There’s something magical about warm, gooey Brie wrapped in flaky, golden pastry. Add a sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and you’ve got a show-stopping appetizer that’s as easy to make as it is impressive. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer! Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy nights in, or whenever you need a little bite of indulgence, this Baked Brie Cranberry Pastry is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Baked Brie Cranberry Pastry
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Versatile: A great addition to any occasion, whether it’s a festive celebration or a casual wine night.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses just a handful of ingredients that are easy to find.
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and only a few simple steps.
- Customizable: Play around with different jams, nuts, or even a drizzle of honey.
- Crowd-Pleasing: It’s nearly impossible to resist the combination of melty cheese and flaky pastry.
Ingredients in Baked Brie Cranberry Pastry
Here’s what makes this dish absolutely irresistible:
- Brie Cheese: The creamy, melty heart of the dish. Choose a wheel that fits comfortably inside your pastry.
- Puff Pastry: Buttery and flaky, it bakes to golden perfection.
- Cranberry Sauce: Sweet and tangy, it perfectly complements the richness of the Brie.
- Egg Wash: A quick brush of egg wash gives the pastry that irresistible golden shine.
- Optional Additions: Chopped nuts for crunch, honey for extra sweetness, or fresh rosemary for a touch of herbaceous flavor.
How to Make Baked Brie Cranberry Pastry
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your pastry bakes evenly to golden perfection.
- Prepare the Pastry: Roll out your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. If it’s too stiff, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
- Assemble the Brie: Place the Brie wheel in the center of the pastry. Spoon the cranberry sauce on top, then fold the pastry over, sealing it tightly.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Beat an egg and brush it over the pastry for that beautiful golden color.
- Bake to Perfection: Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let it sit for a few minutes before slicing in—it’s hard to wait, but trust me, it’s worth it!
How to Serve Baked Brie Cranberry Pastry
- With Crackers: Pair it with a mix of buttery and crispy crackers.
- With Fresh Fruit: Sliced apples or pears complement the rich Brie beautifully.
- With Nuts: A sprinkle of toasted walnuts or pecans adds a delicious crunch.
- With a Glass of Wine: A crisp white wine or a light red pairs beautifully with this dish.
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: Assemble the pastry-wrapped Brie ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Spice It Up: Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cranberry sauce for extra warmth.
- Dietary Adjustments: Swap the puff pastry for a gluten-free version if needed.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.
- Double the Batch: This recipe disappears quickly—consider making two!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A1: Yes! Camembert is a great alternative if you want a similar creamy texture.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Wrap the Brie in pastry, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
Q3: How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?
A3: Try chilling the wrapped Brie for 10 minutes before baking to firm up the pastry.
Q4: Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
A4: Of course! A homemade sauce with fresh cranberries and a touch of orange zest is fantastic.
Q5: Can I add nuts inside the pastry?
A5: Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a great crunchy contrast.
Q6: How do I reheat leftovers?
A6: Pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Q7: Can I freeze it?
A7: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it before baking. Just bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Q8: Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?
A8: Yes, but keep in mind that phyllo is much thinner, so you may need multiple layers.
Q9: What can I serve with this besides crackers?
A9: Try sliced baguette, toasted pita, or even crunchy crostini.
Q10: Can I add honey?
A10: Definitely! A drizzle of honey right before serving adds a lovely touch of sweetness.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—Baked Brie Cranberry Pastry in all its warm, melty glory! Whether you’re serving it up at a holiday party or enjoying it as a simple yet elegant treat at home, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out. Happy baking!
PrintBaked Brie Cranberry Pastry
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 brie bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: FRENCH
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Brie Cranberry Puff Pastry bites are the perfect holiday appetizer! Flaky, buttery puff pastry is filled with creamy brie and tangy cranberry sauce, then topped with crunchy pecans and fragrant rosemary. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for an easy dinner recipe, these brie bites are an elegant and delicious homemade recipe that’s sure to impress. Try this healthy recipe for an easy and quick dinner idea or a festive snack.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed in fridge overnight
- 4 oz brie (triple cream if possible)
- 1/2 cup prepared cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt
- 2 sprigs rosemary, cut into 24 small sprigs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray muffin pans with nonstick cooking spray. Use two 12-count muffin pans or one 24-count muffin pan.
- Dice the brie into 24 equal-sized pieces (about 1″) and place them in the freezer for 20 minutes while preparing the other ingredients.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a 10×14″ rectangle and cut it into 24 equal squares.
- Press each puff pastry square into a muffin pan cavity. Pierce the bottoms with a fork a few times.
- Place one brie square in each puff pastry cup. Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce, then sprinkle with sea salt and pecans.
- Place the muffin pan on a baking sheet to catch any spillage. Bake for 20 minutes.
- If the brie bubbles over, use a spoon to push it back into place while still pliable.
- Once cooled slightly, top with a sprig of rosemary. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans.
- For extra sweetness, drizzle with honey before serving.
- If using a single 12-count muffin pan, bake in batches.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brie bite
- Calories: 85 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 12mg