Baked Brie with Cranberries and Nuts

Name: Baked Brie Puff Pastry with Cranberry and Nuts Recipe
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry, defrosted if frozen; 8 ounces brie cheese wheel; All-purpose flour, for dusting; ¼ cup cranberry sauce, fig jam, or strawberry jam; ½ teaspoon chopped rosemary; ½ teaspoon chopped thyme; ¼ cup walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon water

There’s something seriously irresistible about the combo of melty Brie tucked inside buttery puff pastry, especially when paired with sweet cranberries and crunchy nuts. This Baked Brie Puff Pastry with Cranberry and Nuts Recipe is my go-to fancy appetizer that somehow feels both elegant and totally approachable.

A round, golden brown baked cheese wrapped in a flaky puff pastry is placed center on a white plate. Around it, layers of different snacks form a ring: thin green slices of pear arranged in small stacks to the front and left, a small cluster of rough chopped walnuts below the pastry, fresh red cranberries near the nuts, and a sprig of thyme on the left side. To the right, round light-colored crackers form a neat stack, while darker multigrain crisps sit on the far left. Small toasted bread slices are placed to the bottom right edge. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, with a small white bowl holding honey and a honey dipper in the top left corner. A woman's hand with a checkered cloth is partly visible near the bottom left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Brie Puff Pastry with Cranberry and Nuts Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Baked Brie Puff Pastry with Cranberry and Nuts Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Baked Brie Puff Pastry with Cranberry and Nuts Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this baked brie more times than I can count, and I always get the same “wow” reaction. It’s got a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and savory, wrapped up in flaky puff pastry. Whether it’s a holiday party or just a weekend treat, this recipe never disappoints.

Showstopper Appetizer: It looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to throw together.
Perfect Flavor Combo: The tart cranberry, fragrant herbs, and toasted nuts complement the rich, creamy Brie beautifully.
Easy Prep: With just a few ingredients and steps, you can have something special ready without stress.
Flexible and Customizable: You can swap jams, nuts, or herbs to match your taste or what’s on hand.

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients form a harmony of textures and flavors that really shine together. The puff pastry’s flakiness balances the smooth Brie, while the cranberry sauce adds a bright zing, and nuts bring a satisfying crunch. Using good quality Brie and fresh herbs elevates the whole bite.

Flat lay of a defrosted square sheet of puff pastry dusted lightly with flour, a whole wheel of fresh brie cheese with a firm white rind, a small white bowl filled with bright red cranberry sauce, a small white bowl containing golden honey, a small white bowl holding chopped walnuts, a few fresh sprigs of green rosemary and thyme laid side by side, a whole large brown egg with an uncracked shell, and a small white bowl of clear water placed neatly and symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Puff Pastry Sheet: Provides that golden, flaky crust which puffs beautifully—make sure it’s cold but pliable before rolling.
Brie Cheese (1 wheel): Choose a creamy, mild Brie that melts well without overpowering the other flavors.
All-purpose Flour (for dusting): Keeps your surface and rolling pin from sticking to the dough.
Cranberry Sauce: Adds sweet and tart notes; you can substitute fig or strawberry jam for different nuances.
Chopped Rosemary and Thyme: Fresh herbs bring earthy, aromatic depth that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
Egg and Water (for egg wash): Ensures a glossy, golden finish that seals the pastry layers.
Walnuts or Pecans (roughly chopped): For a toasty crunch contrast that complements the softness inside.
Honey: A drizzle for subtle sweetness and a sticky glaze that pulls everything together.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

I like to tweak this Baked Brie Puff Pastry with Cranberry and Nuts Recipe depending on the occasion or mood. It’s such a versatile base that little changes can make it feel totally new and personal.

Swap the Jam: I often use fig jam for a warmer, earthier sweetness that’s perfect in fall or winter.
Nut Choice: Pecans, walnuts, or even toasted almonds all work wonderfully depending on what crunch you prefer.
Herb Mix-Up: Sometimes I add a pinch of sage or even a little chopped green onion for a surprising twist.
Make It Savory: Skip the jam and add a smear of Dijon mustard or caramelized onions beneath the brie for a more savory bite.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Brie Puff Pastry with Cranberry and Nuts Recipe

A close-up shot shows a white plate with a golden brown baked cheese ball in the center, with a textured crust. On the plate, there are several shiny red cranberries, light brown walnut pieces, and a slice of toasted bread with a golden crust. In the foreground, a woman's hand is holding a round, speckled cracker topped with a scoop of soft cheese mixed with red cranberry bits and walnut pieces. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

I always start by setting my oven to 400ºF (190ºC) with the rack in the middle position—this ensures the pastry cooks evenly and browns perfectly. Then, line your baking sheet with parchment paper to catch any drips and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Defrost and Roll the Puff Pastry

Take your frozen puff pastry out and let it thaw on the countertop until it’s cool but flexible—usually about 40 minutes. Don’t rush this step; if the dough feels sticky, dust lightly with flour to prevent tearing. Then, use a rolling pin to gently roll it into an 11-inch square. Be gentle so you don’t press the layers together—light and even pressure is your friend.

