Baked Brie in Puff Pastry with cranberries is an easy-to-make holiday appetizer you've been dreaming of! This elegant puff pastry-wrapped baked brie recipe is stuffed with sweet and tart cranberry sauce, topped off with the flakiest puff pastry, lightly toasted almonds and a drizzle of honey. Serve it warm while the brie is warm and gooey and watch it disappear!
If you like brie, you should also try my Easy Mini Plum Brie Tarts and my Brie and Ham Pizza {Pizza con Prosciutto Cotto e Brie} !
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Jump To
- What is brie en croute?
- Why you will love this recipe
- Ingredients
- How to make baked Brie in puff pastry
- Expert tips when making this puff pastry-wrapped brie
- How to serve baked Brie?
- Can Baked Brie In Puff Pastry Be Made Ahead of time?
- Top Tips
- FAQ'S
- Storing and Freezing
- Some other holiday recipes:
- Easy Baked Brie in Puff Pastry with Cranberries Recipe
Where do I begin to describe how dreamy this recipe is? A classic recipe, Brie en croute is the creamiest Brie filled with the most delicious and festive cranberry sauce, all wrapped perfectly in the irresistibly flaky puff pastry.
The crunch from the almond slivers and the sweet honey drizzle is what makes this appetizer even more delightful.
Originally posted December 2020 and updated November 2025. This is one of my favorite appetizers! I know you'll love it!
I remember the first time I had this at a Christmas party. My mind was blown away. I was aware that this recipe existed and my mom reminded me that she used to make this in the 90's. But it was after that Christmas party it was time to make it for my own holiday parties. And it has been a staple these last few years or so.
Even these photos are from last year's family Christmas party. I had my in-laws here from Italy, and cousins visiting from Rome and Milan. My brother and family were here. It was a very full house filled with laughter and lots of food.
If you have never had it before, I'm so excited for you to try it out! But really, you will have to make two. Because as soon as you take it out of the oven and set it up with the crackers and bread slices, it will be the first thing to go! And it goes in minutes. I'm not kidding!! And then you're left with that the not-as-exciting cheeseball and mozzarella skewers (that's what I served this with last year).
It's really so easy to plan and make ahead of time. In November and December, I always have jars of my homemade cranberry sauce. So if you happen to have any sauce on hand, and if you don't, just whip some up a few days ahead of time. Then when it's time for your intimate holiday get-together, arrange it all and pop it in the oven.
What is brie en croute?
"En croute", pronounced on-kroot, is a French culinary phrase whose definition is "in a pastry crust".
Brie en croute is basically a recipe that consists of a round of soft Brie cheese wrapped in flaky puff pastry and baked until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
The classic way to make it is with only the cheese and the pastry, but most often you will see different ways of topping it. It really is very versatile! Some topping you will see will be like the recipe I share here today, that has the cranberries and almonds.
You may find it even more savory with cured meats, mushrooms, and even caramelized onions. Another way to top it is with dried fruits, nuts, and various different jams or spreads.
Why you will love this recipe
- Perfect balance of flavors: The rich and creamy brie, tart cranberries, and sweet honey create an irresistible combination of flavors that are perfect for the holiday season.
- Texture variety: The soft, melty brie is beautifully contrasted by the flaky puff pastry and the crunch of toasted almonds, making every bite a pleasure.
- Easy to prepare: Despite its gourmet appearance, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make, making it a go-to for holiday entertaining.
- Versatile serving options: This dish can be served as an appetizer, a dessert with a glass of wine, or as part of a cheese board - the possibilities are endless.
- Festive and aesthetically pleasing: The vibrant cranberries give this dish a festive look, making it a showstopper on any holiday table.
Ingredients
Here is all you need to make this delicious appetizer:
For the cranberry sauce:
- Fresh cranberries - These provide a tart, fruity component to the dish which balances the rich brie.
- Sugar - This sweetens the cranberry sauce, mellowing the tartness of the cranberries. You can substitute it with honey or pure maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Fresh orange juice and zest - They add a citrusy brightness to the cranberry sauce, enhancing its flavor.
Brie and Pastry:
- Brie cheese wheel - This is the main ingredient. When baked, it becomes wonderfully soft and melty.
