A decadent and irresistible appetizer, Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie en Croûte features a wheel of creamy Brie cheese wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry, filled with sweet-tart cranberry sauce and crunchy pecans. Perfect as a stunning centerpiece for festive gatherings, this elegant dish pairs rich flavors with a beautiful presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie en Croûte is a show-stopping appetizer that is surprisingly easy to prepare. The combination of gooey, melted Brie, sweet cranberries, and buttery pastry creates an unforgettable flavor and texture experience. It is ideal for holiday entertaining, dinner parties, or whenever you want to impress guests with minimal effort. Versatile and customizable, this baked Brie can easily be adapted with different nuts, jams, or herbs to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese (8 oz)
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
- Extra pecans and cranberries for serving
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lay the puff pastry sheet flat on a lightly floured surface.
- Place the Brie wheel in the center of the pastry.
- Top the Brie with cranberry sauce and sprinkle the chopped pecans over it.
- Fold the pastry up and over the Brie, sealing it completely, and press gently to secure.
- Brush the outside of the pastry with the beaten egg to create a glossy finish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Allow the baked Brie to cool for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a serving plate.
- Garnish with fresh thyme and scatter extra pecans and cranberries around the plate if desired.
- Serve warm with crackers or sliced baguette.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 6-8 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Substitute the cranberry sauce with raspberry jam, fig spread, or apricot preserves for different flavor profiles.
- Use walnuts, almonds, or pistachios in place of pecans.
- Add a few sprigs of rosemary or thyme inside the pastry for a herby aroma.
- Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg over the cranberry sauce for a hint of warmth.
- Wrap the Brie with an additional layer of pastry for an extra flaky crust.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the baked Brie in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the Brie in the pastry, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Should I remove the rind from the Brie?
No, the rind is edible and helps hold the cheese together as it melts.
Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
Absolutely, homemade cranberry sauce adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
What if I do not have puff pastry?
You can substitute with crescent roll dough, although the texture will be slightly different.
How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?
Make sure the cranberry sauce is not too watery, and bake the pastry until fully golden and crisp.
Can I use a different cheese?
Brie is traditional, but Camembert also works well with this preparation.
How long should I let it cool before serving?
Allow the baked Brie to cool for about 5-10 minutes so the cheese does not spill out excessively when cut.
What sides pair well with baked Brie?
Serve with crackers, baguette slices, apple slices, or even spiced nuts for a perfect pairing.
Can I freeze baked Brie en croûte?
It is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the assembled, unbaked Brie wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to one month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I make individual portions?
Yes, use smaller Brie wheels or cut a large wheel into portions and wrap individually with pastry.
Conclusion
Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie en Croûte is a timeless appetizer that combines simplicity with sophistication. With its warm, melty cheese, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans all enveloped in a buttery, golden pastry, it is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Easy to customize and beautifully presented, it is the perfect way to start any festive meal or gathering.
Print
Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie en Croûte
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Party Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Elevate your holiday table with this Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie en Croûte — a luscious, creamy Brie wrapped in flaky pastry, filled with sweet-tart cranberry sauce and crunchy pecans, creating an irresistible, elegant appetizer perfect for festive gatherings! Keyword: cranberry pecan baked brie en croûte
Ingredients
-
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
-
1 wheel of Brie cheese (8 oz)
-
1/2 cup cranberry sauce
-
1/4 cup chopped pecans
-
1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
-
Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
-
Extra pecans and cranberries for serving
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Lay the puff pastry sheet flat on a lightly floured surface.
-
Place the Brie wheel in the center of the pastry.
-
Top the Brie with the cranberry sauce and sprinkle the chopped pecans over it.
-
Fold the pastry up and over the Brie, sealing it completely, and press gently to secure.
-
Brush the outside of the pastry with the beaten egg.
-
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
-
Allow to cool for 5–10 minutes before transferring to a serving plate.
-
Garnish with fresh thyme and extra pecans and cranberries around the plate if desired.
-
Serve warm with crackers or sliced baguette.
Notes
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You can use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce for convenience.
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For an extra twist, add a tablespoon of honey or a few fresh rosemary leaves inside before wrapping.
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Letting the Brie rest for a few minutes before cutting ensures it doesn’t ooze out too quickly.
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