Pin it 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 holiday favorite at our family gatherings, always impressing guests and bringing everyone together around the table.
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 to 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.
Pin it This recipe always brings family and friends together, creating cozy moments and festive memories every holiday season.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Brie en Croûte Pine Tree with crackers and slices of fresh apple for a delightful appetizer experience.
Wine Pairing
Pair with sparkling wine or a dry white wine for an elegant and festive touch.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (brie cheese), egg, gluten (puff pastry), and tree nuts (pecans). For nut allergies, omit pecans and check ingredient labels carefully.
Pin it 
This Brie en Croûte Pine Tree is a stunning holiday appetizer that delights both the eyes and taste buds.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of cheese is best for this dish?
A whole wheel of creamy brie cheese works best due to its soft texture and mild flavor that pairs well with sweet and nutty fillings.
- → Can I substitute the cranberry sauce?
Yes, fig or apricot preserves make excellent alternatives that complement the cheese and pastry beautifully.
- → How do I shape the pastry into a pine tree?
Cut the puff pastry into a large triangle, then use scraps to fashion small triangles or strips resembling branches to decorate the shape.
- → What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve warm with crackers, apple slices, or fresh bread to balance the creamy and sweet flavors effectively.
- → How can I make this dish nut-free?
Simply omit the toasted pecans from the filling to accommodate nut allergies without sacrificing texture.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
It’s best baked fresh to maintain the crispness of the pastry, but you can assemble it and refrigerate briefly before baking.