Save to Pins 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 has become my go-to festive appetizer that impresses guests every time with its beautiful presentation and delicious 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
- 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 Pins This recipe brings my family together during holidays, making gatherings extra special with its festive look and taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with crackers, apple slices, or fresh bread for a perfect appetizer experience.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (brie cheese), egg, gluten (puff pastry), and tree nuts (pecans). For nut allergies, omit pecans and check ingredient labels carefully.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days. Reheat gently to preserve pastry texture.
Save to Pins This Brie en Croûte will be the star of your holiday table and a delightful treat for all your guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of cheese is used in this dish?
This dish uses a whole wheel of creamy brie cheese to create a rich, melt-in-your-mouth center wrapped in puff pastry.
- → Can I prepare this appetizer ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the wrapped brie and refrigerate it until ready to bake, but bake just before serving for best texture.
- → Are there alternatives to cranberry sauce for fillings?
Absolutely. Fig or apricot preserves make excellent substitutes that add different sweet and tangy notes.
- → What is the baking temperature and time?
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until the puff pastry is golden brown and crisp.
- → How can I decorate the pastry for a pine tree effect?
Use leftover puff pastry scraps to cut small triangles or strips that resemble branches, then attach them to the main pastry before baking.
- → Is this suitable for nut allergies?
You can omit the toasted pecans to make the dish safe for those with nut allergies.