Brie & Cranberry Puff Pastry Tree Recipe

Introduction

This Brie & Cranberry Puff Pastry Tree is a stunning and delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions. Combining creamy brie, tart cranberry sauce, and crunchy pistachios wrapped in flaky puff pastry, it’s as visually impressive as it is tasty.

Ingredients

• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• 200g (7 oz) brie cheese, thinly sliced
• ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce or dried cranberries
• ¼ cup chopped pistachios
• Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
• Extra chopped pistachios (for garnish)
• Optional: honey for drizzling

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Roll out the puff pastry sheets and cut them into triangles of decreasing size to form the shape of a tree.
3. Step 3: On each triangle, layer thin slices of brie, a spoonful of cranberry sauce or a sprinkle of dried cranberries, and some chopped pistachios.
4. Step 4: Stack the triangles from largest to smallest, aligning them to create a festive tree shape.
5. Step 5: Brush the entire top of the stacked tree with the beaten egg to achieve a golden finish when baked.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs and extra chopped pistachios. Drizzle with honey if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, substitute pistachios with toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
• Use dried cranberries soaked briefly in orange juice for a juicier filling if fresh cranberry sauce isn’t available.
• Serve warm for the best flavor and texture, allowing the brie to be melty and gooey.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the pastry on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to regain crispness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the pastry soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the tree a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Brush with egg wash and bake just before serving to keep the pastry flaky and fresh.

What if I don’t have whole berry cranberry sauce?

You can use dried cranberries as an alternative. For extra flavor, soak them in warm water or orange juice for 10 minutes before using. Alternatively, a smooth cranberry sauce works well too.

Brie & Cranberry Puff Pastry Tree Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 68 reviews

• Author: lina
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Brie & Cranberry Puff Pastry Tree is a stunning and festive appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Layers of flaky puff pastry are filled with creamy brie cheese, tangy whole berry cranberry sauce, and crunchy chopped pistachios, then baked to golden perfection. Finished with fresh herb garnishes and an optional drizzle of honey, this easy-to-assemble, visually striking dish delights guests with its combination of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry Base

• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed

Filling

• 200g (7 oz) brie cheese, thinly sliced
• ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce or dried cranberries
• ¼ cup chopped pistachios

Finishing

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
• Extra chopped pistachios (for garnish)
• Optional: honey for drizzling

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface and cut them into triangles of decreasing size, which will stack into the shape of a tree.
3. Assemble Layers: Starting with the largest triangle, layer with thin slices of brie, spread some whole berry cranberry sauce or dried cranberries, and sprinkle chopped pistachios. Continue stacking smaller triangles with the same filling to form a layered tree shape.
4. Apply Egg Wash: Brush the top of the assembled puff pastry tree with the beaten egg to give it a beautiful golden color when baked.
5. Bake: Place the tree on the prepared baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs and extra chopped pistachios. Optionally, drizzle with honey before serving to add a touch of sweetness.

Notes

• Use chilled puff pastry sheets to ensure they puff well in the oven.
• Substitute dried cranberries if fresh whole berry cranberry sauce is unavailable.
• The optional honey drizzle enhances the sweet and savory balance but can be omitted for a less sweet version.
• Fresh herbs add visual appeal and an aromatic touch; rosemary or thyme both pair well with brie.
• Ensure even layering for the tree shape to hold well during baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Brie, Cranberry, Puff Pastry, Holiday Appetizer, Christmas Tree, Festive Snack, Cheese Pastry, Easy Holiday Recipe