Description
Baked Brie with Cranberries and Walnuts is an elegant and crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring creamy Brie cheese layered with tart dried cranberries and crunchy walnuts, all wrapped in a golden, flaky puff pastry. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this dish combines rich, melty cheese with sweet and nutty accents, creating a visually stunning centerpiece that is as delicious as it is impressive.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 1 round (8-10 ounces) Brie cheese
Filling
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Egg Wash
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Prepare the Brie: Score the Brie horizontally around its edge to create two halves. Carefully separate the halves and lay them open-side up.
- Add Filling: Sprinkle dried cranberries on one half of the Brie and chopped walnuts on the other half, pressing gently to adhere.
- Reassemble the Brie: Close the Brie back together so the cranberries rest on top of the walnuts, pressing gently to seal the filling inside.
- Wrap in Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Place the Brie in the center, then pull up the edges of the pastry to cover the cheese fully, trimming any excess pastry as needed.
- Apply Egg Wash and Decorate: Mix the beaten egg with water and brush this egg wash over the puff pastry. Optionally, add decorative pastry pieces on top for a festive look.
- Freeze to Set Shape: Place the wrapped Brie in the freezer for 1 hour to firm up the pastry and help it hold its shape during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry turns golden brown and crisp, and the Brie begins to ooze slightly.
Notes
- For a different flavor, substitute dried cranberries with figs, apricots, or fresh pomegranate seeds.
- Try nuts like pecans, almonds, or pistachios as alternatives to walnuts.
- Add fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme for an aromatic touch.
- Drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze after baking for extra sweetness or tang.
- Camembert can be used instead of Brie for a stronger cheese flavor.
- Serve warm shortly after baking for best gooey texture; warming trays can keep it warm longer.
- Pair with baguette slices, crackers, or fresh fruit slices for complementary textures.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Keywords: Baked Brie, Cranberries, Walnuts, Puff Pastry, Holiday Appetizer, Festive Snack, Cheese Appetizer, Holiday Recipe
