Puff Pastry Wrapped Brie
Puff Pastry Wrapped Brie is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious! The holiday season is the perfect time for indulgence, and what better way to start a festive meal than with a rich and gooey appetizer? I’ve been making this dish for years, usually between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and it’s become one of my go-to recipes when I want something impressive but simple. The melty cheese, combined with the sweetness of pomegranates and the crunch of crushed pistachios, creates a beautiful balance of flavors and textures that will wow your guests. Plus, the pop of red and green adds a festive touch that fits perfectly into any holiday spread.
Let’s face it—who doesn’t love melty cheese? Brie is already a crowd favorite, but it becomes a showstopper when wrapped in a golden, flaky puff pastry. The combination of warm cheese and buttery pastry is irresistible on its own, but adding seasonal fruits and nuts elevates it to another level. I love incorporating pomegranates because their juicy, tart burst contrasts wonderfully with the creamy richness of the Brie. The crushed pistachios add a nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft, gooey cheese inside. Together, they make for an appetizer that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious.
Once I discovered how easy this appetizer was to prepare, I started making it all year long, switching out the fruits and nuts depending on the season. For example, in the spring and summer, I’ll swap the pomegranates for grapes or figs and the pistachios for candied pecans. The beauty of this dish is that it’s incredibly versatile—whether it’s winter or summer, you can create a unique variation to suit the season. No matter what fruits and nuts you choose, the method remains the same, ensuring this appetizer can adapt to any season.
One of my favorite parts of making this appetizer is that it’s incredibly easy to prepare. I bake the whole thing in a skillet, which has become my preferred method because it allows the cheese to bake evenly and stay warm once it’s out of the oven. Plus, the skillet-to-table presentation is beautiful and makes for a fun, rustic look. Be sure to grease the pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. You can also transfer it to a serving plate if you prefer a more refined presentation, but either way, it’s sure to impress.
The process is simple, and the result looks like it took hours. To prepare, you’ll need a wheel of Brie, some puff pastry, a handful of your favorite seasonal fruit (pomegranates, cranberries, or even figs are great choices), and crushed nuts. From there, it’s just a matter of wrapping the Brie in puff pastry and baking it until golden brown and bubbly. The star of the show here is the Brie, so make sure to select a high-quality one. A creamier, triple-crème Brie works particularly well, as it melts beautifully and has a rich, buttery flavor.
Once the cheese has melted and you’re ready to serve, there are a couple of finishing touches that really elevate the flavors. A drizzle of honey is the perfect complement to the rich, creamy Brie. The sweet honey cuts through the richness of the cheese and adds a luxurious, silky finish. But don’t stop there—sprinkling a little Maldon sea salt over the top is the game-changer. The slight crunch and saltiness from the Maldon salt balance out the sweetness of the honey and the pomegranate, adding a layer of complexity to every bite.
Whether you're hosting a cozy family dinner or a large holiday party, the Puff Pastry Wrapped Brie is guaranteed to be the star of your appetizer spread. It’s an ideal dish to prepare ahead of time and bake just before serving, making it a great option for busy hosts. Plus, it pairs beautifully with wine, making it an excellent choice for holiday cocktail parties or gatherings with friends and family. Oh, and let’s not forget, your guests will be raving about it—and you'll be left with the satisfaction of knowing how easy it was to make!
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
25 - 30 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Course
Appetizer
Cuisine
American
Servings
10-12 servings
Ingredients
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, divided
Dufour puff pastry dough
1 Tbsp. flour for dusting
8 oz. brie round
1 egg, plus 1 Tbsp. water for egg wash
1 baguette
½ tsp. kosher salt
¼ tsp. pepper
2 Tbsp. pomegranate seeds for garnish
2 Tbsp. shelled, salted pistachios for garnish
1 Tbsp. honey, drizzled for garnish
Flaky Maldon salt, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400F.
2. In a large skillet, add 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil and use a paper towel to spread it around, coating the bottom and sides.
3. Cut a square portion of the puff pastry and set it on a cutting board sprinkled with flour. Also, add some flour to a rolling pin. Roll the dough out to make sure it is even in thickness.
4. Add the brie to the center of the dough, bringing the sides up to seal completely. Press all the sides to smooth them and form rounded edges around the brie. Flip it over, seam side down, in the skillet.
5. In a small bowl, beat an egg and 1 Tbsp. Water. Use a pastry brush to egg-wash the top and all the sides of the pastry dough. Use a small paring knife to cut four (4) slits from the center out, like a pinwheel, piercing through the dough and the cheese.
6. Add to the top rack of the oven and bake 25-30 mins, until golden brown.
Notes
Enjoy making Puff Pastry Wrapped Brie! Let me know what you think.
For additional appetizers, you might like to try the Roasted Garlic Shrimp, Sliced Filet Crostini, or my Puff Pastry with Cremini Mushrooms & Gruyere