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.
This elegant Brie en Croûte has become my go-to holiday starter. Guests always admire the pine tree shape, and it tastes even better than it looks.
Ingredients
- Dairy: 1 whole wheel of brie cheese (approx. 8 oz / 225 g)
- Pastry: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- Filling: 3 tablespoons cranberry sauce (whole berry or jam), 2 tablespoons toasted pecans, roughly chopped
- Topping: 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash), 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional), 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- 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.
- Step 3:
- Place the brie in the center of the pastry. Spread cranberry sauce on top of the brie and sprinkle with toasted pecans.
- Step 4:
- 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.
- Step 5:
- Carefully transfer the wrapped brie to the prepared baking sheet. Brush all over with beaten egg.
- Step 6:
- Sprinkle with chopped rosemary if using, and bake for 20 25 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown and crisp.
- Step 7:
- Cool for 10 minutes. Optionally, drizzle with honey before serving.
- Step 8:
- Serve warm with crackers, apple slices, or fresh bread.
Save Nothing brings family together like sharing this festive cheese treat during the holidays, creating joyful memories around the table.
Notes
Serve with sparkling wine or a dry white wine for a festive pairing. Allergen info: contains dairy, egg, gluten, and tree nuts. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, parchment paper, sharp knife, pastry brush
Nutritional Information
Calories per serving: 230. Total Fat: 14 g. Carbohydrates: 17 g. Protein: 7 g.
Save This Brie en Croûte is sure to impress with its taste and appearance, making your holiday gathering truly special.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What kind of cheese is best for this dish?
A whole wheel of soft brie cheese is ideal for its creamy texture and melting ability inside the pastry.
- → Can I substitute the cranberry sauce?
Yes, fig or apricot preserves work well as alternatives, adding a different sweet and tangy profile.
- → How do I shape the puff pastry like a pine tree?
Cut a large triangle from the dough for the main shape and use leftover scraps to create small triangular branches for decoration.
- → What is the baking temperature and time?
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
- → Are there any allergy considerations?
This dish contains dairy, eggs, gluten, and tree nuts. Pecan nuts can be omitted to reduce nut allergies.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can assemble it ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving to ensure freshness and crisp pastry.