Save 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.
I discovered this recipe while looking for a vegetarian appetizer that would impress guests without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Brie cheese: 1 whole wheel (approx. 8 oz / 225 g)
- Puff pastry: 1 sheet, thawed
- Cranberry sauce: 3 tablespoons (whole berry or jam)
- Toasted pecans: 2 tablespoons, roughly chopped
- Egg: 1, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh rosemary: 1 tablespoon, finely chopped (optional)
- Honey: 1 tablespoon (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare pastry:
- 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.
- Assemble filling:
- Place the brie in the center of the pastry. Spread cranberry sauce on top of the brie and sprinkle with toasted pecans.
- Shape pastry:
- 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.
- Brush egg wash:
- Carefully transfer the wrapped brie to the prepared baking sheet. Brush all over with beaten egg.
- Add toppings:
- Sprinkle with chopped rosemary if using, and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and drizzle:
- Cool for 10 minutes. Optionally, drizzle with honey before serving.
- Serve:
- Serve warm with crackers, apple slices, or fresh bread.
Save This recipe has become a holiday tradition in my family, bringing everyone together around the table to enjoy its festive look and delightful taste.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the baked brie with sparkling wine or a dry white wine for a festive pairing.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (brie cheese), egg, gluten (puff pastry), and tree nuts (pecans). For nut allergies, omit pecans. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 230 calories, 14 g total fat, 17 g carbohydrates, 7 g protein.
Save This brie en croûte is sure to impress your guests and add warmth to your holiday celebrations.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of cheese is used?
A whole wheel of brie cheese provides a creamy, mild base that melts beautifully under the pastry.
- → How is the pine tree shape created?
The puff pastry is cut into a large triangle and decorated with smaller pastry pieces to resemble pine branches, folding it over the brie.
- → Can the cranberry sauce be substituted?
Yes, fig or apricot preserves can be used as alternative fillings for a different flavor profile.
- → How do toasted pecans affect the dish?
Toasted pecans add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the creamy brie and tart cranberry sauce.
- → What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve warm with crackers, apple slices, or fresh bread, and consider pairing with sparkling or dry white wine for a festive touch.