Introduction
Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce and Puff Pastry is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make. Imagine creamy, melty brie cheese wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry, topped with sweet-tart cranberry sauce. It’s warm, rich, and elegant — the perfect appetizer for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or even a cozy night in with a glass of wine.
The contrast of textures and flavors — buttery pastry, gooey cheese, and the tang of cranberries — makes this dish unforgettable. Serve it with crackers, sliced baguette, or even fresh fruit, and watch it disappear in minutes.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s a showstopper without being complicated. Guests always think it took hours to prepare, but in reality, it requires just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep. I also love the versatility — you can swap cranberry sauce with fig jam, apricot preserves, or even savory toppings like caramelized onions.
It’s the kind of appetizer that brings people together, as everyone gathers around to share the warm, gooey cheese.
Why This is a Must-Try Dish
- Elegant yet easy — perfect for entertaining.
- Crowd-pleaser — creamy cheese + pastry + cranberry is universally loved.
- Festive — ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s gatherings.
- Versatile — you can change the filling to match your mood or occasion.
- Make-ahead friendly — easy to prep ahead and bake fresh before serving.
Preparation & Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6–8 servings
- Calories per Serving: ~280 kcal
Cuisine & Course
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Course: Appetizer / Starter
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1 wheel of brie cheese (8 oz / 225 g)
- ¼ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water
- Optional garnish: fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs
Simple Cooking Directions
- Roll out puff pastry.
- Place brie in center and top with cranberry sauce.
- Fold pastry around brie and seal.
- Brush with egg wash.
- Bake until golden brown and serve warm.
Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation
Step 1: Prep the Puff Pastry
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out puff pastry slightly on a lightly floured surface.
Step 2: Assemble
- Place brie wheel in the center of the pastry.
- Spoon cranberry sauce on top of the brie.
- Fold pastry over the cheese, pressing seams together to seal.
- Place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Egg Wash
- Beat egg with 1 tbsp water.
- Brush over the pastry for a glossy finish.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until puff pastry is golden brown.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving (to avoid molten cheese overflow).
How to Serve
- Serve warm on a platter with sliced baguette, crackers, apple slices, or grapes.
- Garnish with fresh herbs for a festive touch.
- Place a small knife or spreader nearby so guests can cut into the cheesy center.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Chill brie briefly before wrapping to make it easier to handle.
- Pinch pastry seams tightly to prevent leaks.
- Place brie on parchment paper before baking for easy cleanup.
- Let it cool slightly before cutting — the cheese will still be gooey but less runny.
Variations
- Jam Swap: Use fig jam, apricot preserves, or raspberry jam instead of cranberry sauce.
- Nutty Brie: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of cranberry before wrapping.
- Savory Version: Add caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms instead of jam.
- Mini Brie Bites: Use small brie rounds or cut brie wedges wrapped in puff pastry squares.
Freezing & Storage
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
- Freezing (unbaked): Assemble brie in puff pastry, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to cooking time.
- Freezing (baked): Not recommended, as texture may suffer.
Special Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin (optional, for puff pastry)
- Pastry brush (for egg wash)
- Small serving knife or spreader
Conclusion
Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce and Puff Pastry is the ultimate elegant yet effortless appetizer. Its creamy, melty brie paired with sweet-tart cranberries and buttery pastry makes it perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply when you want to impress with minimal effort. With its versatility and ease, this is a recipe you’ll come back to year after year.
Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce and Puff Pastry
Description
Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce and Puff Pastry is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make. Imagine creamy, melty brie cheese wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry, topped with sweet-tart cranberry sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Step 1: Prep the Puff Pastry : Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out puff pastry slightly on a lightly floured surface.
-
Step 2: Assemble : Place brie wheel in the center of the pastry. Spoon cranberry sauce on top of the brie. Fold pastry over the cheese, pressing seams together to seal. Place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
-
Step 3: Egg Wash : Beat egg with 1 tbsp water.Brush over the pastry for a glossy finish.
-
Step 4: Bake : Bake for 25–30 minutes until puff pastry is golden brown. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving (to avoid molten cheese overflow).
