Brie & Cranberry Puff Pastry Tree: A Festive Delight Recipe

Introduction

This Brie & Cranberry Puff Pastry Tree is a festive and elegant appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Layers of creamy brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and crunchy pistachios come together in a golden, flaky puff pastry that looks as delightful as it tastes.

Ingredients

• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• 200g (7 oz) brie cheese, thinly sliced
• ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce or dried cranberries
• ¼ cup chopped pistachios
• Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (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: Roll out the puff pastry sheets and cut each into triangles of decreasing size to form the shape of a tree.
3. Step 3: Begin layering the triangles on the prepared tray, alternating slices of brie, a spoonful of cranberry sauce, and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios between each layer to create a stacked tree effect.
4. Step 4: Once assembled, brush the top layer with the beaten egg to give it a golden finish when baked.
5. Step 5: Bake for 18-22 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs, additional chopped pistachios, and a drizzle of honey if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use dried cranberries soaked in a bit of orange juice if you prefer a less saucy filling.
• Swap pistachios for chopped walnuts or pecans for a different nutty flavor.
• Prepare the tree assembly in advance and refrigerate before baking to save time on the day of serving.
• For extra flair, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the cranberry sauce layer.

Storage

Store any leftover Brie & Cranberry Puff Pastry Tree in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. This dish is best served warm but can be enjoyed at room temperature as well.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry without thawing?

It’s best to fully thaw puff pastry before use to ensure it rolls out smoothly and bakes evenly. Using frozen pastry may result in uneven cooking or tearing.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Yes, this dish is kid-friendly with its mild brie cheese and sweet cranberries. The fun tree shape also makes it appealing for children during holiday occasions.

Brie & Cranberry Puff Pastry Tree: A Festive Delight Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 136 reviews

This Brie & Cranberry Puff Pastry Tree is a festive and elegant appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Layers of flaky puff pastry, creamy brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and crunchy pistachios come together to form a visually stunning edible ‘tree’ that’s both delicious and easy to prepare.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 appetizer servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry

• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Filling

• 200g (7 oz) brie cheese, thinly sliced
• ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce or dried cranberries
• ¼ cup chopped pistachios

Garnish

• Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs
• 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 ensure even baking and easy cleanup.
2. Prepare Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface and cut them into triangles of decreasing size to assemble the shape of a Christmas tree.
3. Assemble Layers: Starting with the largest triangle, layer thin slices of brie cheese, spoon dollops of cranberry sauce, and sprinkle chopped pistachios. Continue stacking smaller triangles on top, repeating the layering to build the tree shape.
4. Egg Wash: Brush the top of the assembled pastry tree with the beaten egg to help achieve a beautiful golden-brown finish during baking.
5. Bake: Place the assembled pastry tree on the prepared baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown.
6. Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs and extra chopped pistachios. Optionally, drizzle with honey for a touch of sweetness. Serve warm.

Notes

• This appetizer can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving, making it ideal for holiday entertaining.
• Use dried cranberries if cranberry sauce is unavailable, but whole berry cranberry sauce adds juiciness.
• For a nut-free version, omit pistachios or substitute with seeds like pumpkin seeds.
• Cool slightly before serving to allow the brie to set and avoid burns.

Keywords: brie puff pastry, cranberry sauce appetizer, holiday appetizer, festive puff pastry tree, brie and cranberry, easy holiday recipe