Pin It 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.
This recipe quickly became a holiday favorite in my family after the first time I made it—everyone loves the unique shape and flavors.
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), 2 tablespoons toasted pecans, roughly chopped
- Topping: 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash), 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional), 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare pastry:
- 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.
- Assemble:
- Place the brie in the center of the pastry. Spread cranberry sauce on top of the brie and sprinkle with toasted pecans.
- Shape pine tree:
- 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.
- Brush egg wash:
- Carefully transfer the wrapped brie to the prepared baking sheet. Brush all over with beaten egg.
- Add topping and bake:
- Sprinkle with chopped rosemary if using, and bake for 20 25 minutes or until pastry is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and drizzle:
- Cool for 10 minutes. Optionally, drizzle with honey before serving.
- Serve:
- Serve warm with crackers, apple slices, or fresh bread.
Pin It Making this recipe has brought my family together every holiday season creating warm memories around the table.
Variations
Try different fillings like fig jam or apricot preserves to customize the flavors to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with crackers apple slices or fresh bread and pair with sparkling wine or a dry white wine.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be refrigerated wrapped tightly and reheated gently before serving.
Pin It This Brie en Croûte Pine Tree is a stunning centerpiece guaranteed to impress your guests. Enjoy the festive flavors!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of cheese is used?
A whole wheel of brie cheese provides a creamy and soft texture, perfect for baking in pastry.
- → Can I substitute the cranberry sauce?
Yes, fig or apricot preserves can be used for a different but complementary sweetness.
- → How do I shape the pastry?
Roll out the puff pastry and cut a large triangle to cover the brie, then use scraps to create pine tree branches.
- → What nuts are used in the filling?
Toasted pecans add a crunchy, nutty flavor to contrast the creamy cheese and sweet sauce.
- → How should it be served?
Serve warm with crackers, apple slices, or fresh bread. Optionally drizzle with honey for added sweetness.