Baked Brie in Puff Pastry with Crostini, A Brie-lliant Holiday Bite!

Welcome to Day 3 of the 12 days of Holiday Recipes at The Nourished Wanderer! Today, we’re dressing up one of my favorite party tricks—melty, gooey Baked Brie in Puff Pastry. Think of this as the James Bond of holiday appetizers: sophisticated, oozing charm, and universally adored. Add a baguette for crostini, and you’ve got yourself a snack so perfect it might inspire people to skip dinner entirely.

This dish is ideal for those moments when you need something fancy but don’t feel like working too hard. It’s a literal wrap-and-bake situation that somehow makes you look like a culinary genius. Let’s break it down step by step—with plenty of laughs and a sprinkle of nutritional wisdom to keep things balanced.

The Nutritional Lowdown: What’s Hiding Beneath the Puff

• Brie Cheese: It’s creamy, dreamy, and deceptively nutritious. Packed with calcium for strong bones (useful when you’re leaping to hug relatives or dodging Aunt Karen’s casserole critique), brie also delivers Vitamin B12 for energy and protein to keep you satisfied.

• Preserves or Cranberry Sauce: Sweet jams like fig or pomegranate-cherry add a pop of antioxidants and natural fruit sugars to balance the richness of the cheese. Homemade cranberry sauce? Even better—bonus points for Vitamin C! Check out my cranberry sauce from Day 1!

• Toasted Pecans: These little gems are full of healthy fats, fiber, and a nutty flavor that turns this dish into a crunchy masterpiece.

• Honey and Fresh Rosemary: Honey provides a touch of sweetness while sneaking in rich in antioxidants, it helps fight free radicals and support heart health. With natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, honey can soothe sore throats, aid digestion, and even improve sleep. Plus, it's a great source of energy and offers skin-soothing benefits. Just remember, a little goes a long way! Rosemary? It’s basically the pine-scented sprig of holiday magic.

• Baguette for Crostini: Whole-grain baguettes are a great option for extra fiber, but even a classic French baguette will make this dish sing. Besides, no one ever said "no" to crispy bread.

How to Make It: A Cheese Lover’s Guide to Glory

1. Prep Your Brie for Fame

First, let’s talk brie: using a sharp knife, carefully slice off the top rind. Think of it like giving your cheese a haircut—it’s optional, but it helps the jam and toppings seep right into the creamy goodness. Then, let the brie rest for 15-20 minutes at room temperature. Why? Because cold cheese in the oven is like jumping into a hot tub straight from the snow—it might melt unevenly, and we don’t want any cheese trauma here.

2. Roll Out the Red Carpet (aka Puff Pastry)

Unroll your puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface, and place your brie rind side down in the center. This is the moment your cheese becomes royalty. Now, top the brie with your preserves or cranberry sauce, and add those toasted pecans for crunch because you're Fancy.

Fold the corners of the puff pastry up and over the brie like you’re tucking it in for bed. Use your hands to gently press the edges against the brie—no need to wrestle it; cheese likes a gentle touch. Smooth out the sides for a neat, snug package.

3. Brush Up on Elegance

Whisk together your egg with a tablespoon of water and brush it generously over the pastry. This is what gives it that golden, bakery-worthy glow. If you have extra puff pastry scraps, you can get artsy and cut out little shapes (like leaves or stars) to decorate the top. Will anyone notice? Probably not. But you’ll know, and that’s what counts.

4. Bake It to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Transfer your puff pastry masterpiece to a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. If your house doesn’t smell like buttery heaven at this point, something has gone terribly wrong.

5. Toast Your Crostini

While the brie bakes, slice your baguette into thin rounds and brush them lightly with olive oil. Toast them in the oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. These crispy little guys will be your brie’s best friends.

6. The Grand Finale

Once the pastry comes out of the oven, let it rest for 15-20 minutes. Yes, I know this is torture, but trust me—cutting into it too soon will turn your pastry into a cheese lava explosion. When it’s ready, drizzle the top with honey and sprinkle with fresh rosemary. Step back, take a photo for Instagram (because you should), and serve warm with your freshly toasted crostini.

Chef Tips for Maximum Brie Success

1. Keep the Puff Pastry Chilled

   Warm puff pastry is a nightmare to work with. Keep it cold until assembly, and if it gets too soft, just pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm back up.

   
   

2. Reheating Leftovers (If Any Exist)

   If you manage to save some for later, reheat your baked brie at 325°F for about 10 minutes to restore the oozy magic. Avoid microwaving—it’ll ruin the puff pastry’s crispiness, and no one deserves soggy pastry.

   
   

3. Make It Ahead of Time

   Assemble the whole thing in the morning, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time, and you’re good to go!

Bonus: Make It the Star of Your Charcuterie Board

Why stop at just baked brie when you can make it the centerpiece of an epic charcuterie board? Picture this: your golden puff-pastry-wrapped brie surrounded by an assortment of cured meats, crackers, fresh fruits (like apple slices, grapes, or figs), and a handful of nuts. Add some tangy cornichons, a dollop of mustard, or even more jam to balance all those flavors.

Your guests won’t just think you’re hosting a party—they’ll think you’re hosting a Michelin-starred party. Plus, the creamy brie with its sweet, savory toppings pairs beautifully with everything else on the board, turning it into the ultimate festive spread. It’s a perfect option if you want your appetizer to mingle with the other snacks instead of stealing the show entirely (although it still might).

Why This Recipe is Pure Holiday Joy

Baked Brie in Puff Pastry isn’t just food; it’s a mood. It’s the appetizer that says, “I know how to throw a party,” while secretly only taking you 10 minutes to assemble. The creamy brie, the sweet-tangy preserves, the flaky pastry, and the crunchy crostini come together like a holiday miracle in every bite.

And let’s be honest—this dish is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it to a house full of family or just treating yourself after a long day of gift wrapping, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles.

Stay tuned for Day 4 of The Nourished Wanderer! Tomorrow, we’re diving into breakfast.

Happy Holidays and Happy Eating! May your table be filled with laughter, love, and plenty of baked brie. Stay nourished and wander the world of flavors—one bite at a time!

-Chef Ashley

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