Brie in Puff Pastry (Brie en Croute)

I know these holidays have been weird for most people so far and it probably won’t be getting any closer to being normal. But however you are planning on celebrating Christmas and New Year’s, I hope you find a way to still make it festive and enjoyable. I suggest adding this Brie in Puff Pastry (Brie en Croute) to the mix 😊 Why should you make it? Because it is delicious, it will make you feel proud of yourself and impress those around you, and if you are someone who likes to aim to eat “healthier” in the new year, consider this your way to go out of 2020 with a bang because it’s *rich*. Just consider it a way to treat yourself before the year ends.

Brie in Puff Pastry or Brie en Croute in french, makes a great addition to a wine and cheese night or a great appetizer. All the ingredients come together beautifully making it rich, creamy, buttery, flaky, sweet and nutty with some crunch. It’s definitely an indulgence. My sister and I hosted a wine and cheese night earlier this year before everything went south and this was one of the things I made. It looked fancy and everyone was impressed by it but it’s really easy to make and I’ll show you how.

Some notes:

• Like I always say, homemade puff pastry is way better than the store bought so I’ve linked my puff pastry recipe in here. This is my go to because it’s easier than a traditional puff pastry. But of course you can also get one from the store.
• I used a 16oz brie wheel but you can use a different size. Just keep in mind that you will have to adjust how much puff pastry you use accordingly.
• For the nuts, I used walnuts but you can also use pecans. Also toasting then beforehand is nice and recommended but not mandatory. I don’t think I toasted mine.
• You will see that I have not put any measurements for the ingredients. That’s because it is all up to you. Load your brie with honey, dried cranberries and nuts or don’t. It is all based on your preference. Ok now on to the recipe.

Brie in Puff Pastry (Brie en Croute)

• Puff pastry
• Brie wheel (around 16oz)
• Honey
• Dried cranberries
• Walnuts or pecans (chopped)
• Egg for egg wash

Method

Preheat oven to 400°F

Roll out puff pastry on a flat, lightly floured surface. Place brie wheel in the center of the puff pastry. Cover the surface of the brie with honey. Then top with chopped nuts and dried cranberries until the surface is covered.

Using a knife, cut a circle around your brie placing your knife about 4 to 5 inches away from the brie or far enough for the dough to cover most of of the brie. Refer to the images above. Keep in mind that if using a different size brie, you may need to make a smaller or bigger circle.

Fold the edges of the circle, one fold at a time, over the previous fold as in the photo above.

In a bowl, beat an egg and brush your puff pastry enough for it to glisten. Place your brie in puff pastry on a baking pan or dish and bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden. Let it cool 5 to 10 minutes. Serve with crackers or bread and enjoy with wine.