Perfect Brie en Croute Recipe with Cranberry & Rosemary

Introduction

The golden, flaky crust cracking open to reveal warm, gooey brie—there’s something magical about Brie en Croute. Let me set the scene: the first time I pulled one out of the oven, the aroma of buttery pastry and rosemary filled the room. It wasn’t just the smell; it was the sight of vibrant cranberry spilling over the molten cheese that got me. It was the kind of moment where you pause, take a deep breath, and think, “This is going to be good.”

Honestly, this recipe feels like a little celebration wrapped in puff pastry. Years ago, my aunt brought her version of Brie en Croute to our holiday dinner, and I was hooked. It was one of those dishes that instantly made the table feel festive, and the taste—oh, the taste! The tangy cranberry paired with creamy brie and the fragrant rosemary was unforgettable. From that day on, I knew I had to recreate my own version.

Now, it’s become a staple in my kitchen for gatherings, gifting, or even just those cozy nights when you need a little indulgence. My family? They don’t even wait for me to slice it—someone always sneaks a bite straight off the cooling rack (and I don’t blame them). Trust me, this recipe is the kind of crowd-pleaser you’ll want in your rotation for holidays, dinner parties, or even your Pinterest boards of appetizer inspiration!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: With just a few simple steps, it’s ready to bake—and the results look like you’ve spent hours perfecting it.
• Minimal Ingredients: You probably already have most of what you need in your pantry or fridge.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a casual dinner party, this dish never fails to impress.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Adults love the elegance, and kids can’t resist the gooey cheese and sweet cranberry.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of creamy brie, tart cranberry, and earthy rosemary is perfection.

Unlike other versions, this recipe has a subtle twist that makes it stand out—adding a touch of honey to balance the tartness of the cranberries. Plus, the rosemary isn’t just a garnish; it’s baked right into the pastry for flavor that permeates every bite. Honestly, it’s the kind of dish that feels both indulgent and comforting at the same time. You’ll find yourself making it not just for special occasions but for any moment that calls for a little extra joy.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This Brie en Croute recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients to create a stunning appetizer that’s bursting with flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• One sheet of puff pastry: Thawed according to package instructions. (I recommend using all-butter puff pastry for extra richness.)
• One wheel of brie cheese: Full-fat and creamy for the best texture.
• Cranberry sauce: Homemade or store-bought—use one with whole cranberries if possible.
• Fresh rosemary: Finely chopped for the filling and a few sprigs for garnish.
• Honey: Just a drizzle to add a hint of sweetness.
• Egg: Lightly beaten for brushing over the pastry to give it that golden glow.
• All-purpose flour: For dusting your work surface when rolling out the puff pastry.

Optional substitutions: If you’re avoiding dairy, you can use a vegan brie alternative and dairy-free puff pastry. For a gluten-free option, swap the puff pastry with a suitable alternative.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need much to make this recipe, but here are the key tools:

• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the puff pastry evenly.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy one, lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Pastry brush: For brushing the egg wash over the pastry.
• Sharp knife: To trim any excess puff pastry.
• Spatula: Ideal for transferring the Brie en Croute to the baking sheet without tearing.

No rolling pin? A clean wine bottle works in a pinch! And if you don’t have a pastry brush, a spoon can do the trick, though it won’t be as even.

Preparation Method

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry to a square about ⅛ inch thick.
3. Place the brie in the center of the pastry. Spread a generous layer of cranberry sauce over the top of the brie.
4. Sprinkle the chopped rosemary over the cranberry sauce. Drizzle honey on top for added sweetness.
5. Carefully fold the puff pastry over the brie, trimming excess pastry if needed, and press to seal. Flip the wrapped brie over so the seam is underneath.
6. Brush the pastry all over with the beaten egg to ensure a golden finish. Decorate with sprigs of rosemary if desired.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing to prevent the cheese from spilling out too quickly.
8. Serve warm with crackers, bread slices, or fresh fruit for dipping.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Sealing the pastry: Be sure to seal the edges tightly to prevent the cheese from escaping during baking.
• Chilling the pastry: If your puff pastry gets too soft while working with it, chill it in the fridge for 10 minutes before proceeding.
• Using cold brie: Keep the brie refrigerated until ready to use—it’s easier to handle when cold.
• Don’t skip the egg wash: It gives your pastry that gorgeous golden color and extra crispiness.

And here’s a personal tip—don’t overfill with cranberry sauce. Too much can spill out during baking and make the pastry soggy!

Variations & Adaptations

• Nutty twist: Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts over the cranberry sauce for a crunchy texture.
• Savory version: Swap cranberry sauce with caramelized onions and omit the honey for a more savory flavor profile.
• Seasonal swap: Use fig jam or apricot preserves instead of cranberry sauce for a summery version.
• Gluten-free adaptation: Use gluten-free puff pastry if you’re avoiding gluten.
• Vegan version: Use a plant-based brie and dairy-free puff pastry to make it vegan-friendly.

Personally, I love experimenting with jam flavors—fig and rosemary is one of my favorite combinations!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your Brie en Croute warm, straight out of the oven, for the best gooey texture. Pair it with sliced baguette, crackers, or fresh fruit like apple slices or grapes. For an elegant presentation, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and a few whole cranberries.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving—it can make the pastry soggy.

Fun fact: The flavors deepen as it sits, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

While this recipe is definitely indulgent, it’s worth every bite! Here’s a rough estimate per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 18g

Brie is rich in calcium, vitamin B12, and healthy fats, while cranberries provide antioxidants and a tart flavor punch. If you’re watching your calorie intake, you can opt for low-fat brie and reduce the amount of pastry used.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s as delicious as it is beautiful, this Brie en Croute with Cranberry & Rosemary is your answer. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just treating yourself to something special, this dish delivers pure comfort wrapped in flaky pastry.

I’d love to hear how you make it your own—do you stick with cranberries, or have you tried other flavors? Leave a comment below and let me know! And if you enjoy this recipe, don’t forget to share it with friends or pin it for later. Here’s to baking up moments worth savoring!

FAQs

Can I make Brie en Croute ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the brie in the puff pastry, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

What’s the best way to keep the pastry crispy?

Make sure the puff pastry is well-chilled before baking, and avoid overfilling with cranberry sauce to prevent sogginess.

Can I freeze Brie en Croute?

You can freeze the assembled Brie en Croute before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What other cheeses work for this recipe?

Camembert is a great alternative to brie, as it has a similar creamy texture that pairs well with the puff pastry.

Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Use about half the amount of dried rosemary as fresh, since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

Print