Print

Irresistible Puff Pastry Baked Brie with Cranberry and Pecans

puff pastry baked brie - featured image

A simple yet elegant appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry wrapped around warm, gooey brie, topped with tart cranberry sauce and crunchy toasted pecans. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole round (8 oz / 225 g) brie cheese with soft rind
  • 1 sheet puff pastry (about 8x8 inches / 20x20 cm), thawed if frozen
  • ½ cup (4 fl oz / 120 ml) whole cranberry sauce, homemade or store-bought
  • ½ cup (2 oz / 60 g) toasted pecans, roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon (0.5 fl oz / 15 ml) honey, for drizzling
  • 1 large egg, beaten for egg wash
  • Optional: fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet to smooth any creases and slightly enlarge it to about 9×9 inches (23×23 cm).
  3. Place the whole round of brie in the center of the pastry, leaving about 1.5 inches (4 cm) of space around all sides for folding.
  4. Spoon the cranberry sauce evenly over the top of the brie, then sprinkle the toasted pecans on top. Drizzle honey over the pecans if desired.
  5. Carefully fold the edges of the pastry up and over the brie, pinching the dough together at the top to seal. Rustic folds are fine.
  6. Beat the egg in a small bowl and gently brush it over the entire pastry to give a golden finish.
  7. Lightly score a pattern (crisscross or diagonal lines) on the top of the pastry with a sharp knife to help it bake evenly and look pretty.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and gooey. Check around 18 minutes to avoid burning if your oven runs hot.
  9. Let the baked brie rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.
  10. Transfer to a serving plate, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and slice into wedges. Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh fruit.

Notes

Do not skip the egg wash for a beautiful golden crust. Toast pecans beforehand to enhance flavor. Let the baked brie cool for a few minutes before slicing to prevent cheese from spilling. Use parchment or silicone mat to avoid soggy bottoms and ease cleanup. For gluten-free option, use gluten-free puff pastry. Variations include swapping cranberry sauce with fig jam or apricot preserves, and pecans with walnuts or almonds.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked brie, puff pastry, cranberry sauce, pecans, appetizer, holiday recipe, easy recipe, crowd-pleaser