Flaky Puff Pastry with Brie, Cranberries, and Toasted Walnuts Recipe
This flaky puff pastry filled with creamy Brie, tart dried cranberries, and crunchy toasted walnuts is a delightful appetizer or snack. Drizzled with honey and optionally spiced with chili flakes, it combines sweet, savory, and a hint of heat wrapped in golden, buttery puff pastry. Perfect for entertaining or a cozy treat served warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 sheet (250 g) puff pastry, thawed
Filling
- 4 oz (115 g) Brie cheese, sliced
- 1/4 cup (40 g) dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup (30 g) walnuts, toasted and chopped
Finishing Touches
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp honey (30 ml)
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet and gently roll it out on a lightly floured surface to smooth and slightly enlarge it.
- Assemble Filling: Transfer the prepared puff pastry onto the lined baking sheet. Arrange slices of Brie cheese evenly in the center third section of the pastry, ensuring good coverage.
- Add Cranberries and Walnuts: Evenly sprinkle dried cranberries and toasted, chopped walnuts over the Brie, distributing the flavors throughout the center.
- Drizzle and Season: Drizzle honey over the filling for sweetness, and optionally sprinkle chili flakes for a subtle heat layer.
- Fold and Seal Pastry: Carefully fold over the edges of the puff pastry to encase the filling, pressing tightly to seal the edges and tucking in the ends to keep everything contained during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash and Garnish: Brush the top of the folded pastry with beaten egg to achieve a beautiful golden crust. Optionally, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top for an aromatic garnish.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the pastry for 20–22 minutes, or until it is puffed, golden brown, and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for 5–10 minutes to set. Slice into portions and serve warm to enjoy the melty Brie and crunchy texture.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed but still cold before rolling to maintain flakiness.
- To toast walnuts, dry roast them in a skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned.
- The chili flakes are optional; omit them if you prefer a purely sweet and savory flavor.
- Fresh thyme adds a lovely herbal aroma but can be substituted with rosemary or omitted.
- For a vegetarian diet, ensure the Brie cheese is made with vegetarian-friendly rennet.
Keywords: puff pastry, Brie cheese, cranberries, walnuts, honey, appetizer, baked pastry, festive snack
