Name: Cozy Warm Apple Pecan Brie Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 4 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced ¼‑inch thick; 1 cup pecan halves, roughly chopped; 8 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cut into 1‑inch cubes; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for glaze); 1 tablespoon maple syrup (for glaze); ½ teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped; ¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt

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Introduction

Discover the delightful blend of sweet apples, crunchy pecans, and creamy brie cheese in this Cozy Warm Apple Pecan Brie Casserole. Perfect for a comforting brunch or special occasion, this dish combines tender fruit, melted cheese, and fragrant spices for an impressive yet simple treat.

A round tart with a golden brown puff pastry crust that is folded over in sections, revealing layers of thinly sliced light yellow apples inside. The top pastry is sprinkled with fine brown sugar or spice, giving it a textured, toasted look. Around the edges of the tart are scattered pecans coated in a translucent amber glaze, adding a shiny, crunchy detail. On top, a small bunch of fresh green thyme sprigs rests in the center, adding a touch of color and freshness. The tart sits on a white plate on a soft, neutral-colored cloth, with a blurred background of spoons and a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced ¼‑inch thick
1 cup pecan halves, roughly chopped
8 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cut into 1‑inch cubes
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for apple-spice mixture)
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (for apple-spice mixture)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for glaze)
1 tablespoon maple syrup (for glaze)
½ teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with melted butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated.
Step 2: Spread the coated apples in an even layer in a 9-inch square baking dish. Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the apples, reserving a tablespoon for garnish.
Step 3: Scatter the brie cubes among the apples and pecans, distributing them so each bite has some cheese.
Step 4: Bake the casserole for 20 minutes until the apples soften and the brie starts to melt.
Step 5: While baking, whisk melted butter, maple syrup, rosemary, and sea salt to create the glaze.
Step 6: Remove the casserole from the oven, drizzle the glaze evenly on top, and toss the reserved pecans in the remaining glaze before sprinkling on the casserole.
Step 7: Return the dish to the oven and bake for 10–12 more minutes until edges turn golden-brown and the glaze is glossy.
Step 8: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to settle.
Step 9: Serve warm, optionally garnished with extra rosemary or a drizzle of honey for added shine and flavor.

Tips & Variations

Slice apples uniformly at ¼-inch thickness for even cooking and the perfect texture.
Toast pecans lightly in a dry skillet for 5 minutes to enhance their nuttiness before adding.
Use fresh, high-quality brie for smooth melting; avoid pre-sliced or overly aged varieties.
Swap Granny Smith apples for Honeycrisp or Pink Lady for a sweeter taste.
Replace pecans with toasted walnuts or almonds for a different crunch.
Add a splash of Calvados or brandy to the glaze for subtle depth and warmth.
For dairy-free, substitute brie with a firm coconut-based cheese and use vegan butter.
Serve with a fresh arugula salad or warm croissants for a complete brunch.

Storage

Cool the casserole to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portioned, sealed bags for up to 3 months to preserve flavor and glaze texture. Reheat covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions on medium power for 2–3 minutes, adding a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

A round, golden-brown puff pastry pie with a shiny, slightly crispy top layer dotted with seeds. The pastry is cut into petal-like sections, revealing thin layers and a soft inner filling of pale yellow apple slices arranged in a circle beneath. Around the edges, there is a crust that looks firm and flaky. On top of the pie, there are small clusters of pecan nuts and fresh green thyme sprigs as decoration. The pie sits in a white bowl with a light amber syrupy glaze pooling at the bottom and coating parts of the filling. The background features a soft white marbled texture with blurred elements like a white cup and silver spoons in the distance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated before baking. However, it’s best served fresh out of the oven to enjoy the melty brie and glossy glaze at their peak.

What if I don’t have fresh brie?

If fresh brie isn’t available, camembert or a mild goat cheese can be used as a substitute. These cheeses melt well and offer similar creamy textures with slightly different flavor profiles.