Name: Baked Brie with Cranberries and Walnuts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients: 1 round (8-10 ounces) Brie cheese; 1/4 cup dried cranberries; 1/4 cup chopped walnuts; 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed; 1 egg, beaten; 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)

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Introduction

Baked Brie with Cranberries and Walnuts is a delightful appetizer that combines creamy Brie cheese with tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts, all wrapped in golden puff pastry. This elegant dish is perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions, impressing guests with its rich flavors and beautiful presentation.

A round baked cheese pastry with a glossy golden-brown crust topped with whole and chopped toasted pecans, placed on a wooden board. The pastry is cut to show three inner layers: a thin base crust, a thick creamy cheese layer, and a layer of dark red cranberry sauce. A few bright red whole cranberries and cheese are on the wooden board next to the pastry. The background includes a blurred glass and an orange, all on a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 round (8-10 ounces) Brie cheese
1/4 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

1 egg, beaten
1 tbsp water (for egg wash)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Score the Brie horizontally by cutting around its edge to create two halves. Carefully separate the halves and place them open-side up.
Step 3: Sprinkle the dried cranberries on one half and the chopped walnuts on the other half, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 4: Close the Brie by bringing the halves back together with cranberries on top of the walnuts, pressing lightly to seal.
Step 5: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Place the Brie in the center of the pastry.
Step 6: Wrap the Brie by pulling the edges of the pastry up and around it, trimming any excess pastry to fit neatly.

Step 7: Mix the beaten egg with water to create an egg wash. Brush it evenly over the pastry-covered Brie. Optionally, add decorative pastry cut-outs on top and brush those with egg wash as well.
Step 8: Freeze the wrapped Brie for 1 hour to help maintain its shape during baking.
Step 9: Bake on the prepared sheet for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the Brie starts to ooze slightly.

Step 10: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning and to allow the flavors to settle.

Tips & Variations

Substitute dried cranberries with dried figs, apricots, or fresh pomegranate seeds for a different flavor profile.
Replace walnuts with pecans, almonds, or pistachios to add varying textures and tastes.

Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the cranberry and walnut mixture to introduce an earthy aroma.
Drizzle honey or balsamic glaze over the finished pastry for extra sweetness or acidity.
Try using Camembert cheese as an alternative to Brie for a stronger flavor.

Storage

Store leftover baked Brie wrapped in aluminum foil or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (about 300°F or 150°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore warmth and crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy pastry.

How to Serve

A round pastry with a shiny, golden brown crust topped with a generous layer of glazed whole and broken walnuts. The pastry is cut open to reveal two thick layers of creamy white cheese around a middle layer of vibrant red cranberry filling. Several whole cranberries and a bit of melted cheese with cranberry juice spill out from the slice. The pastry sits on a wooden board, with some rosemary sprigs at the front and an orange fruit blurred in the background, all on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the wrapped Brie and freeze it for up to a day before baking. Just bake it straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What should I serve with baked Brie?

This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, water crackers, or sliced fresh fruits like apples and pears. For drinks, try Chardonnay, sparkling wine, Pinot Noir, or festive cocktails like cranberry gin or mulled wine.