Baked Brie with Cranberry Pecan

The smell of puff pastry baking has this way of pulling everyone into the kitchen, like an invisible dinner bell. I first made this for a last-minute holiday gathering when I realized my appetizer plan had fallen through, and now it is the dish people actually text me about days in advance.

Last December my friend Sarah stood by the oven watching the pastry turn golden, asking every three minutes if it was ready yet. When we finally cut into it, the Brie just poured out like warm cream, and she immediately asked for the recipe before even taking a second bite.

Ingredients

• 1 wheel (8 oz / 225 g) Brie cheese: Buy a whole wheel rather than a wedge, and do not remove the rind because it holds everything together as the cheese melts
• 1/3 cup (40 g) dried cranberries: These provide the tart balance that cuts through the richness of the cheese
• 1/3 cup (35 g) pecan halves or pieces: The crunch is essential, and walnuts work beautifully too if that is what you have
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) honey or maple syrup: This binds the topping together and adds a subtle sweetness
• 1/2 tsp orange zest: Optional, but it brightens the whole dish in this lovely way
• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed: Thaw it in the fridge overnight so it is cold but pliable, which makes folding much easier
• 1 egg, beaten: For that deep, golden color that makes people think you know secrets about pastry

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, because cleaning baked-on cheese is nobody is idea of a good time.

Prep the Brie:

Place the wheel in the center of your puff pastry sheet, leaving enough room around the edges to fold the pastry up and over the cheese.

Mix the topping:

Combine cranberries, pecans, honey, and orange zest in a small bowl until everything is evenly coated and sticky.

Assemble:

Spoon the mixture over the Brie, then fold the pastry edges up and over the cheese, pinching to seal before flipping it seam-side down.

Brush and bake:

Brush the beaten egg all over the pastry, then bake for 18 to 20 minutes until it is deeply golden and puffed.

The hardest part:

Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes so the cheese has a moment to set up slightly, otherwise it will pour out rather dramatically when you cut into it.

Save Pin

This has become my absolute favorite thing to bring to potlucks because it travels well and people kind of lose their minds over it. There is something about the ritual of everyone gathering around, tearing off pieces of pastry and dipping them into the melted cheese, that makes an evening feel special without any effort at all.

Making It Your Own

I have tried all sorts of variations, but the one that surprised me was adding a thin layer of fig jam under the cranberry mixture. It adds this deep, fruity note that pairs beautifully with sparkling wine or a crisp white.

Serving Strategy

Set out a mix of crackers, sliced baguette, and apple slices so people can choose their own adventure. The apples, in particular, are this perfect fresh contrast to all that richness.

Timing Is Everything

You can assemble the whole thing up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge, then just brush with egg and bake when your guests arrive.

• Let the puff pastry thaw completely in the fridge, not on the counter
• Do not skip the rest period after baking, or you will lose half the cheese
• Leftovers reheat surprisingly well in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes

Save Pin

There is something deeply satisfying about serving something so simple that makes people this happy.

Recipe FAQs

→ What cheese works best for this dish?

A creamy, full-flavored Brie wheel is ideal for its smooth texture and mild taste that pairs well with the sweet and nutty topping.

→ Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?

Yes, walnuts or almonds make excellent alternatives and provide a similar crunch and flavor profile.

→ How do I ensure the pastry is golden and crisp?

Brushing the puff pastry with beaten egg before baking promotes a rich, golden color and a crisp crust.

→ Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?

You can assemble it in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving to maintain freshness and flakiness.

→ What are good serving options with this warm Brie?

Serve alongside crackers, slices of baguette, or fresh apple slices to complement the creamy cheese and sweet-tart topping.

→ Can I add other flavors to the topping?

Adding fig jam under the cranberry-pecan mixture enhances sweetness and adds a rich depth to the topping.