Description
This elegant Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce recipe combines creamy, gooey Brie cheese wrapped in golden puff pastry with a tangy, sweet homemade cranberry sauce. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion, this easy-to-make appetizer is beautifully garnished with chopped nuts and fresh herbs, served alongside crackers or fresh fruit for a delightful starter.
Ingredients
Scale
Brie and Pastry
- 8 ounces Brie cheese wheel
- 1 sheet puff pastry (enough to wrap the Brie)
- 1 egg (beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash)
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (for topping)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (for garnish)
Cranberry Sauce
- 1 to 1.5 cups fresh cranberries (or frozen)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water or orange juice
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
- Zest of one orange
- Honey or fig jam (optional, to serve alongside)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberry Sauce: Rinse 1 to 1.5 cups of fresh cranberries thoroughly. In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries with 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup water or orange juice, 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice, and the zest of one orange. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pastry: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to ensure it’s large enough to fully wrap the Brie wheel. Place the Brie in the center of the rolled pastry. If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts and fresh herbs on top of the Brie before wrapping.
- Wrap the Brie in Puff Pastry: Fold the puff pastry edges up and over the Brie, sealing it completely to enclose the cheese. Brush the outside of the pastry generously with the prepared egg wash to help achieve a golden, glossy finish. Transfer the wrapped Brie onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Bake the Brie: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Bake until the puff pastry turns golden brown and crispy, or if unwrapped, until the Brie becomes soft and gooey inside. Be careful not to overbake in order to keep the cheese melted but maintain its shape.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the baked Brie from the oven and transfer it to a serving platter. Spoon the homemade cranberry sauce generously over the top or serve it on the side. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs to add aroma and a beautiful visual touch. Serve immediately with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh fruit. Optionally, accompany with honey or fig jam for added sweetness.
Notes
- Using frozen cranberries is fine if fresh are not available; just thaw slightly before cooking.
- Egg wash helps achieve a golden, shiny puff pastry crust.
- Allow cranberry sauce to cool a bit before spooning over Brie to prevent sogginess.
- For a nut-free version, skip the chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Serve promptly as baked Brie is best enjoyed warm and melty.
