Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Brie & Cranberry Puff Pastry Tree Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 125 reviews
  • Author: Rafael
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings (depending on serving size) 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://tastewithrafael.com/brie-and-cranberry-puff-pastry-tree-recipe/