This baked stuffed Brie is a warm, gooey treat filled with sweet cranberries and crunchy walnuts. It’s perfect for sharing at parties or cozy nights in!
Honestly, it’s hard to resist digging in! My favorite way to enjoy it is with some crusty bread or crackers. Trust me, you won’t want to stop at just one bite! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brie Cheese: The star ingredient! You want a nice, soft Brie that melts beautifully. If you can’t find Brie, Camembert is a great substitute as it has a similar texture and flavor.
Dried Cranberries: These add sweetness and a lovely tartness. If you want a different taste, you can use dried cherries or even raisins. Just make sure they’re unsweetened if you’re looking for less sugar!
Walnuts: They provide a nice crunch. If nuts are a concern, you can swap them for sunflower seeds or omit altogether. The dish will still be delicious!
Puff Pastry: This is what gives that flaky, golden crust. You might find phyllo dough a good alternative, but it will result in a different texture. Just ensure to layer it well so it’s sturdy!
How Can I Make Sure the Puff Pastry is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking puff pastry to perfection can be tricky! To ensure it’s golden and flaky:
- Make sure your oven is preheated before placing the Brie inside. A hot oven helps the pastry to puff up nicely.
- You can score the surface of the puff pastry lightly before baking. This allows steam to escape and promotes better puffing.
- Don’t skip the egg wash; it helps the pastry brown evenly. Brush it on just before baking for a beautiful finish.
Keep an eye on it as it bakes, and remove it once it’s golden to avoid over-baking!
Baked Stuffed Brie with Cranberries and Walnuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese (8 oz)
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts, plus extra for garnish
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for drizzling)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
- Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake. Overall, you’ll need about 35-40 minutes from start to finish, plus an extra 5 minutes to let it rest before serving. Perfect for impressing your guests without spending all day in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready when your Brie is prepared!
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your puff pastry. You want it to be a bit larger than the Brie wheel so that you can wrap it nicely.
3. Slice the Brie (Optional):
If you prefer, slice the Brie in half horizontally to make two thinner rounds. This step is optional but helps distribute the filling evenly.
4. Fill the Brie:
Spread the dried cranberries and chopped walnuts evenly on the cut side of the Brie. If you cut the Brie, reassemble the two halves back together.
5. Wrap the Brie:
Place the stuffed Brie in the center of the puff pastry. Bring the pastry up and over the Brie, sealing all the edges by pressing firmly. Trim any excess pastry if there’s too much.
6. Apply the Egg Wash:
Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush the puff pastry all over with the egg wash. This will give it that lovely golden color when it bakes!
7. Bake It Up:
Carefully place the wrapped Brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
8. Add Finishing Touches:
Once baked, remove the Brie from the oven and, if you like, drizzle some honey or maple syrup on top for a touch of sweetness.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Top with extra walnuts, fresh cranberries, and sprigs of rosemary for a festive look. Let it rest for about 5 minutes, then serve it warm with your favorite crackers or sliced baguette. Enjoy!
Your guests will love the combination of creamy, melty Brie with the sweet cranberries and crunchy walnuts, all encased in flaky pastry—an irresistible appetizer for any occasion!
Can I Make This Recipe Without Puff Pastry?
Yes, you can! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can skip the pastry entirely and simply bake the Brie topped with cranberries and walnuts. Just place it in a small oven-safe dish and bake it until melty, around 10-15 minutes!
How Do I Store Leftover Baked Brie?
If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. Enjoy within 2-3 days. To reheat, pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Can I Use Fresh Cranberries Instead of Dried?
Fresh cranberries are quite tart and not recommended unless you cook them down with some sugar beforehand to sweeten them up. Dried cranberries provide a sweeter contrast to the Brie that melts perfectly!
What Can I Serve with Baked Brie?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of items! Crackers, sliced baguette, or fruit slices like apples and pears are great choices to complement the rich, creamy cheese.