Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce and Puff Pastry is the ultimate holiday appetizer — elegant, indulgent, and irresistibly gooey. It features a wheel of creamy Brie cheese wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry, baked until the cheese inside is perfectly melted and luscious. When you cut into it, the warm cheese flows out beautifully, mingling with the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce.
This appetizer is the epitome of festive sophistication, yet it’s delightfully simple to make. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, a Thanksgiving dinner, or a cozy winter gathering, this baked brie will be the star of your table.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between elegance and simplicity. It looks and tastes like something you’d find in a fine restaurant, but it’s actually effortless to prepare. The combination of creamy Brie, flaky pastry, and tart cranberry sauce is pure perfection — it’s rich yet refreshing, indulgent yet balanced.
It’s also endlessly versatile — you can customize it with nuts, herbs, or fruit preserves. Every time I serve it, it’s the first dish to disappear, and guests always ask for the recipe!
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
This Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce and Puff Pastry is a must-try because it embodies everything a holiday dish should be — comforting, festive, and unforgettable. The contrast of textures (crispy pastry and molten cheese) and flavors (sweet, savory, and tangy) make it a true crowd-pleaser. Plus, it requires minimal effort and delivers maximum wow factor.
It’s also perfect for entertaining — you can prepare it ahead of time and pop it in the oven just before guests arrive, filling your kitchen with a buttery, irresistible aroma.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Servings and Nutrition
- Servings: 6–8 servings (as an appetizer)
- Calories: ~320 kcal per serving
- Course: Appetizer / Starter
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients
For the Baked Brie:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 (8 oz / 225 g) wheel of Brie cheese (with rind on)
- ¼ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)
For Serving:
- Crackers, baguette slices, or apple wedges
- Extra cranberry sauce on the side
Cooking Directions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Prepare the Brie
Place the wheel of Brie in the center of the puff pastry. Spread the cranberry sauce evenly on top of the cheese. Drizzle with honey if desired and sprinkle with nuts for extra crunch. - Wrap the Brie
Fold the corners of the puff pastry up and over the Brie, sealing it tightly. Trim any excess dough if needed and pinch the edges to secure. Brush with the beaten egg for a golden shine. - Bake the Brie
Place the wrapped Brie on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. - Cool Slightly Before Serving
Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving — this helps the cheese set slightly so it doesn’t ooze out too quickly when cut.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Thaw puff pastry and preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare baking tray with parchment paper.
- Place Brie wheel in center of pastry.
- Add cranberry sauce and drizzle honey on top.
- Sprinkle nuts if using.
- Wrap and seal the Brie with pastry.
- Brush with egg wash for a glossy finish.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
- Rest for 10 minutes before serving warm with crackers or fruit.
How to Serve
Serve your Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce and Puff Pastry warm, on a cheese board or platter. Accompany it with:
- Crackers or toasted baguette slices for dipping
- Fresh apple or pear slices for a refreshing contrast
- A glass of white wine, champagne, or mulled wine
For an elegant presentation, garnish with rosemary sprigs and a drizzle of honey.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t skip the chilling: If your pastry gets too soft, chill it for 10 minutes before baking.
- Use Brie with rind on: It holds the cheese together while baking.
- Avoid overbaking: Once golden, remove from oven; overbaking can cause the cheese to leak.
- Homemade cranberry sauce: Use fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange zest for the best flavor.
- For easier serving: Let it cool slightly before cutting into it.
Variations
- Savory Version: Replace cranberry sauce with caramelized onions or fig jam.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped toasted almonds, walnuts, or pistachios inside the pastry.
- Apple Brie Pastry: Replace cranberry sauce with apple butter or sliced sautéed apples.
- Brie en Croûte with Herbs: Add rosemary, thyme, or cracked black pepper for aromatic flavor.
- Mini Baked Brie Bites: Use puff pastry squares with small Brie pieces for individual servings.
Freezing and Storage Time
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers (if any!) in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes.
- Freezing (Unbaked): Assemble and freeze the wrapped Brie (without egg wash) for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10 minutes to the baking time.
- Freezing (Baked): Not recommended — the cheese texture won’t be as creamy after thawing.
Special Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
- Small bowl (for egg wash)
- Sharp knife for slicing
Conclusion
Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce and Puff Pastry is the definition of effortless elegance. With its rich, creamy center, golden flaky crust, and sweet-tart cranberry topping, it’s a showstopping appetizer that sets the tone for any festive gathering.
It’s not just a dish — it’s an experience: the first warm, cheesy bite that melts in your mouth, the crunch of pastry, and the burst of cranberry sweetness that follows. Perfect for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or any special occasion, this recipe brings a touch of gourmet luxury to your holiday table.
Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce and Puff Pastry
Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce and Puff Pastry is the ultimate holiday appetizer — elegant, indulgent, and irresistibly gooey. It features a wheel of creamy Brie cheese wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry, baked until the cheese inside is perfectly melted and luscious.
Ingredients
For the Baked Brie:
For Serving:
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven : Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Prepare the Brie : Place the wheel of Brie in the center of the puff pastry. Spread the cranberry sauce evenly on top of the cheese. Drizzle with honey if desired and sprinkle with nuts for extra crunch.
-
Wrap the Brie : Fold the corners of the puff pastry up and over the Brie, sealing it tightly. Trim any excess dough if needed and pinch the edges to secure. Brush with the beaten egg for a golden shine.
-
Bake the Brie : Place the wrapped Brie on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
-
Cool Slightly Before Serving : Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving — this helps the cheese set slightly so it doesn’t ooze out too quickly when cut.
