Planning the best New Year’s Eve party ever? Don’t forget the snacks! Caramelized Pear Baked Brie is always a popular winter appetizer for a crowd.

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2016 is days away from being over and I haven’t even made New Year’s Eve plans yet.

Chris and I can’t decide between braving our favorite cocktail bar with friends, going to someone’s house or hanging out at home together to ring in the new year.

We still have three days to decide. I’m not worried. Winging NYE plans is what I do best.

I also briefly entertained the idea of throwing our own party, but I don’t think that’s going to happen.

But if I were, I’d be making this Caramelized Pear Baked Brie.

I tried out this recipe for Thanksgiving and it’s perfect for all winter entertaining.

I love picking up a box of pears for the holidays. I really can’t get enough of them, and a great way to use them up is in this sweet and salty appetizer.

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Caramelized Pear Baked Brie recipe

Baked brie with apples is so common this time of year — and one of my all-time favorite appetizers.

I decided to try this recipe with pears instead.

Pears are so luscious and succulent. I always forget how much I enjoy eating them, and then when I cut one open I can’t keep my paws off of them!

When cooked with sugar, cinnamon and cloves and served atop a warm wheel of creamy, French brie cheese, all of the pear’s tart brightness comes out.

It is simply delicious, and your guests will eat this warm appetizer right up.

How to make Caramelized Pear Baked Brie

First, preheat your oven to 350°F.

Meanwhile, heat up a skillet to medium heat, and melt the butter. When the butter begins to foam, stir in the sugar and cook until the sugar bubbles and dissolves, about 3 minutes.

Then add the diced pears and cook, stirring gently and infrequently. You’re ready to move on to the next step when the mixture has caramelized and pears are just starting to release their juices. Gently fold in the cloves and cinnamon. Remove from heat.

Next, place the brie on a metal baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle with the caramelized pears. You can also use a baking dish for this.

Bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the brie starts to ooze but not melt. Transfer to a warm baking dish or plate. Serve immediately with crackers.

When you’re ready to serve, place the brie on whatever dish you’re serving it on. I like this cocotte dish from Le Creuset, which you can also use to bake it in — and then you don’t have to transfer it.

What to serve with baked brie

You can serve this Caramelized Pear Baked Brie with a number of accoutrements.

My go-to is any kind of bread or crackers. Melty brie just is fantastic with slices of a baguette or chunks of soft, fresh French bread.

My advice for bread is to make sure you get it fresh from the bakery the day of your event, or maybe the day before. Fresher is better.

Crackers are another favorite — the crunch is lovely with the soft brie spread.

I like water crackers the best! But at parties I always try to serve cheeses with gluten-free crackers as well — it’s all about being a good host for guests with any diet!

Slices of raw pear or apple would be great, too, especially for those who are going light on the carbs.

Drizzle them with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to keep them looking fresh and not brown.

Drinks to enjoy with pear baked brie

Pear cocktails are another way to enjoy this fall bounty. I love this Asian Pear Moscow Mule and the way pear vodka pairs with ginger.

You could also add pear puree to champagne for a light and sweet pear mimosa.

Speaking of champagne, if you’re serving this appetizer for New Year’s Eve you definitely need to serve up some bubbly cocktails!

I recommend a champagne cocktail bar, a Seelbach or a champagne Jell-O shot (or two or three).

Regardless of your New Year’s Eve plans, perhaps you can at least make a resolution to make this appetizer at least once this winter. Cheers! // susannah

Pin this Caramelized Pear Baked Brie!

Caramelized Pear Baked Brie

Yield: 6 -8 servings

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 20

Caramelized Pear Baked Brie is a fantastic appetizer for any gathering!

4.50 from 2 votes

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ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/4 stick
¼ cup packed light brown sugar
2 medium Bosc pears cored and cut into large dice (about 2 cups)
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
crackers or bread for serving

instructions

Pre-heat oven to 350°F.
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. When the butter begins to foam, stir in the sugar and cook until the sugar bubbles and dissolves, about 3 minutes.
Add the diced pears and cook, stirring gently and infrequently, until mixture has caramelized and pears just begin to release their juices. Gently fold in the cloves and cinnamon. Remove from heat.
Place the brie on a metal baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle with the caramelized pears. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until it starts to ooze but not melt. Transfer to a warm baking dish or plate. Serve immediately with crackers.