Yields: 8-10 servings as an appetizer
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Recipe Intensity: Easy – This recipe is surprisingly simple and foolproof. The most complex step is wrapping the brie, which is a fun and forgiving process. Perfect for beginner entertainers.
Ingredients
For the Brie Assembly:
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1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
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1 (8 oz) wheel of brie cheese
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⅓ cup whole-berry cranberry sauce (homemade or high-quality store-bought)
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¼ cup pecans, roughly chopped and toasted
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1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
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1 egg, beaten (for the egg wash)
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1 tablespoon coarse sugar (like turbinado or demerara)
For the Quick Homemade Cranberry Sauce (Optional):
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1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
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¼ cup orange juice
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2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
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1 teaspoon orange zest
For Serving:
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Assorted crackers, sliced baguette, or apple slices
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This is crucial, as any melted cheese that escapes will be much easier to clean up!
If you are making the quick homemade cranberry sauce, combine the cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup, and orange zest in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool while you prepare the other components.
Step 2: Toast the Pecans
Place the chopped pecans in a small, dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and take on a slightly darker color. Be careful not to burn them! Transfer to a small bowl to cool. Toasting the pecans is a non-negotiable step—it unlocks their deep, buttery flavor and adds a crucial crunch.
Step 3: Roll and Prepare the Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll the thawed puff pastry sheet into a 12-inch square. This makes it more pliable and ensures you have enough pastry to fully envelop the brie. Place the wheel of brie in the center of the pastry.
Pro-Tip: Do not remove the rind from the brie! The rind is perfectly edible and helps the cheese hold its shape as it melts into a luscious, creamy pool.
Step 4: The Art of the Assembly
Spoon the cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought) onto the center of the brie wheel, spreading it evenly but leaving a ½-inch border around the edge. Sprinkle the toasted pecans and the fresh rosemary (if using) over the cranberry sauce.
Step 5: The Grand Wrap
Gently lift the edges of the puff pastry up and over the brie, gathering them at the top. You can simply twist the top to seal it for a rustic look, or for a more polished presentation, trim any excess pastry, then fold and pleat the edges neatly. Make sure the seams are well-pinched to seal in the cheese.
Flip the entire bundle over so the seam side is down on the prepared baking sheet. This ensures a smooth, beautiful top. You can use the excess pastry to cut out decorative shapes like leaves or holly berries, attaching them to the top with a dab of egg wash.
Step 6: Bake to Golden, Bubbly Perfection
Brush the entire surface of the puff pastry with the beaten egg. This will give it a beautiful, deep golden-brown and glossy finish. For a touch of sweet sparkle, sprinkle the top generously with the coarse sugar.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and a rich, golden brown. The kitchen will smell incredible.
Step 7: The Crucial Rest
Once out of the oven, let the baked brie rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This step is vital. It allows the molten cheese to set slightly, preventing a volcanic eruption when you cut into it and ensuring you get a perfect, creamy slice instead of a runny mess. The wait will be agonizing, but it is the key to a flawless presentation.
Transfer to a serving platter, surround with crackers and apple slices, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Please note: The following is an estimate based on the ingredients used and can vary significantly based on specific brands and portion sizes. It is provided for informational purposes only.
Serving Size: 1/10 of the recipe (without dippers)
Calories: ~245
Total Fat: 16g
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Saturated Fat: 6g
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Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g -
Dietary Fiber: 1g
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Sugars: 5g
Protein: 8g
Dietary Considerations: This is a rich, indulgent appetizer. For a lighter version, you can use a light brie cheese, though the texture may be less creamy. The dish is vegetarian. To make it gluten-free, use a certified gluten-free puff pastry.
Storing, Making Ahead, and Pro-Tips
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Storing Leftovers: Cover any leftover baked brie tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warm. The pastry will lose some of its flakiness but will still be delicious.
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The Ultimate Make-Ahead Appetizer: You can assemble the brie en croûte completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar just before it goes into the oven. You may need to add 3-5 minutes to the baking time since it will be going in cold.
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Don’t Fear the Rind: The white rind on brie is a bloomy, edible mold that is essential to the cheese’s character. It becomes soft and delicious when baked and helps contain the melted cheese.
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Prevent a Soggy Bottom: Using the parchment paper and a hot oven ensures the bottom pastry cooks through and becomes crisp, preventing a damp underside.
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Customize Your Toppings: This recipe is a perfect template for creativity.
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Savory Fig: Use fig jam and walnuts instead of cranberries and pecans.
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Apple Cinnamon: Sauté diced apples with a little butter and cinnamon, then use that as your filling.
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Spicy Honey: Drizzle the top with hot honey after baking for a sweet and spicy kick.
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The Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie en Croûte is more than a recipe; it’s a symbol of celebration. It’s the edible equivalent of lighting a candle and putting on a festive sweater. It brings people together, creates a moment of shared delight, and proves that the most impressive dishes are often the simplest to execute. With its stunning presentation and unforgettable flavor, this baked brie is guaranteed to become your go-to secret weapon for effortless entertaining.