Description
This elegant Maple-Cranberry Baked Brie combines creamy, melty brie cheese wrapped in flaky puff pastry with a sweet-tart maple cranberry topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a show-stopping appetizer that is both easy and impressive.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry & Cheese
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 wheel of brie cheese (8 oz)
Maple Cranberry Topping
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
Finishing
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Make Cranberry Maple Mixture: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, maple syrup, orange juice, and orange zest if using. Simmer the mixture until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly to thicken further.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet slightly to even it out. Place the whole wheel of brie cheese in the center of the pastry.
- Add Topping: Spoon the cooled cranberry maple mixture evenly over the top of the brie, spreading it gently but thoroughly.
- Wrap the Brie: Fold the puff pastry edges up and over the brie, pulling to seal all edges tightly. Flip the wrapped brie over so the seam is underneath to help hold it closed.
- Apply Egg Wash: Using a pastry brush, coat the top of the wrapped brie with the beaten egg. If desired, use leftover pastry scraps to cut decorative shapes and place them on top. Brush these with egg wash as well for a golden finish.
- Bake: Place the wrapped brie on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, crisp, and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the baked brie rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to firm up slightly for easier slicing and serving.
Notes
- Allow the brie to rest after baking to avoid hot, runny cheese that can spill out when cut.
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries based on availability; frozen work just as well.
- Orange zest is optional but adds a nice citrus aroma to complement the maple and cranberries.
- The puff pastry should be kept cold before baking for best puff and flakiness.
- Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh fruit for an appealing appetizer platter.