- Puff pastry - This encases the brie, providing a flaky and buttery exterior that contrasts well with the creamy cheese.
- Sliced toasted almonds - They add a crunchy texture to the dish, and their nutty flavor complements the brie.
- Egg - Used in the egg wash, it gives the puff pastry a golden, glossy finish when baked.
- Honey - A final drizzle of honey adds a touch of sweetness and a glossy sheen to the finished dish.
- Fresh cranberries - These are used as a garnish, adding a pop of color and hint of tartness to the final presentation.
Substitutions
This brie in puff pastry recipe uses a homemade cranberry sauce, and I know cranberries are not easy to find in some parts of the world, or maybe you just don't like cranberries.
Cranberry sauce:
You could easily substitute the cranberries with any preserve, jam or even a jelly that you like!
- fig jam
- cherry reserves
- red currant jelly
- strawberry jam
- apricot jelly
- jalapeno jelly
- pear jam
- peach jam
Almonds: You could sub the toasted almond slices with toasted pistachio (the green and red color combo is very festive!). Pecans also are wonderful!
How to make baked Brie in puff pastry
First, make the cranberry filling. As mentioned before, this could even be prepped a few days ahead.
Use parchment paper to line a baking sheet and set it aside.
Heat up the oven.
When oven is heated, place the pastry on a clean and floured work surface and roll out the pastry.
Slice the Brie in half and place the bottom of Brie cheese in the middle of the pastry.
Top with the cranberry sauce. Place the other half of Brie on top of the cranberry sauce.
Fold the puff pastry corners around the cheese filled round, pleating it as you work around the sides. This helps to seal the pastry and also looks very pretty. Each time you are bringing pastry pieces together, brush it before with egg wash as this will help it stick together. It's sort of like wrapping a package.
Trim any excess dough and reserve to use for decorating. You could also use cookie cutter to make shapes with the remaining dough.
When all the edges are folder over and connected around the cheese, brush the whole pastry with rest of egg wash.
Transfer the pastry wrapped Brie to parchment lined baking sheet and place in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to chill.
While it is chilling, preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Bake the brie for about 15-25 minutes or until puffed and nicely golden brown.
Every oven is different and it's best to check it at 15 minutes, as it may be ready. You don't want it to brown too much.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes. If you rush and cut it the cheese and cranberries will ooze out all steaming and melted (that's the way I usually do it, so nothing wrong with that). BUT if you prefer it cleaner, let it cool and firm a bit.
Drizzle on a little honey and sprinkle on the almond slivers. Slice and serve with your accompaniments. Sprinkle on a handful of fresh cranberries for a gorgeous pop of color
Expert tips when making this puff pastry-wrapped brie
- Puff pastry must be thawed before using. You could even thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Pastry can be unfolded only when it's thawed. I have rushed the process and tried to unfold when it's still a bit frozen and the pastry will be a mess (it will break unfolding while it's frozen!).
- Just like with any other dough, it is important to flour your clean counter. That is best method to make sure you have a smooth dough.
- Gently roll it out making sure it's not rolled too thin.
- Flour your work surface and your rolling pin. This will help the pastry to roll out smooth, and prevent any sticking and pulling.
- Use restraint with your rolling pin. If you over-roll or use too much force, you'll roll out some of the flakiness (aka it won't "puff" as much).
- Chill the pastry again before baking. This step gives the butter a chance to re-solidify, to get an even better "puff" on your pastry.
- Serve as soon as possible so the pastry is the most crisp and fresh.
How to serve baked Brie?
The baked Brie can be served sliced and enjoyed with crackers or thin slices of a nice baguette. It can be served like I did with a cheese platter.
Can Baked Brie In Puff Pastry Be Made Ahead of time?
Yes! Make the cranberry sauce up to 5 days in advance.
Assemble the Brie in pastry and it will keep nicely for up to a day in the fridge. When ready to bake it, remove and place on parchment lined baking sheet.
Top Tips
- Be sure to use a Brie wheel and not a brie wedge. If you're baking it for just two, you could use a a smaller wheel of Brie or the wedge.
