house smell incredible. That warm cinnamon-butter scent? It’s the kind of thing that makes people wander into the kitchen asking, “What are you making?”
4. Assemble & Bake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the brie on a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
- Pour the cranberry-pecan mixture over the top, letting it coat the cheese evenly.
- Bake for about 10-12 minutes—just enough for the brie to get soft and gooey in the center.
You’re looking for a slight jiggle in the middle. If you cut into it and it’s not melting yet, pop it back in the oven for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Serve Immediately
The second you take the brie out, resist the urge to poke at it. Let it sit for a minute or two before serving. This helps everything set just enough so it doesn’t run all over the place.
Then, grab some keto-friendly crackers, toasted keto bread, or veggie sticks and dig in.
Why This Recipe Works
1. It’s Low-Carb Without Tasting “Diet”
Let’s be honest—some keto recipes taste like a compromise. This one doesn’t. The brie is rich and creamy, the pecans add crunch, and the cranberries bring a little tartness that balances everything out. It’s the kind of dish that makes people forget they’re even eating low-carb.
2. Quick and Easy
No one wants to spend hours making an appetizer. This recipe comes together in less than 20 minutes from start to finish, and most of that time is just waiting for the cheese to bake.
3. Great for Any Occasion
- Hosting a party? Serve this with a glass of dry wine.
- Holiday dinner? This makes the perfect warm appetizer before the big meal.
- Casual snack? Who says baked brie is just for special occasions?
Make It Your Own
This recipe is simple, but that doesn’t mean you can’t switch things up.
Different Nut Options
Pecans are a classic choice, but you could also use:
- Walnuts (for a slightly more bitter edge)
- Almonds (for a firmer crunch)
- Macadamia nuts (for a buttery flavor)
Swap the Sweetener
Monk fruit, erythritol, allulose—any keto-friendly sweetener works. If you like a bit more caramel flavor, try a sugar-free maple syrup instead.
Add a Hint of Spice
A little bit of cayenne pepper or chili flakes adds an unexpected kick that pairs well with the richness of the brie.
More Toppings? Why Not!
Want to take things up a notch? Try adding:
- A sprinkle of shredded unsweetened coconut
- A drizzle of sugar-free maple syrup
- A few chopped sugar-free dried cranberries
Tips for the Best Baked Brie
- Don’t Overbake It – Too long in the oven and your brie will turn into a melted puddle. Stick to the 10-12 minute mark and check it often.
- Use a Small Baking Dish – Brie spreads as it melts. A snug dish helps keep everything together instead of running all over the pan.
- Let It Cool Slightly – Giving it a minute or two before serving helps the cheese hold its shape better.
- Pair It Right – Stick to low-carb dippers like cucumber slices, celery sticks, or keto crackers to keep it keto-friendly.
Conclusion
This Keto Baked Brie with Pecans and Cranberries is the kind of dish that feels fancy but is secretly the easiest thing in the world to make. Whether you’re bringing it to a holiday gathering, serving it up on a random Tuesday night, or just looking for a new way to enjoy cheese (because honestly, who doesn’t love cheese?), this recipe is a winner.
So grab a wheel of brie, toast those pecans, and get ready for a low-carb appetizer that’ll have everyone coming back for more.
PrintKeto Baked Brie with Pecans and Cranberries
This Keto Baked Brie with Pecans and Cranberries is a rich, cheesy, low-carb appetizer perfect for any occasion. A wheel of creamy brie is topped with buttery toasted pecans, tart cranberries, and a hint of keto-friendly sweetness. It melts beautifully in the oven, creating the perfect dip for keto crackers or veggies. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is great for holidays, parties, or a cozy night in.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Keto, Low-Carb
Ingredients
For the Brie:
- 1 whole wheel of brie (about 8 oz)
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh or frozen cranberries (unsweetened)
- 1 tbsp keto-friendly sweetener (monk fruit, erythritol, or allulose)
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
For Serving:
- Low-carb crackers
- Sliced cucumbers or celery sticks
- Toasted keto bread
- Almond flour crackers
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the brie sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes for better baking.
- Toast the Pecans – Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add chopped pecans and stir for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Cook the Cranberry Mixture – In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add cranberries, sweetener, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring, until cranberries soften and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Prepare the Brie – Place the brie on a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet. If desired, score the top with a crisscross pattern to help flavors absorb.
- Add Toppings – Pour the cranberry-pecan mixture evenly over the brie.
- Bake – Place the dish in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the center is soft and gooey. Check for a slight jiggle in the middle. If not melted enough, bake for another 2-3 minutes.
- Cool & Serve – Let the baked brie sit for 1-2 minutes before serving. Serve warm with keto-friendly dippers like low-carb crackers, celery, or toasted keto bread.
Notes
- Don’t overbake – Brie melts quickly, so watch closely to avoid it turning into a puddle.
- Use a snug baking dish – This prevents the melted cheese from spreading too much.
- Make it spicier – Add a pinch of cayenne for a little heat.
- Try different nuts – Walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts also work well.
- Alternative sweeteners – Sugar-free maple syrup can replace granulated sweeteners.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 190 Sugar: 1g Sodium: 170mg Fat: 17g Saturated Fat: 8g Unsaturated Fat: 7g Trans Fat: 0g Carbohydrates: 3g Fiber: 1g Protein: 7g Cholesterol: 35mg