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.
I love serving this brie en croûte at holiday gatherings because it always impresses guests and tastes deliciously festive.
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)
- Filling: 2 tablespoons toasted pecans, roughly chopped
- Topping: 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Topping: 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
- Topping: 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 2025 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 This recipe always brings my family together during the holidays for a warm and delicious celebration.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with sparkling wine or a dry white wine for a festive pairing.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (brie cheese), egg, gluten (puff pastry), and tree nuts (pecans). For nut allergies, omit pecans. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 230 calories, 14 g total fat, 17 g carbohydrates, 7 g protein.
Save Enjoy this elegant appetizer warm for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of cheese is used?
A whole wheel of creamy brie cheese is used for its rich, mild flavor and smooth texture.
- → How is the pine tree shape created?
The puff pastry is cut into a large triangle to cover the brie, then extra pastry pieces are cut into small triangles or strips to create decorative branches.
- → Can I substitute the cranberry sauce?
Yes, fig or apricot preserves can be used as flavorful alternatives to cranberry sauce.
- → What nuts are included in the filling?
Toasted pecans are added for crunch and a nutty taste, but can be omitted for nut-free variations.
- → How should this dish be served?
Best served warm with crackers, fresh bread, or sliced apples, it also pairs well with sparkling or dry white wine.
- → What is the recommended baking temperature and time?
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.