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.
This recipe became a holiday staple after I served it at a family gathering where everyone loved the festive shape and delicious 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)
- 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
- 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 My family always gathers around the table to enjoy this festive appetizer, making holiday moments even more special.
Pairing Suggestions
Serve with sparkling wine or a dry white wine for a festive pairing that enhances the flavors of the brie and cranberry.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving to maintain the pastry’s crispness.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (brie cheese), egg, gluten (puff pastry), and tree nuts (pecans). For nut allergies, omit pecans and always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Save This Brie en Croûte makes a stunning and delicious centerpiece for any holiday celebration.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of cheese is used?
A whole wheel of brie cheese is used to provide a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- → Can I substitute cranberry sauce?
Yes, fig or apricot preserves work well as alternative fillings for a different flavor profile.
- → How do I shape the puff pastry?
Cut the puff pastry into a pine tree shape with a large triangle and use scraps to create branch decorations.
- → What is the baking temperature and time?
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until the pastry is golden and crisp.
- → Are there any nut-free options?
Omit the toasted pecans for a nut-free version without compromising texture.
- → What are good serving suggestions?
Serve warm with crackers, apple slices, or fresh bread. Sparkling or dry white wine pairs nicely.