Introduction
If you’re searching for the ultimate holiday appetizer that’s as elegant as it is delicious, look no further than Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce and Puff Pastry. This recipe wraps creamy, buttery Brie cheese in golden, flaky puff pastry and tops it with sweet-tart cranberry sauce, creating a luxurious combination of flavors and textures.
The Brie melts into gooey perfection as it bakes, while the puff pastry adds a crisp, buttery shell that makes every bite indulgent. The cranberry sauce provides just the right amount of brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the cheese. Together, it’s a show-stopping appetizer that feels gourmet but is incredibly easy to prepare.
This dish is a festive favorite at Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or any celebratory gathering. It’s the kind of appetizer that guests gather around, breaking into the pastry together — it’s not just food, it’s an experience.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it feels luxurious yet effortless. It requires only a handful of ingredients, yet the result is stunning and restaurant-worthy. The contrast of warm, gooey cheese with crisp pastry and fruity cranberry makes each bite both comforting and exciting.
It’s also one of those dishes that never fails to impress. I love watching guests cut into the golden pastry and seeing the creamy Brie ooze out — it always gets smiles and “wows.” For me, it’s not just about flavor, but also about the joyful, shareable experience it creates at the table.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy.
- Visually stunning — it looks like a centerpiece.
- Versatile — great for holidays, dinner parties, or casual wine nights.
- Minimal effort, maximum payoff — ready in under 30 minutes.
- Crowd-pleasing — it appeals to both cheese lovers and those who enjoy festive flavors.
Recipe Information
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6–8 servings (as an appetizer)
- Calories per Serving: ~280 kcal
- Course: Appetizer
- Cuisine: French-American Fusion
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1 round Brie cheese (8 oz / 225 g)
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for crunch)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet slightly to remove creases.
Step 2: Assemble the Brie
- Place the Brie round in the center of the pastry.
- Spread cranberry sauce over the top of the Brie.
- Sprinkle nuts and fresh herbs (if using) over the sauce.
Step 3: Wrap the Cheese
- Fold the pastry up over the Brie, gathering and pressing the edges to seal. Trim excess pastry if needed.
- Flip the wrapped Brie over so the seam side is down.
Step 4: Egg Wash
- Beat the egg with 1 tbsp water and brush over the pastry for a golden finish.
Step 5: Bake
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
- Let the baked Brie rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to firm slightly while still staying gooey.
How to Serve
- Place the baked Brie on a platter with sliced baguette, crackers, or apple slices for dipping.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive touch.
- Serve warm so the cheese is melty and luscious.
Recipe Tips
- Seal tightly — make sure the puff pastry is sealed well to prevent cheese from leaking out.
- Chill before baking — for cleaner cuts, you can chill the wrapped Brie in the fridge for 15 minutes before baking.
- Work quickly — puff pastry softens when warm, so keep it cool until ready to use.
- Homemade cranberry sauce adds a fresh, tart flavor compared to store-bought.
Variations
- Fig Jam & Almonds: Replace cranberry sauce with fig jam and top with toasted almonds.
- Apple & Cinnamon Brie: Use thinly sliced apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
- Savory Herb Brie: Skip the cranberry and add garlic, herbs, and caramelized onions.
- Maple-Pecan Brie: Use maple syrup and toasted pecans for a sweet-salty twist.
- Mini Brie Bites: Use puff pastry squares with small Brie wedges for individual servings.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage (Refrigerator): Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.
- Freezing (Unbaked): You can assemble the Brie in puff pastry and freeze before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to the baking time.
- Freezing (Baked): Not recommended, as the cheese texture becomes grainy.
Special Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush (for egg wash)
- Rolling pin (optional, for puff pastry)
Conclusion
Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce and Puff Pastry is the definition of a festive appetizer: indulgent, elegant, and unforgettable. It combines creamy Brie, buttery pastry, and tangy cranberry sauce into one irresistible dish that’s as fun to share as it is delicious. With minimal effort and a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing centerpiece that elevates any gathering.
This is more than just a recipe — it’s a holiday tradition in the making. Once you serve it, it will become a requested favorite year after year.
Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce and Puff Pastry
Description
If you’re searching for the ultimate holiday appetizer that’s as elegant as it is delicious, look no further than Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce and Puff Pastry.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet slightly to remove creases.
-
Step 2: Assemble the Brie: Place the Brie round in the center of the pastry. Spread cranberry sauce over the top of the Brie. Sprinkle nuts and fresh herbs (if using) over the sauce.
-
Step 3: Wrap the Cheese: Fold the pastry up over the Brie, gathering and pressing the edges to seal. Trim excess pastry if needed. Flip the wrapped Brie over so the seam side is down.
-
Step 4: Egg Wash: Beat the egg with 1 tbsp water and brush over the pastry for a golden finish.
-
Step 5: Bake: Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown.
-
Step 6: Rest and Serve: Let the baked Brie rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to firm slightly while still staying gooey.
