Introduction
When the holidays or special gatherings roll around, there’s nothing quite like an elegant, crowd-pleasing appetizer to kick off the festivities. This Cranberry Pecan Brie Wrapped in Flaky Puff Pastry is the perfect dish to impress your guests while being surprisingly easy to prepare. With the sweet-tart cranberry sauce, crunchy toasted pecans, and creamy brie, all wrapped in golden, crispy puff pastry, this appetizer is a true celebration of flavors and textures.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or attending a potluck, this baked brie will steal the spotlight. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This baked brie wrapped in puff pastry is not only delicious but also versatile. The homemade cranberry sauce adds a fresh, tangy-sweet balance to the rich, creamy brie, while the toasted pecans provide a satisfying crunch. Puff pastry bakes up golden and crispy, making every bite a perfect combination of soft, creamy, sweet, and crunchy.
With minimal prep time and just a few ingredients, you can have this sophisticated appetizer ready to impress your guests without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients
For the Cranberry Sauce:
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- ½ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- A pinch of sea salt
For the Brie:
- 1 sheet of thawed puff pastry
- 8-12 ounce wheel of brie cheese
- â…” cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
- Coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
Directions
1. Make the Cranberry Sauce
Start by preparing the cranberry sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of fresh cranberries, ½ cup of orange juice, ¼ cup of maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
Once it reaches a boil, let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will burst, and the mixture will thicken into a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and allow the cranberry sauce to cool slightly before assembling the brie.
2. Prepare the Brie and Puff Pastry
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the sheet of thawed puff pastry onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If the pastry sheet feels stiff, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes until pliable.
Place the wheel of brie cheese in the center of the puff pastry. If you prefer a softer and meltier interior, carefully remove some of the rind from the top of the brie, leaving the sides and bottom intact. This step is optional but can make the brie creamier as it bakes.
3. Assemble the Brie
Once the brie is in place, spoon the cranberry sauce onto the top of the cheese, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the â…” cup of chopped toasted pecans over the cranberry sauce for added texture and flavor.
Carefully fold the corners of the puff pastry up and over the brie, overlapping them in the center. Press gently to seal the pastry. The idea is to enclose the brie entirely, creating a neat little package.
4. Brush with Egg and Bake
In a small bowl, beat one egg with a tablespoon of water. Brush the puff pastry with the beaten egg to give it a shiny, golden finish as it bakes. For extra texture and a beautiful presentation, sprinkle a little coarse sugar over the pastry.
Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake the brie for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.
5. Serve
Once the puff pastry is perfectly golden, remove the baked brie from the oven. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the brie set slightly while still remaining gooey and melty inside.
Serve warm with your favorite crackers, sliced bread, or fresh fruit. You can even enjoy it straight with a spoon for a decadent treat!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan for the cranberry sauce
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Small bowl for the egg wash
- Pastry brush for brushing the egg wash on the puff pastry
Tips for Success
- Puff Pastry: Make sure your puff pastry is thawed but still cold when working with it. If it gets too warm, it can become difficult to handle and lose its flaky texture when baked.
- Cranberry Sauce: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought cranberry sauce, though making your own adds a fresh, vibrant flavor that pairs beautifully with the brie.
- Pecans: Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and gives them an extra crunch. Simply toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, then chop and sprinkle on the brie.
Recipe Swaps and Variations
- Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans or have a nut allergy, you can swap them for almonds, walnuts, or simply omit them. Sunflower or pumpkin seeds also make a great crunchy alternative.
- Cheese: If you’re looking to switch things up, camembert or triple-cream cheeses can be substituted for brie.
- Fruit Sauce: Feel free to change the fruit sauce depending on what’s in season. Fig jam, apricot preserves, or even a simple honey drizzle can make wonderful alternatives to cranberry sauce.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the baked brie in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Food and Drink Pairings
This Cranberry Pecan Brie Wrapped in Flaky Puff Pastry pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or a light sparkling wine like Prosecco. For non-alcoholic options, try serving it with sparkling water infused with a splash of orange juice or iced herbal tea.
Pair it with slices of apple, pear, or grapes for added freshness and sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make this baked brie ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the brie with the cranberry sauce and puff pastry, then refrigerate it for up to 1 day before baking. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
Q: Can I freeze baked brie?
A: Freezing baked brie is not recommended, as the puff pastry may lose its flaky texture and the brie may become watery when thawed.
Q: What can I serve with baked brie?
A: Baked brie is delicious with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh fruit like apple slices or grapes. You can also serve it with dried fruits like figs or apricots for added sweetness.
Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Filet Mignon with Shrimp and Lobster Cream Sauce recipe.
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Cranberry Pecan Brie Wrapped in Flaky Puff Pastry
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
Decadent brie cheese paired with cranberries and pecans, wrapped in flaky puff pastry. A perfect holiday appetizer or party snack. Ready to impress!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings