You've likely encountered baked Brie before, but have you tried it with cranberry sauce and walnuts? This elegant appetizer combines creamy cheese, tart fruit, and crunchy nuts in a golden puff pastry shell. It's a crowd-pleaser that's surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or sophisticated dinner parties. While the origins of this particular combination aren't well-documented, it's become a modern classic for good reason. As you consider adding this dish to your repertoire, you might wonder about its history and the best techniques for achieving that perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Key Takeaways
- Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce and Walnuts is an elegant appetizer combining creamy cheese, sweet fruit, and crunchy nuts.
- The dish typically involves wrapping Brie in puff pastry with cranberry sauce and walnuts, then baking until golden.
- It's a popular choice for holiday gatherings and special occasions, offering a blend of textures and flavors.
- Preparation is relatively simple, requiring only a few ingredients and about 30 minutes of baking time.
- The appetizer is best served warm with crackers or sliced baguette for easy sharing and indulgent enjoyment.
History
The origins of baked Brie with cranberry sauce can be traced back to the late 20th century.
As culinary trends evolved, chefs and home cooks began experimenting with new ways to serve traditional cheeses. Brie, a soft French cheese, became popular in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, coinciding with a growing interest in gourmet foods.
You'll find that the combination of warm, melted Brie and sweet fruit preserves gained traction as an elegant appetizer.
Cranberry sauce, a staple of American holiday meals, naturally paired well with the creamy cheese. The addition of nuts, such as walnuts, further enhanced the dish's texture and flavor profile.
Recipe
Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce and Walnuts is a delectable appetizer that combines creamy cheese, tart fruit, and crunchy nuts. This elegant dish is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a special treat for any occasion.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a crowd-pleasing appetizer that looks as impressive as it tastes. The warm, gooey brie pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, while the walnuts add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
- 1 (8 oz / 225 g) wheel of Brie cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped walnuts
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the Brie wheel in the center of the puff pastry sheet. Top the Brie with cranberry sauce and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
Fold the pastry over the cheese, sealing the edges by pressing them together. Brush the pastry with beaten egg and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
For best results, allow the Brie to come to room temperature before baking. This will ensure the cheese melts evenly. If you prefer a sweeter version, you can add a drizzle of honey over the cranberry sauce before sealing the pastry.
Serve this dish warm with crackers or sliced baguette for a truly indulgent experience.
Cooking Steps
You're about to embark on a culinary journey that'll result in a delicious baked Brie with cranberry sauce.
The cooking process involves several key steps, from preparing your ingredients and workspace to assembling the Brie with its toppings, wrapping it in pastry, and baking it to golden perfection.
Once you've mastered these steps, you'll be rewarded with a warm, gooey appetizer that's sure to impress your guests.
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Workspace
Prior to assembling your baked Brie, you'll need to gather all the ingredients and set up your workspace. Start by ensuring you have a wheel of Brie cheese, cranberry sauce, chopped walnuts, a sheet of puff pastry, and an egg for the egg wash.
Remove the puff pastry from the freezer and allow it to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. While you're waiting, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Next, prepare your work surface by clearing a clean, flat area on your counter. You'll need enough space to roll out the puff pastry and assemble the dish. Measure out your ingredients: 1/2 cup of cranberry sauce and 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts.
Beat the egg in a small bowl for the egg wash. Make sure you have a pastry brush on hand for applying the egg wash. Finally, unwrap the Brie and place it nearby.
With your ingredients prepped and workspace organized, you're ready to move on to assembling your baked Brie with cranberry sauce and walnuts.
Step 2. Assemble Brie and Toppings
With your ingredients prepared, it's time to assemble the baked Brie. Start by placing the puff pastry sheet on a clean, flat surface. Position the Brie wheel in the center of the pastry, ensuring there's enough dough to wrap around it completely.
Next, spoon the cranberry sauce onto the top of the Brie, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface. Don't be afraid to add a generous amount, as the tartness of the cranberries will balance the rich, creamy cheese.
Now, sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the cranberry sauce, distributing them evenly. The nuts will add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to complement the soft cheese and sweet-tart sauce.
Carefully fold the edges of the puff pastry up and over the Brie, working your way around the wheel. Pinch the seams together to seal the pastry, creating a neat package. If there's excess dough, trim it away to avoid thick, doughy spots.
Step 3. Wrap Pastry Around Brie
Gently fold the edges of the puff pastry up and over the Brie, creating a snug package. As you work your way around, pinch the seams together to seal in the cheese and toppings.
Make sure there aren't any gaps or holes where the melted Brie could leak out during baking. If you have excess pastry, trim it away with a sharp knife, leaving just enough to cover the cheese completely.
Once you've wrapped the Brie, carefully flip it over so the seam side is down on your baking sheet. This will help prevent the package from unraveling in the oven.
Use your hands to smooth out any wrinkles or creases in the pastry, giving it a neat appearance. For an extra touch of elegance, you can use scraps of pastry to create decorative shapes, like leaves or flowers, and attach them to the top with a dab of water.
Step 4. Bake Until Golden Brown
After preparing your wrapped Brie, it's time to bake it to perfection. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the wrapped Brie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Before sliding it into the oven, brush the entire surface of the pastry with beaten egg. This egg wash will give your baked Brie a beautiful golden-brown sheen.
Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, keeping a close eye on the pastry's color. You'll know it's done when the puff pastry has puffed up and turned a rich, golden-brown hue. The cheese inside should be soft and gooey, but not completely liquefied.
Once baked, remove the Brie from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. This cooling period is crucial, as it allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to serve and eat. It also prevents burnt tongues!
When you're ready to serve, transfer the baked Brie to a serving platter and surround it with crackers or sliced baguette.
Step 5. Cool Slightly Before Serving
Now that your baked Brie is golden brown and fragrant, resist the temptation to dig in immediately. Allow the cheese to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This brief resting period is crucial for several reasons.
First, it lets the melted cheese set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve without oozing everywhere. Second, it prevents burning your mouth on the piping hot cheese, ensuring a more enjoyable eating experience.
While you're waiting, gather your serving utensils and accompaniments. A cheese knife or small spatula works well for cutting and serving the Brie. Arrange crackers or sliced baguette on a platter around the cheese. If you'd like, add some fresh fruit like grapes or apple slices to complement the flavors.
Once the cooling time has passed, carefully transfer the baked Brie to your serving platter. As you cut into it, you'll be rewarded with a perfect blend of gooey cheese, sweet cranberry sauce, and crunchy walnuts. Remember, the cheese will continue to firm up as it cools, so serve it while it's still warm for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This festive appetizer is sure to impress your guests and tantalize their taste buds. The combination of creamy brie, tart cranberry sauce, and crunchy walnuts creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
You'll find that this dish isn't only delicious but also versatile, as it can be adapted to suit different tastes and occasions. For a more savory version, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cranberry sauce. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought puff pastry and cranberry sauce, making this an easy yet elegant option for last-minute gatherings.
Remember that presentation is key when serving this appetizer. Place the baked brie on a beautiful platter and surround it with an assortment of crackers, sliced baguette, and fresh fruits. This will create an inviting display that encourages your guests to dig in.
Don't forget to provide a small cheese knife for easy serving. With its simple preparation and stunning results, this baked brie with cranberry sauce and walnuts is sure to become a staple in your entertaining repertoire.