- If you cannot access cranberries to make the cranberry filling, you could just bake the cheese with your puff pastry and do the almond and honey drizzle.
- In place of cranberry sauce, you could fill with another homemade fruit filling.
- When rolling the pastry out, it may rip a bit. Simply adjust it with your fingertips.
- Puff pastry could be defrosted overnight in the fridge or on your clean counter about 30-60 minutes before rolling it out.
- The cranberry sauce could be made totally sugar free.
- The Brie wrapped puff pastry round is best chilled before baking. You could chill it while heating up the oven.
- Let the baked cheese cool on the counter for a few minutes before slicing. It will help to get actual slices instead of cheesy mush.
FAQ'S
No, it the rind (or skin of Brie) does not need to be removed. It is completely edible. Now if you do not like the Brie rind, gently cut it off before assembling it.
If your baked brie is rubbery, it may be because the rind of the cheese was not removed prior to baking. The rind of brie can become tough and rubbery when heated, so it is best to remove it before baking. Additionally, your brie may be overcooked if left in the oven for too long. Be sure to check the cheese frequently while baking and remove it from the oven when it is soft and lightly browned.
It is not necessary to bring brie to room temperature before baking.
No, brie does not need to be covered when baking. If you are baking the cheese on its own, it is best to keep it uncovered so that it can properly brown in the oven.
Yes, you can freeze brie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container before freezing. When ready to use, thaw the brie in the refrigerator for several hours before serving.
Brie typically has a shelf life of 1-2 weeks when stored in the refrigerator. However, if properly wrapped and stored in an airtight container, it can last up to 6 weeks.
If you are unable to find or have brie on hand, there are a few substitutes that can be used for this recipe. Some options include:
Camembert: This cheese has a similar texture and flavor profile to brie, making it a great substitute.
Cream cheese: While not as rich as brie, cream cheese can still provide a creamy element to dishes and can be used as a substitute in recipes that call for melted brie.
Goat cheese: This tangy cheese can add a different flavor profile to dishes, but still provides a creamy texture when melted.
Gouda: This semi-hard cheese has a nutty flavor and melts well, making it a good substitute for brie in savory dishes.
Baked Brie will stay gooey and melted for about 15 minutes. When it firms up, you could reheat the cheese in the oven on a low temp if you want to have it warm and melted again.
Yes, you can make a gluten free baked brie in puff pastry using a gluten free puff pastry like Schär or Jus Rol. It turns out golden, flaky, and just as delicious as the classic.
Storing and Freezing
Yes, you can freeze brie en croute before baking. Wrap the unbaked brie in pastry tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container for up to one month. When ready to bake, remove the wrap, brush with egg wash, and bake at 350°F for about 50-55 minutes, tenting with foil if it browns too quickly.
To reheat baked brie in puff pastry, warm it in the oven at 200°F for about 20-30 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to keep the crust from overbrowning.
PIN for later!
Some other holiday recipes:
- Gluten-Free Rice Stuffing
- Nocatole-Calabrian Sweet Fritters
- Italian Rainbow Cookies
- Easy Mini Plum Brie Tarts
- Brie and Ham Pizza {Pizza con Prosciutto Cotto e Brie}
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Easy Baked Brie in Puff Pastry with Cranberries Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
Cranberry Sauce
- 2 cups 16 ounces of fresh cranberries 2 cups
- 1 cup of sugar honey or pure maple syrup could be used
- ¾ cup of fresh orange juice
- ¼ teaspoon orange zest
Brie and Pastry
- 1 13.2 ounces Brie cheese wheel, you could use anywhere from 8-14 ounces
- 1 sheet puff pastry defrosted, rolled out to 11 x 11 inches
- Flour for rolling out dough (should be around ¼ cup)
- ⅓ rounded cup sliced toasted almonds
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- honey for drizzling
Instructions
Cranberry Sauce
- In a medium sized bowl, rinse the cranberries with cool water, and remove any stems or blemished berries. Drain the cranberries in a colander.
- Heat orange juice and sugar to boiling in 3-quart saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
- Stir in cranberries. Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Continue boiling about 5 minutes longer, stirring occasionally, until cranberries begin to pop. Simmer for about 20 minutes. Don't worry if every single cranberry does not completely pop. Stir in the orange zest.
