Pin 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.
I love serving this brie en croûte at holiday parties because it always impresses guests and is surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients
- Brie cheese: 1 whole wheel (approx 8 oz / 225 g)
- Puff pastry: 1 sheet, thawed
- Cranberry sauce: 3 tablespoons (whole berry or jam)
- Toasted pecans: 2 tablespoons, roughly chopped
- Egg: 1, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh rosemary: 1 tablespoon, finely chopped (optional)
- Honey: 1 tablespoon (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 brie:
- Place the brie in the center of the pastry. Spread cranberry sauce on top of the brie and sprinkle with toasted pecans.
- Shape pastry:
- 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.
- Apply egg wash:
- Carefully transfer the wrapped brie to the prepared baking sheet. Brush all over with beaten egg.
- Bake:
- Sprinkle with chopped rosemary if using, and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and serve:
- Cool for 10 minutes. Optionally, drizzle with honey before serving. Serve warm with crackers, apple slices, or fresh bread.
Pin 
This recipe brings my family together every holiday season to enjoy a delicious starter steeped in tradition and festivity.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with crackers, apple slices, or fresh bread for a delightful appetizer experience.
Variations
Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or sage to the filling for an herbal twist.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheat before serving.
Pin Enjoy this festive brie en croûte as a show-stopping start to your holiday gathering.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the wrapped brie and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just add extra baking time if starting from cold.
- → What can I use instead of pecans?
Walnuts or almonds work well as alternatives, or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free option.
- → How do I shape the puff pastry into a pine tree?
Cut a large triangle for the tree base and use pastry scraps to create smaller triangles or strips as branches, attaching them gently on top.
- → Is there a suggested pairing for this dish?
A sparkling wine or dry white wine complements the creamy cheese and tart cranberry flavors nicely.
- → Can I substitute the cranberry sauce with something else?
Yes, fig or apricot preserves provide a different but equally delicious fruity contrast.