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Cranberry Baked Brie in Puff Pastry

Cranberry Baked Brie in Puff Pastry - recipe card
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Buttery puff pastry wraps a wheel of creamy brie, topped with a sweet-tart homemade cranberry compote and a hint of orange zest. Baked until the pastry is shatteringly crisp and the cheese molten, it makes a stunning appetizer that looks far more complicated than it is.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (about 8.5 oz / 240 g), thawed according to package directions
  • 1 wheel brie cheese (8 oz / 227 g), cold
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries, rinsed and picked over
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp fresh orange juice
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour, for dusting
  • 2 tbsp sliced almonds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
  2. Make the cranberry compote: In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to burst and the mixture thickens slightly, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
  3. On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. If there are cracks, gently press them together with your fingers. Roll the pastry lightly to smooth out any creases, keeping it roughly a 10-inch square.
  4. Place the cold brie wheel in the center of the pastry. Spoon the cooled cranberry compote evenly over the top of the brie, leaving a 1-inch border of pastry around the cheese.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush the exposed border of the pastry with the egg wash. This helps seal the dough and creates a golden shine.
  6. Fold the corners of the pastry up over the brie, overlapping them in the center. Press gently to seal the edges, trimming any excess dough if needed. You want the brie fully enclosed.
  7. Flip the wrapped brie seam-side down onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the entire surface with the remaining egg wash. If desired, sprinkle sliced almonds on top, pressing them lightly so they adhere.
  8. If you have extra pastry, cut decorative shapes with a small cookie cutter and attach them with a dab of egg wash. This is optional but adds a festive touch.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and deep golden brown. The cheese should feel soft when gently pressed. If the top is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
  10. Let the baked brie rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a serving platter. This allows the cheese to set slightly, preventing a messy leak.
  11. To serve, cut into wedges and spread on crackers, sliced baguette, or apple slices. Best enjoyed warm while the cheese is gooey.
  12. Note: The brie is fully enclosed; if you prefer a decorative top, you can cut a small vent in the center before baking, but it’s not necessary.

Notes

Storage: Wrap leftover baked brie tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended, as the pastry will become soggy upon thawing. Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 8-10 minutes, until warmed through and the pastry re-crisps. Avoid microwaving, which makes the pastry tough. Make-ahead: The cranberry compote can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The assembled, unbaked brie can be frozen for up to 1 month; bake from frozen at 400°F (204°C) for 30-35 minutes, until golden and puffed. If using frozen puff pastry, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Ensure brie is cold when wrapping to prevent it from oozing during baking. Do not use bacon or any pork products in this recipe.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry baked brie, baked brie in puff pastry, cranberry brie appetizer, holiday appetizer, puff pastry brie, easy baked brie, cranberry compote, Christmas appetizer, New Year's Eve appetizer, brie en croute, baked brie recipe

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