This Cranberry Pecan Brie wrapped in flaky puff pastry is the perfect appetizer for any gathering. It’s warm, cheesy, and topped with sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans!
I love how fancy it looks, but it’s super easy to make. Just wrap the brie, bake it, and watch everyone gather around your delicious creation! Who doesn’t love cheese? 🧀❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This flaky pastry creates a perfect outer layer. You can also use phyllo dough if that’s what you have, but it will be a bit less sturdy. Just layer the phyllo and brush with butter for a similar effect!
Brie Cheese: The star of this dish! If you can’t find Brie, Camembert is a great substitute. It has a similar creamy texture and flavor—both will melt beautifully.
Dried Cranberries: For a twist, try using dried cherries or apricots. They provide a unique sweetness and flavor, and they still pair great with cheese.
Pecans: Almonds or walnuts work well too! They’ll give a different crunch and taste, but they’ll still complement the cheese nicely.
How to Achieve Perfectly Brown Puff Pastry?
To get that beautiful golden color on your puff pastry, it’s all about the egg wash. This step not only adds shine but also helps the pastry brown nicely.
- Whisk 1 egg with a tablespoon of water until well combined.
- Brush it gently over the pastry edges before baking.
- Avoid getting it on the cheese filling as it could seal it too tightly.
Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. This is key for puff pastry to rise and get that flaky texture!
Cranberry Pecan Brie Wrapped In Puff Pastry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese (about 8 ounces)
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup pecans, chopped
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs and fresh cranberries for garnish (optional)
- Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful appetizer takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 25 minutes to bake, making a total time of about 35 minutes. It’s quick and easy to put together, plus it will impress your guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper so your pastry won’t stick.
2. Mix the Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the dried cranberries, chopped pecans, honey, and chopped fresh rosemary (if you’re using it). Mix everything together until it’s well combined, then set this tasty mixture aside for a moment.
3. Roll Out the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, take your sheet of puff pastry and roll it out slightly to make it even and smooth out any creases. This will help it cook evenly.
4. Place and Top the Brie:
Put the wheel of Brie right in the center of the pastry. Then, take your cranberry-pecan mixture and generously spoon it over the center of the Brie.
5. Wrap it Up:
Gently fold the edges of the puff pastry upwards and around the Brie to partially cover it. Feel free to leave the cranberry-pecan topping exposed for a nice presentation, or wrap it completely if you prefer.
6. Apply the Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water to create your egg wash. Brush this mixture over the exposed pastry edges to give it a lovely color when it bakes.
7. Bake the Brie:
Carefully place your wrapped Brie on the prepared baking sheet. Pop it in the preheated oven and let it bake for 20-25 minutes, or until you see the puff pastry turn a lovely deep golden brown and puff up nicely.
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Finish by garnishing with some fresh rosemary sprigs and a few whole cranberries for that festive touch.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm Cranberry Pecan Brie with crackers or slices of baguette, and watch everyone enjoy the melty goodness topped with delicious cranberries and pecans. It’s a hit every time!
Enjoy this beautiful and delicious warm appetizer!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Brie is traditional, you can substitute it with Camembert or even a softer goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the cheese melts nicely!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Rosemary?
No problem! You can leave it out, or substitute with dried rosemary if that’s what you have on hand. Just use a smaller amount as dried herbs are more potent than fresh.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the wrapped Brie and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Bake it straight from the fridge; it may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, as microwaving may make the pastry soggy.