Golden Baked Brie with Puff Pastry, Cranberry-Pepper & Pecans Recipe

Crafting an irresistible baked brie with puff pastry delivers a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

Warm, gooey cheese wrapped in golden pastry creates pure comfort on a plate.

Crisp pecans add delightful crunch against soft, melted cheese interiors.

Tart cranberry-pepper jelly brings unexpected complexity to this elegant appetizer.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly in this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Minimal preparation ensures maximum flavor impact for casual and formal events alike.

Brie That’s Wrapped in Puff Pastry with Cranberry Heat

• Elevate Your Appetizer Game: Transform a simple cheese into a showstopping dish that impresses guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Quick and Elegant Party Pleaser: Whip up a sophisticated appetizer in under an hour that looks like you spent all day preparing, perfect for impromptu gatherings or holiday celebrations.
• Texture Sensation: Experience the delightful contrast between crispy, flaky puff pastry, creamy melted brie, and crunchy pecans that create a mouthwatering bite every single time.
• Flavor Explosion: Combine sweet-spicy cranberry-pepper jelly with rich brie and toasted pecans for a complex taste profile that tingles every taste bud and keeps people coming back for more.

Baked Brie with Puff Pastry & Cranberry Jelly Ingredients

• Brie Cheese: Soft and creamy French cheese that melts beautifully.
• Puff Pastry: Flaky, buttery dough that creates a golden crisp exterior.
• Pecans: Crunchy nuts that add texture and nutty flavor.

• Cranberry-Pepper Jelly: Sweet and spicy condiment that complements the cheese.
• Fresh Thyme: Optional herb for garnishing and adding aromatic touch.

• Egg, All-Purpose Flour, Parchment Paper: Supporting ingredients for preparation and baking.
• Crackers or Baguette Slices: Optional serving accompaniments for dipping.

Preparing Baked Brie with Puff Pastry and a Sweet-Spicy Topping

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Get your oven cranked up to a toasty 400°F. This high heat will transform your cheesy creation into a golden masterpiece.

Step 2: Roll Out the Pastry

Dust your countertop with a light sprinkle of flour. Gently roll out the puff pastry, stretching it slightly larger than your brie wheel. Make sure it’s smooth and ready for cheesy magic.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

• Cranberry-pepper jelly

Step 4: Add Crunchy Excitement

• Chopped pecans

Step 5: Wrap and Seal

Carefully fold the pastry edges over the brie, creating a snug little package. Pinch the edges to seal in all the delicious goodness.

Step 6: Create Golden Perfection

• Egg wash

Step 7: Bake to Brilliance

Place your wrapped brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastry turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 8: Rest and Garnish

Let the brie rest for 5-10 minutes. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh thyme on top for an extra pop of flavor.

Step 9: Serve and Devour

Grab some crackers or baguette slices. Dig in while it’s warm and watch as everyone goes crazy for your cheesy creation!

Baked Brie Tips with Puff Pastry and Jelly

• Seal Edges Perfectly: Pinch and crimp puff pastry edges tightly to prevent cheese leakage during baking, ensuring a beautiful, intact presentation.
• Choose Quality Cheese: Select a soft, creamy brie wheel at room temperature for smooth melting and optimal flavor blend with cranberry-pepper jelly.
• Adjust Jelly Spiciness: Modify cranberry-pepper jelly quantity based on personal heat preference, starting with a light spread and increasing gradually.
• Toasting Pecans Boosts Flavor: Lightly toast pecans before sprinkling to enhance their nutty richness and add a delightful crunch to the appetizer.
• Serve at Ideal Temperature: Allow baked brie to rest 5-10 minutes after baking, letting cheese settle and pastry maintain its crispy texture for best serving experience.

How to Store Baked Brie with Cranberry-Pepper Jelly

• Wrap leftover baked brie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Carefully wrap the cooled baked brie in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month without compromising the pastry's texture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove from refrigerator, unwrap, and place on a baking sheet. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through and pastry crisps up again.
• Heat in short 15-20 second intervals, checking frequently to prevent pastry from becoming soggy. Best used when you need a super quick warm-up.