Step 3: Layer the Flavors

Center the whole wheel of Brie on your pastry. Spread a quarter cup of cranberry sauce on top, then sprinkle the chopped rosemary and thyme evenly. Next, scatter the chopped walnuts or pecans, and drizzle a little honey over everything. At this point, your kitchen will smell incredible!

Step 4: Wrap and Seal

Brush the edge of the pastry with your prepared egg wash (a beaten egg mixed with water). Bring one corner up and fold it over the Brie, brushing and pleating as you go to make sure the dough sticks and traps all that cheesy goodness inside. Press the edges gently but firmly to seal.

Step 5: Vent and Glaze

Brush the entire wrapped Brie with egg wash to get that golden shine. Use a sharp knife to score shallow vents about half an inch apart and an inch long—this lets steam escape so your pastry stays crisp and doesn’t puff too much in odd places.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop your pastry-wrapped Brie onto the lined baking sheet and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, until the pastry is beautifully golden and crisp. Your kitchen will smell like a cozy bakery by the end of this!

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Take the baked Brie out and let it rest on the sheet for 5 to 10 minutes—this helps the cheese settle so it doesn’t run out as soon as you cut it. Serve warm with an assortment of crackers, toasted baguette slices, or crostini for dipping.

Top Tip

From making this recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few small tricks that really make a difference in how it turns out every single time.

Don’t Overwork the Puff Pastry: Roll it gently and dust with flour if sticky—pressing too hard will ruin those delicate layers.
Fresh Herbs Matter: Using fresh rosemary and thyme instead of dried brings a brighter, more natural aroma to the filling.
Egg Wash for Shine and Seal: Always brush the edges as you fold and the entire outer surface to get a crisp, golden finish that looks amazing.
Create Vents Carefully: Don’t skip scoring the pastry vents to prevent a soggy, steamy top and keep the pastry from swelling unevenly.

How to Serve Baked Brie Puff Pastry with Cranberry and Nuts Recipe

Garnishes

I like to scatter a few fresh rosemary sprigs and some extra chopped nuts over the top after baking—that little touch adds a fresh look and extra texture. Sometimes I toss on a few fresh cranberries for a pop of festive color too.

Side Dishes

This pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some roasted seasonal veggies for a light yet elegant starter. I also love serving it alongside a charcuterie board with cured meats and olives to keep those savory flavors rolling.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve wrapped smaller individual Brie rounds for bite-sized appetizers or shaped the pastry decoratively before baking. Wrapping the baked Brie with a festive ribbon on the board turns it into an instant party centerpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is rare!) wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. The pastry will lose some crispness but the flavors stay delightful.

Freezing

You can assemble this recipe ahead and freeze the wrapped Brie before baking. Just freeze on a sheet tray first, then wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Bake it from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350ºF oven for about 10 minutes to crisp the pastry again and warm the cheese without melting it into a mess. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture intact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cheeses instead of Brie in this recipe?

Brie is ideal because of its creamy melt and mild flavor, but you can experiment with Camembert or even a mild goat cheese. Just avoid very hard cheeses or ones that don’t melt well.

How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?

Make sure to create vents in the puff pastry to allow steam to escape, and bake at the right temperature on the middle rack so the bottom gets plenty of heat. The egg wash also helps seal the pastry and keep it crisp.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the wrapped Brie and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze the assembled pastry-wrapped Brie. Just bake straight from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the bake time.

What should I serve with Baked Brie Puff Pastry with Cranberry and Nuts?

It goes wonderfully with crackers, sliced baguette, fresh fruit like grapes or apple slices, and a glass of crisp white wine for a delightful appetizer spread. You can also pair it with a simple green salad or charcuterie board for gatherings.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Brie Puff Pastry with Cranberry and Nuts Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen — it’s a crowd-pleaser that manages to feel festive and homey at the same time. I hope you have as much fun making it as I do, and that it brings a little extra joy to your table. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be reaching for this elegant, easy appetizer again and again.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way