Save 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.
This recipe has become a beloved holiday tradition in my family, always impressing guests with its festive look and delightful flavor.
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)
- Filling: 2 tablespoons toasted pecans, roughly chopped
- Topping: 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Topping: 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
- Topping: 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- 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.
- Step 3:
- Place the brie in the center of the pastry. Spread cranberry sauce on top of the brie and sprinkle with toasted pecans.
- Step 4:
- 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.
- Step 5:
- Carefully transfer the wrapped brie to the prepared baking sheet. Brush all over with beaten egg.
- Step 6:
- Sprinkle with chopped rosemary if using, and bake for 20 25 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown and crisp.
- Step 7:
- Cool for 10 minutes. Optionally, drizzle with honey before serving.
- Step 8:
- Serve warm with crackers, apple slices, or fresh bread.
Save Pin Gathering around this brie pine tree brings warmth and joy to our holiday celebrations, making unforgettable moments with loved ones.
Notes
Serve with sparkling wine or a dry white wine for a festive pairing.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, parchment paper, sharp knife, pastry brush
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (brie cheese), egg, gluten (puff pastry), and tree nuts (pecans). For nut allergies, omit pecans. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Save Pin Enjoy this elegant appetizer that combines festive flair with irresistible flavors perfect for your holiday table.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of cheese is best for this dish?
A whole wheel of brie cheese works perfectly for its creamy texture and mild flavor.
- → Can I substitute the cranberry sauce filling?
Yes, fig or apricot preserves make excellent alternatives offering different flavor profiles.
- → How do I shape the pastry to resemble a pine tree?
Cut the puff pastry into a large triangle for the base and use scraps to add smaller triangles or strips as branches.
- → What is the baking temperature and time?
Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 20–25 minutes until the pastry is golden and crisp.
- → Are there suggested serving options?
Serve warm with crackers, apple slices, or fresh bread, and pair with sparkling wine or dry white wine.