This tasty treat features creamy brie cheese, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans all wrapped up in flaky puff pastry. It’s simply irresistible for any holiday party!
Honestly, who can resist warm cheese? I love to serve it with crackers so everyone can enjoy cheesy bites. It just brings the whole table together, doesn’t it? 🧀🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brie Cheese: This creamy cheese is key for a gooey center. If you’re looking for a lighter option, camembert works well too. For a non-dairy substitute, consider a nut-based cheese.
Puff Pastry: Puff pastry creates that delightful flaky texture. You can swap it for phyllo dough for a different crunch, though baking times might vary. Make sure to layer it properly with butter to avoid drying.
Dried Cranberries: Use dried cherries or even raisins if cranberries aren’t available. I find that cherries add a nice tartness, which balances the cheese nicely.
Pecans: If you’re not a fan of pecans, walnuts or almonds will do just fine. I love the flavor of walnuts since they add earthiness to the dish.
What’s the Best Way to Handle Puff Pastry?
Handling puff pastry can be tricky, but it’s essential for achieving that perfect golden crust. Here are some tips to get it just right:
- Keep the pastry cold. Warm pastry can become sticky and hard to shape. If it gets too warm, pop it back into the fridge for a few minutes.
- Roll it out gently on a floured surface. Aim for about ¼ inch thickness for best results.
- Seal it well. After placing the Brie and filling, gather the edges and pinch tightly to ensure no filling leaks during baking.
- Don’t skip the egg wash. Brushing the pastry with egg gives it that beautiful shiny finish.
Following these steps will help your puff pastry turn out perfectly golden and flaky every time!
Cranberry Pecan Brie Wrapped In Puff Pastry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brie:
- 1 wheel (8 oz) of Brie cheese
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
For the Filling:
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/3 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
For the Assembly:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
- Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful appetizer will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll be looking at around 40 minutes before serving this gooey, cheesy treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze.
2. Mix the Filling:
In a small bowl, combine the chopped dried cranberries, roughly chopped pecans, and brown sugar. Give it a good stir to mix everything and set aside.
3. Roll Out the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry until it’s about ¼ inch thick. This helps ensure it wraps nicely around your Brie!
4. Assemble Your Dish:
Now, place the wheel of Brie right in the center of the rolled-out pastry. Spoon that delicious cranberry and pecan mixture over the top of the Brie.
5. Wrap It Up:
Fold the edges of the puff pastry up and over the Brie. You might want to trim any excess pastry, but be sure to pinch the edges firmly to create a good seal.
6. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the wrapped Brie to your prepared baking sheet with the seam side down. In a small bowl, beat the egg and brush it over the puff pastry to give it a nice golden finish when baked.
7. Make Vent Slits:
Using a sharp knife, make a few small slits on top of the pastry to allow steam to escape during baking. This will help it cook evenly!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, and you’ll know it’s almost time to eat!
9. Cool and Garnish:
Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes to avoid burns (can’t wait to dig in!). Optionally, garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs and some extra pecans.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm, gooey Cranberry Pecan Brie with crackers or slices of baguette for dipping. Enjoy this perfect party appetizer that everyone will love!
This recipe delivers a luscious blend of creamy Brie, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans, all encased in flaky puff pastry — it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering!
Can I Use Fresh Cranberries Instead of Dried?
While fresh cranberries can be used, they are much more tart! You might want to mix them with some sugar or honey to sweeten them up, as the dried cranberries add that perfect balance of sweetness for the dish.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a warm oven (around 350°F or 175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until the pastry is warm and the Brie is melty again.
Can I Freeze This Dish Before Baking?
Definitely! You can wrap the assembled Brie tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. When you’re ready to bake, just remove it from the freezer and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What Other Nuts Could I Substitute for Pecans?
If you don’t have pecans, walnuts or sliced almonds are great alternatives! Both will add a nice crunch and unique flavor profile to complement the Brie and cranberries.
