Should you cut the rind off brie before baking in puff pastry?

No, do not cut the rind off! This is the #1 tip for baking with brie. The rind is completely edible and serves a vital purpose: it acts as a "container," helping the brie become perfectly melted, gooey, and molten without turning into a giant puddle that leaks out everywhere. It's the secret to holding the wreath shape.

Do brie and cranberry go together?

Absolutely! It's one of the most classic and perfect flavor pairings in the culinary world. The creamy, earthy, salty flavor of the brie is the perfect balance for the sweet, tart, and zesty cranberry sauce. They are a match made in heaven, which is why this brie and cranberry puff pastry is a holiday staple.

Can cranberry brie bites be made ahead of time?

Yes, this is the perfect make-ahead appetizer! You have two fantastic options: 1- Assemble & Freeze (Best): Assemble the uncooked wreath or bites on the baking sheet. Freeze solid (about 1 hour), then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. You can bake them straight from frozen! Just add 5-10 minutes to the total bake time. 2- Bake & Reheat: Bake them completely, let cool, and store in an airtight container in the fridge. To serve, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes to re-crisp the pastry and melt the cheese.

How do you make cranberry pecan puff pastry with brie?

That's one of our favorite variations! It's incredibly simple: just substitute the 2 tablespoons of pistachios in the recipe for 2 tablespoons of toasted, chopped pecans. The toasty, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor of pecans is absolutely incredible with the brie and cranberry.

What temperature do you bake brie in puff pastry?

You want to bake it at a high temperature: 400°F (200°C) . This high heat is the secret. It allows the puff pastry to get a fast, golden, and dramatic "puff" before the brie cheese has time to melt completely and ooze out. If the temperature is too low, the brie will melt and leak before the pastry is cooked.

Why does my stomach hurt after eating brie cheese?

This is a common question. While brie is delicious, a few things can cause discomfort in some people, especially if you eat a lot of it: 1- High Fat Content: Brie is a rich, high-fat cheese. Large amounts of fat can be difficult for some people to digest, causing a heavy feeling or discomfort. 2- Lactose: While brie is a soft cheese, it's fairly low in lactose. However, those who are very sensitive may still feel it. 3- Tyramine: Aged and soft-ripened cheeses (like brie) contain an amino acid called tyramine, which can cause headaches or digestive upset in sensitive individuals. 4- The Rind: The Penicillium camemberti (the edible mold that makes the rind) can be a mild irritant for some people's digestive systems. In most cases, it's a mild issue of "too much of a good thing." (For more info, see this guide to digesting high-fat foods from Healthline ).

Easy 30-Minute Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Wreath

Name: Easy Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Wreath
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet (approx. 10-14 oz) puff pastry, thawed; 2-3 tbsp whole berry cranberry sauce; 8 oz (200-226g) wheel of Brie cheese, sliced; 2 tbsp pistachios, roughly chopped (or pecans); 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Description

The ultimate Christmas appetizer! This stunning Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Wreath looks gourmet but is ready in 30 minutes. Features flaky pastry, creamy melted brie, and tart cranberry.

Ingredients

Scale

1 sheet (approx. 10-14 oz) puff pastry, thawed
2–3 tbsp whole berry cranberry sauce
8 oz (200-226g) wheel of Brie cheese, sliced
2 tbsp pistachios, roughly chopped (or pecans)
1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut Pastry: Unroll your thawed puff pastry sheet onto the parchment. Cut a large circle (10-12 inches).
How to Cut Puff Pastry for a Brie Wreath
Cut Center Star: Place a small bowl (4-5 inches) in the center of the pastry. Lightly trace it. Inside this center circle, make 4 cuts in a “plus” sign (+) to create 4 triangular flaps.
Add Fillings: Spread the cranberry sauce in a ring just outside your center “star” cuts. Lay the brie slices on top of the cranberry sauce. Sprinkle with the chopped pistachios.
Brie and Cranberry Filling on Puff Pastry
Fold the Wreath: Take one of the center “star” flaps and fold it up and over the filling. Now, take the corresponding outer edge of the pastry and fold it inward, pressing it onto the center flap. Repeat all the way around until the wreath is sealed.
Egg Wash: Brush the entire wreath with the beaten egg.
Unbaked Cranberry Brie Wreath, Folded
Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, deep golden brown, and cooked through.
Rest & Serve: Let the wreath rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes (this lets the cheese set slightly) before slicing and serving warm.
Baked Cranberry and Brie Puff Pastry Wreath

Notes

Do NOT remove the rind! The rind on the brie is edible and essential. It holds the cheese together, preventing it from melting into a puddle.
Puff Pastry: Make sure your puff pastry is thawed but still cold.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the entire unbaked wreath, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 1 day. Or, freeze the unbaked wreath solid and bake it directly from frozen (just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time).

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Cuisine: American, French

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6th of wreath)
Calories: 255kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 272mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 9g
Cholesterol: 60mg