Brie with Cranberry Jelly Snack Matches

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to complement the creamy brie and cut through the rich, sweet-spicy cranberry jelly.
• Recommend Rustic Bread Selection: Choose a crusty sourdough or artisan baguette to provide the perfect crunchy texture for dipping into the melted, gooey brie.
• Match with Light Red Wines: Opt for a pinot noir or beaujolais, which balance the appetizer's sweet and savory elements without overwhelming the delicate cheese.
• Enhance with Fruit and Nut Accompaniments: Add fresh green apple slices and toasted almonds to create a balanced charcuterie board that highlights the brie's nutty and fruity notes.

Baked Brie with Cranberry Flavor Combos

• Gluten-Free Gouda Wrap: Replace puff pastry with gluten-free phyllo dough or almond flour pastry, using a soft gouda cheese for similar creamy texture.
• Vegan Cheese Alternative: Substitute brie with plant-based cashew cheese, using dairy-free puff pastry and swapping pecans for roasted pumpkin seeds.
• Low-Carb Berry Bake: Use a keto-friendly cheese like camembert, replace pastry with thinly sliced zucchini, and top with sugar-free raspberry chia jam instead of cranberry jelly.
• Herb-Infused Mediterranean Style: Switch pecans for toasted pine nuts, add fresh rosemary and oregano, and use a mild feta cheese wrapped in phyllo for a Greek-inspired version.

FAQs

• What is brie cheese?

Brie is a soft, creamy French cheese made from cow’s milk with a rich, buttery flavor and smooth texture that becomes wonderfully melty when heated.

• Can I use a different type of jelly?

While cranberry-pepper jelly adds a unique sweet-spicy kick, you can substitute with other jellies like raspberry, fig, or apricot to suit your taste preferences.

• How do I know when the brie is perfectly baked?

The puff pastry should be golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside will look soft and slightly puffy, indicating it’s heated through without overcooking.

• Do I need any special kitchen tools for this recipe?

You’ll just need a baking sheet, parchment paper, a pastry brush for the egg wash, and a basic rolling pin to prepare the puff pastry.

Baked Brie With Puff Pastry, Cranberry-Pepper Jelly, And Pecans Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy Baked Brie with Cranberry-Pepper Jelly brings festive elegance to any gathering. Warm, flaky puff pastry envelops rich cheese, crowned with sweet-spicy jelly and crunchy pecans, promising delightful flavor in each irresistible bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 wheel of brie (about 8 ounces / 226 grams)
• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)

Filling and Topping Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup cranberry-pepper jelly (or regular cranberry jelly with red pepper flakes)

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Fresh thyme (for garnish, optional)
• Crackers or baguette slices (for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Gently unfurl the delicate puff pastry on a lightly dusted work surface, ensuring it extends beyond the brie’s circumference.
2. Position the creamy brie wheel at the pastry’s center, creating a luxurious canvas for the upcoming flavor profile.
3. Lavishly spread the vibrant cranberry-pepper jelly across the brie’s surface, allowing its tangy-sweet essence to peek through.
4. Generously scatter toasted pecans over the jelly, creating a delightful textural landscape that promises crunch and depth.
5. Carefully gather the pastry’s edges, tenderly enveloping the brie in a rustic, elegant embrace, ensuring no gaps remain.
6. Delicately brush the pastry’s exterior with egg wash, promising a golden, glossy finish that will captivate dinner guests.
7. Transfer the pastry-wrapped treasure onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, positioning it with anticipatory care.
8. Slide the baking sheet into a preheated 400°F oven, allowing the transformation to begin for approximately 20-25 minutes.
9. Watch for the pastry to turn a seductive, burnished golden brown, signaling its perfect completion.
10. Remove from the oven and allow a brief resting period, letting the inner cheese settle and flavors meld.
11. Optional: Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for an aromatic, visual flourish.
12. Serve immediately alongside crisp crackers or crusty baguette slices, inviting guests to indulge in this decadent appetizer.

Notes

• Choose a creamy, soft brie wheel for the best melting texture and rich flavor profile.
• Ensure puff pastry is cold and firm when wrapping to prevent soggy edges during baking.
• Toast pecans lightly beforehand to enhance their nutty, aromatic qualities and add depth to the overall dish.
• Adjust cranberry-pepper jelly quantity based on personal spice tolerance for a custom heat level.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg