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When I break out this Cranberry Brie in Pastry at get-togethers, everyone crowds around with hungry looks and ready forks. I stumbled onto this fancy-looking starter when trying to jazz up plain brie years back, and now it's my go-to holiday treat. The second that crisp, golden crust breaks open to show the gooey cheese and sweet cranberry inside, you'll hear nothing but happy murmurs.
What Makes This Dish So Wonderful
As someone who throws parties but hates complicated cooking, this dish has come to my rescue many times. The beauty is how a handful of simple things turn into something that looks super impressive. When friends ask where I learned to cook like this, I just grin knowing it only took a few minutes to put together.
What You'll Need
- Brie cheese: One round of creamy brie forms the heart of this appetizer.
- Puff pastry: Get defrosted store-bought puff pastry for that airy, crispy shell.
- Cranberry sauce: Try making your own cranberry sauce for extra depth of taste.
- Pecans: Broken pecan pieces add delightful crunch and earthy flavor.
- Egg wash: A blend of egg yolk with water to create that beautiful shine.
How to Make Cranberry Brie Wrapped in Puff Pastry
- Serve
- Give it a moment to cool slightly before offering it with tasty crackers or toasted bread slices.
- Garnish
- If you want: Decorate with tiny leaf shapes cut from extra pastry for a pretty touch.
- Bake
- Cook in a hot oven until the wrapper turns golden and flaky, around 20-25 minutes.
- Apply the Egg Wash
- Paint the wrapped cheese with egg wash so it'll brown nicely while baking.
- Assemble the Brie
- Put the brie on the pastry, spread cranberry sauce on top, sprinkle with pecan pieces. Fold pastry over everything, making sure all edges stick together.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Let pastry sheets warm up on the counter for about 40 minutes. During this time, you can get other dishes ready or take a break!
Helpful Hints
- Make It Pretty: Try using tiny cookie cutters to make cute shapes on the pastry for extra style.
- What Goes With It: Put out firm crackers, fresh grapes, sliced fruit, crunchy toast points, or mixed nuts to build a full cheese spread.
- Other Nuts to Try: No pecans? Don't worry, walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds work great too.
- Better Pecans: Give your pecans a quick toast in a pan before using them for bigger flavor.
Foods That Go Great With Cranberry Brie in Pastry
In my home I like setting up small snack boards around this warm brie. A couple fresh figs some sliced apples and maybe a bit of local honey really make it special. During Christmas time I'll toss in a few sugared cranberries for a pretty sparkle that brings everything together.
Keeping Leftovers
Though this snack rarely lasts long enough at my parties to worry about extras if you do have some stick it in a sealed container in the fridge. I've found heating it up slowly in a 350°F oven brings back some of that outer crunch. Just know the pastry won't be quite as light as when first baked but it still tastes amazing.
Getting Ready Ahead of Time
Throwing parties taught me how much advance work matters. I often put this together the evening before covering it well with plastic wrap to stay cold until party day. When friends show up I just stick it in the oven and let those wonderful smells fill my house. That's my trick for stress-free hosting.
Making It Your Own
Through the years I've tried so many different versions. Sometimes I'll use fig jam in fall or add slow-cooked onions for a savory spin. Fresh herbs from outside like rosemary or thyme stuck into the pastry smell incredible while cooking. You can really do anything with this!
Why This Pastry Brie Will Win You Over
This dish means so much to me. It's shown up at so many family gatherings making memories with every buttery bite. The way the cheese melts into the tart cranberries the flaky crust breaking apart as you dig in it's just wonderful. And here's the best thing it looks like you worked forever but it's actually super easy to make.
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Common Questions
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
- You can put together the wrapped brie early and store it in your fridge until you're ready to bake. Just add the egg wash right before it goes in the oven for the best look.
- → What can I serve with this baked brie?
- It goes great with firm crackers, crunchy toast pieces, sliced apples, or bunches of grapes. Nuts and other cheese board goodies work well alongside it too.
- → Can I use different nuts?
- Sure, swap out pecans for walnuts, hazelnuts, or even almonds if you want. You can also skip the nuts completely if that's what you prefer.
- → How do I know when it's done?
- After about 18-20 minutes, the outside should be golden and flaky. When you cut into it, the cheese inside will be warm and gooey.
- → Can I use this recipe year-round?
- Though it's great during the holidays, this snack works for any party or gathering all year long. It's even nice for a cozy family movie night at home.