Save to Pinterest 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.
This recipe was a hit at our last Christmas party—everyone loved the presentation and flavors.
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), 2 tablespoons toasted pecans, roughly chopped
- Topping: 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash), 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional), 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- 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.
- Step 3:
- Place the brie in the center of the pastry. Spread cranberry sauce on top of the brie and sprinkle with toasted pecans.
- Step 4:
- 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.
- Step 5:
- Carefully transfer the wrapped brie to the prepared baking sheet. Brush all over with beaten egg.
- Step 6:
- Sprinkle with chopped rosemary if using, and bake for 20 25 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown and crisp.
- Step 7:
- Cool for 10 minutes. Optionally, drizzle with honey before serving.
- Step 8:
- Serve warm with crackers, apple slices, or fresh bread.
Save to Pinterest Gathering around with family to share this brie en croûte has become a beloved holiday tradition.
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.
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This brie en croûte is a stunning centerpiece and delicious appetizer that will impress your guests every time.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of cheese is used in this dish?
A whole wheel of creamy brie cheese is the main ingredient, lending its soft texture and mild flavor.
- → Can I substitute the cranberry sauce with other fillings?
Yes, fig or apricot preserves work well as alternatives, providing different sweet and fruity notes.
- → How do I achieve the pine tree shape in the pastry?
Cut the puff pastry into a large triangle and use scraps to create branches and decorations, forming a tree silhouette around the brie.
- → What is the purpose of brushing with beaten egg?
Egg wash gives the puff pastry a golden, glossy finish and helps it bake to a crisp texture.
- → Are there any allergen considerations to keep in mind?
This dish contains dairy, egg, gluten, and tree nuts (pecans). Nut-free versions can be made by omitting pecans.
- → What are good pairings for serving?
Serve warm with crackers, apple slices, fresh bread, and sparkling or dry white wine for a festive touch.