Brie & Cranberry Puff Pastry Tree Recipe

Introduction

This Brie & Cranberry Puff Pastry Tree is a festive and elegant appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Layers of flaky puff pastry are filled with creamy brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and crunchy pistachios, creating a deliciously balanced bite. It’s as fun to assemble as it is to eat!

Ingredients

• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 200g (7 oz) brie cheese, sliced thin
• ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce or dried cranberries
• ¼ cup chopped pistachios
• Fresh thyme or rosemary sprig (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: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out both puff pastry sheets. Cut each into triangle shapes of decreasing size to form 4–5 tiers.
3. Step 3: Place the largest triangle on the prepared tray as the base. Layer a few slices of brie on top, then add a teaspoon of cranberry sauce or scatter dried cranberries, followed by a sprinkle of chopped pistachios.
4. Step 4: Repeat the layering with the smaller pastry triangles, offsetting each slightly to create the shape of a tree.
5. Step 5: Brush the entire outer surface with the beaten egg to achieve a shiny golden finish during baking.
6. Step 6: Bake for 18–22 minutes until the pastry is puffed and deeply golden brown.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary, extra chopped pistachios, and drizzle with honey if desired.
8. Step 8: Serve warm, allowing guests to pull off each cheesy, cranberry-filled layer.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch and color, toast the chopped pistachios lightly before sprinkling them on the layers.
• If you prefer a less sweet option, substitute cranberry sauce with fig jam or caramelized onions.
• Use a sharp serrated knife to cut the pastry triangles cleanly without compressing the dough.
• Make sure the brie is sliced thin to allow it to melt evenly and stretch deliciously between layers.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes to refresh the crisp pastry and soften the cheese again. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be served warmed after storage.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry?

Yes, just be sure to thaw it completely according to package instructions before rolling and shaping. Working with properly thawed pastry ensures flaky, even layers.

What can I use if I don’t have pistachios?

You can substitute chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a similar crunch and flavor. Toasting the nuts before using enhances their nuttiness.

Brie & Cranberry Puff Pastry Tree Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 125 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings (depending on serving size) 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Brie & Cranberry Puff Pastry Tree is a festive and delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Layers of flaky puff pastry encase creamy brie cheese, tangy whole berry cranberry sauce, and crunchy pistachios, all baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of honey for a delightful sweet-savory treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry Layers

• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 200g (7 oz) brie cheese, sliced thin
• ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce or dried cranberries
• ¼ cup chopped pistachios

For Garnish

• Fresh thyme or rosemary sprig
• Extra chopped pistachios
• 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.
2. Prepare pastry: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry sheets. Cut each sheet into triangle shapes of decreasing size to form layers or tiers for the tree, about 4 to 5 different sizes.
3. Layer the base: Place the largest triangle on the prepared baking tray as the base layer. Arrange a few thin slices of brie cheese evenly on top.
4. Add cranberry and nuts: Spoon a teaspoon of whole berry cranberry sauce or scatter dried cranberries over the brie, then sprinkle a bit of the chopped pistachios for texture and flavor.
5. Build the tree: Repeat the layering process with the smaller pastry triangles, layering brie, cranberry sauce, and pistachios each time. Offset each tier slightly so they form a tree shape visually.
6. Egg wash: Brush the entire outer surface of the assembled pastry tree with the beaten egg. This will create a shiny, golden crust during baking.
7. Bake: Place the pastry tree in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed up and deeply golden brown.
8. Rest and garnish: Remove from oven and let the pastry tree rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs, extra chopped pistachios, and optionally drizzle with honey for added sweetness.
9. Serve: Serve warm, allowing guests to pull off each flaky, cheesy, cranberry-filled layer to enjoy the blend of creamy and crunchy textures.

Notes

• Be sure puff pastry sheets are fully thawed to roll and cut easily.
• You can substitute dried cranberries if fresh whole berry cranberry sauce is unavailable.
• Chill the pastry layers briefly after assembling if the brie gets too soft before baking.
• Optional honey drizzle adds a nice touch of sweetness that balances the tart cranberry and salty brie.
• Serve immediately after resting for the best texture and flavor experience.

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

Keywords: Brie puff pastry, cranberry appetizer, holiday appetizers, puff pastry tree, festive finger foods, cheesy cranberry snacks