Save A festive, elegantly wrapped brie cheese, baked in golden puff pastry shaped like a pine tree, filled with cranberry sauce and toasted pecans—perfect for holiday gatherings.
I love serving this Brie en Croûte during holiday parties because it always impresses guests with its look and taste.
Ingredients
- Dairy: 1 whole wheel of brie cheese (approx. 8 oz / 225 g)
- Pastry: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- Filling: 3 tablespoons cranberry sauce (whole berry or jam)
- Filling: 2 tablespoons toasted pecans, roughly chopped
- Topping: 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Topping: 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
- Topping: 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Pastry:
- Unroll the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface With a sharp knife cut out a large triangle (pine tree shape) big enough to completely cover the brie wheel and set aside the scraps.
- Assemble:
- Place the brie in the center of the pastry Spread cranberry sauce on top of the brie and sprinkle with toasted pecans.
- Shape:
- Fold the pastry over the brie shaping it into a pine tree Use the pastry scraps to cut out small triangles or strips to create branches and decorate the tree as desired.
- Egg Wash:
- Carefully transfer the wrapped brie to the prepared baking sheet Brush all over with beaten egg.
- Optional Topping:
- Sprinkle with chopped rosemary if using and bake for 20 25 minutes or until pastry is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool:
- Cool for 10 minutes Optionally drizzle with honey before serving.
- Serve:
- Serve warm with crackers apple slices or fresh bread.
Save This recipe always brings our family together around the table and sets a warm festive mood.
Notes
Serve with sparkling wine or a dry white wine for a festive pairing.
Required Tools
Baking sheet parchment paper sharp knife pastry brush
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (brie cheese) egg gluten (puff pastry) and tree nuts (pecans). For nut allergies omit pecans Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Save This Brie en Croûte is a simple yet stunning appetizer sure to impress any crowd.
Common Questions
- → What type of cheese is best for this dish?
A whole wheel of soft, creamy brie cheese works best as it melts nicely while maintaining its shape.
- → Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, toasted walnuts or almonds can be used to maintain a crunchy texture and complement the cranberry filling.
- → How do I shape the puff pastry to resemble a pine tree?
Cut a large triangle from the puff pastry and use scraps to create smaller triangles for branches, layering them around the main shape.
- → Is it necessary to use an egg wash?
The egg wash provides a golden, glossy finish and helps the pastry achieve a crisp texture but can be omitted if preferred.
- → What are good serving suggestions for this baked brie?
Serve warm with crackers, apple slices, or fresh bread to balance the rich, creamy cheese and sweet filling.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can assemble the wrapped brie and refrigerate it briefly before baking, but bake just before serving for best texture.