- Pour sauce into bowl and let it chill in the fridge for about an hour, or you could make it ahead of time (up to 5 days ahead of time).
Puff Pastry
- Defrost puff pastry sheet in the fridge overnight or on a clean counter 30-60 minutes before ready to use (defrost time is depending on how warm your kitchen is).
- Preheat the oven to 400 Fahrenheit.
- Line a baking sheet with a parchment paper (foil paper also fine to use).
- On your clean working space, sprinkle on a little bit of flour. Sprinkle also on your rolling pin a little bit of flour.
- Roll the pastry sheet until 11x11-inches. If it breaks while rolling, push the breaks back together with your clean fingertips.
- Slice the Brie in half horizontally and place the bottom of the brie in the center of the puff pastry with the cut side up.
- Spoon ⅔-3/4 of the cranberry sauce (try to use mostly fruit so it won't be too juicy)on over the cut side of the brie on the puff pastry.
- Place the other half of the brie on top, so that the cut side is in the middle and the rind side is up. An option here is to to add more of the cranberry sauce on top of the brie (I did not do that, but you sure could if you would like more fruit). You could also reserve the rest of the cranberry sauce to serve on your tray with the accompinents.
- Fold the puff pastry corners around the cheese filled round, pleating it as you work around the sides. This helps to seal the pastry and also looks very pretty.. Each time you are bringing pastry pieces together, brush it before with egg wash as this will help it stick together. It's sort of like wrapping a package.
- Trim any excess dough and reserve to use for decorating. You could also use cookie cutter to make shapes with the remaining dough.
- When all the edges are folder over and connected around the cheese, brush the whole pastry with rest of egg wash.
- Transfer the pastry wrapped Brie to parchment lined baking sheet and place in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to chill.
- While it is chilling, preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Bake the brie for about 15-25 minutes or until puffed and nicely golden brown.
- Every oven is different and it's best to check it at 15 minutes, as it may be ready. You don't want it to brown too much.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes. If you rush and cut it the cheese and cranberries will ooze out all steaming and melted (that's the way I usually do it, so nothing wrong with that). BUT if you prefer it cleaner, let it cool and firm a bit.
- Drizzle on a little honey and sprinkle on the almond slivers. You could also sprinkle on some fresh cranberries (just a handful) for a pop of festive color. Slice and serve with your accompaniments.
Nutrition Disclaimer
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information presented below is an approximation and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
Notes
- Be sure to use a Brie wheel and not a brie wedge. If you're baking it for just two, you could use a a smaller wheel of Brie or the wedge.
- If you cannot access cranberries to make the cranberry filling, you could just bake the cheese with your puff pastry and do the almond and honey drizzle.
- In place of cranberry sauce, you could fill with another homemade fruit filling.
- When rolling the pastry out, it may rip a bit. Simply adjust it with your fingertips.
- Puff pastry could be defrosted overnight in the fridge or on your clean counter about 30-60 minutes before rolling it out.
- The cranberry sauce could be made totally sugar free.
- The Brie wrapped puff pastry round is best chilled before baking. You could chill it while heating up the oven.
- Let the baked cheese cool on the counter for a few minutes before slicing. It will help to get actual slices instead of cheesy mush.
Corina says
I put this baked brie together the other day, and it was such a cosy little treat—super simple, gooey in the middle, and perfect with the cranberries on top
Lilly says
Baked brie is one of my all-time favorite foods and this baked in pastry version made it even better! Loved the cranberry sauce topping!
Nora says
This was such a gorgeous holiday appetizer! The warm, gooey brie with the cranberries and flaky puff pastry was absolutely perfect. It disappeared in no time!
Ana says
I was looking for this recipe for a get-togetjer and tried it out , it was so delicious the combination of cranberry sauce, almonds , honey and the warm pastry with brie was just perfect!
Rai says
This is the ultimate party appetizer! The presentation is stunning, and there's nothing better than warm, gooey brie wrapped in buttery puff pastry. I appreciate the tips on scoring the top!
bella says
This recipe turned out amazing! It was the perfect holiday appetizer.