When you’re preparing a big holiday meal or hosting friends, you want an appetizer that’s both crowd-pleasing and effortless. This cranberry brie wrapped in puff pastry fits the bill perfectly. It requires minimal prep, yet looks impressive and tastes indulgent. Creamy brie is topped with bright cranberry sauce and fresh thyme, then enclosed in flaky puff pastry and baked until golden. Serve with your favorite crackers and watch it disappear. The sweet-tart cranberries complement the rich brie and buttery pastry, making this a favorite for Christmas, New Year’s, or any festive gathering.
Ingredients for Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry
- Puff pastry: Save time and buy ready-made puff pastry—making it at home is time-consuming and unnecessary for this recipe.
- Brie: Use an 8–9 ounce wheel of brie. Any grocery-store brie will work; it doesn’t need to be expensive.
- Cranberry sauce: Homemade or store-bought both work. If you prefer homemade, a simple mix of fresh cranberries, orange juice, and brown sugar is easy to make.
- Fresh thyme: Adds a bright, herbal note that balances the sweet cranberries and rich cheese.
- Egg: A beaten egg for an egg wash ensures a golden, glossy crust.
- Salt and pepper: Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to finish.
- Crackers: For serving.
How to Make Cranberry Brie in Puff Pastry
- Prepare cranberry sauce first if it isn’t already ready.
- Remove the puff pastry from the refrigerator and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it slightly larger than the original sheet—about 2 inches wider on all sides—so it will wrap easily around the brie.
- Set the brie wheel in the center of the pastry and spoon cranberry sauce over the top. Scatter fresh thyme over the sauce.
- Bring the pastry edges up around the brie, working in a circle to seal it neatly. Transfer the wrapped brie to a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil or parchment and lightly sprayed with nonstick spray.
- Beat the egg and brush it over the pastry for a golden finish. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–40 minutes, until the pastry is deep golden and crisp. Serve warm with crackers.
This simple, dependable recipe is perfect for entertaining or bringing to a party. Warm, creamy brie paired with tangy cranberry and flaky pastry is an irresistible combination—especially with a glass of wine and good company.
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 1 8–9 oz. wheel of brie
- 1/2–3/4 cup cranberry sauce*
- Fresh thyme
- 1 egg
- Flaky sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Crackers for serving
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the puff pastry until it is about 2 inches wider on all sides.
- Place the brie in the center of the pastry and spoon cranberry sauce over it. Add fresh thyme.
- Wrap the pastry around the brie, working in a circle to seal the edges.
- Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil, brush with beaten egg, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt and black pepper.
- Bake 30–40 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
- Serve warm with crackers.