Flaky golden puff pastry layered with creamy melted Brie, crunchy toasted pecans, sweet cranberry sauce, and drizzled generously with warm honey — an irresistible sweet and savory treat perfect for the holidays or any elegant gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honey Pecan and Brie Puff Pastry Stacks are the ideal blend of sweet and savory flavors, wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust. They are quick to prepare, elegant enough for special occasions, and can be customized easily with different toppings. Whether served as an appetizer or a festive snack, these stacks are guaranteed to impress your guests.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
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8 oz Brie cheese, sliced
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1/2 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
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1/3 cup cranberry sauce
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1/4 cup honey, plus more for drizzling
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1 tablespoon butter, melted
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Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Cut the puff pastry into 6 rectangles.
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Brush each rectangle lightly with melted butter.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and puffed. Let cool slightly.
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Layer one pastry rectangle with a handful of chopped pecans, a spoonful of cranberry sauce, and slices of Brie.
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Top with another piece of pastry and repeat if desired for a stacked look.
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Warm the honey slightly and drizzle generously over the top.
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Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 6 stacks. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, baking time is 10-12 minutes, and assembly takes an additional 5 minutes. In total, you can have these delightful stacks ready in about 25-30 minutes.
Variations
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Substitute the cranberry sauce with fig jam, apricot preserves, or raspberry compote for a different flavor profile.
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Add a sprinkle of sea salt over the honey drizzle for a sweet and salty contrast.
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Incorporate a layer of thinly sliced apples or pears for added freshness and crunch.
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Use walnuts or almonds in place of pecans if preferred.
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Infuse the honey with rosemary or thyme before drizzling for an herbaceous twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover puff pastry stacks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
What type of puff pastry should I use?
It is best to use high-quality all-butter puff pastry for the flakiest, richest flavor.
Can I prepare these stacks ahead of time?
You can bake the pastry rectangles ahead and assemble just before serving for the best texture.
What can I use instead of Brie cheese?
Camembert is a great alternative, offering a similar creamy texture and rich flavor.
How do I keep the puff pastry from becoming soggy?
Make sure the baked pastry cools slightly before layering and avoid overloading with too much cranberry sauce.
Is it necessary to toast the pecans?
Toasting brings out the natural oils and enhances the nutty flavor, making it highly recommended.
Can I freeze the assembled stacks?
It is not recommended to freeze assembled stacks, as the texture of the puff pastry may suffer.
What if I don’t have cranberry sauce?
You can substitute with another fruit preserve like fig jam, raspberry preserves, or even a homemade berry compote.
Can I use pre-made puff pastry shells?
Yes, pre-made puff pastry shells can work well; simply fill them instead of layering.
How do I warm the honey for drizzling?
Warm the honey gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or on the stovetop over low heat.
How can I make this dish look more festive?
Add a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds and a few extra thyme sprigs before serving for a beautiful, festive touch.
Conclusion
Honey Pecan and Brie Puff Pastry Stacks combine rich, buttery pastry with creamy cheese, sweet and tart cranberry sauce, crunchy pecans, and luscious honey for an unforgettable flavor experience. Perfect for holiday gatherings, special celebrations, or anytime you crave an elegant yet easy treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite addition to your entertaining repertoire.
Print
Honey Pecan and Brie Puff Pastry Stacks
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 stacks
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking, Assembly
- Cuisine: French-inspired, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Honey Pecan and Brie Puff Pastry Stacks are a decadent sweet-and-savory appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry, creamy melted Brie, crunchy toasted pecans, and luscious cranberry sauce, all drizzled with warm honey. Perfect for holidays, elegant parties, or any festive gathering!
Ingredients
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1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
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8 oz Brie cheese, sliced
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1/2 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
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1/3 cup cranberry sauce
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1/4 cup honey, plus more for drizzling
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1 tablespoon butter, melted
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Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Cut the puff pastry into 6 rectangles.
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Brush each rectangle lightly with melted butter.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden and puffed. Let cool slightly.
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Layer one pastry rectangle with a handful of chopped pecans, a spoonful of cranberry sauce, and slices of Brie.
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Top with another piece of pastry and repeat if desired for a stacked look.
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Warm the honey slightly and drizzle generously over the top.
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Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and serve warm.
Notes
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Brie can be replaced with Camembert for a slightly different flavor.
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Add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top to enhance the sweet-salty contrast.
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Use fig jam or apricot preserves instead of cranberry sauce for variation.
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Serve immediately for best melty texture and freshness.
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