Baked Brie Christmas Tree
This savory brie puff pastry tree is flaky, cheesy, and easier than it looks. Puff pastry is stuffed with brie, baked until golden, then finished with pesto and cranberry jelly all over the tree.
INGREDIENTS:
• Puff pastry (thawed)
• Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
• Pesto
• Egg wash (1 egg + splash of water)
• Cranberry jelly (for decorating)
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry into a rectangle on parchment paper.
3. Sprinkle brie cubes evenly over the pastry.
4. Add a light layer of pesto (don’t overdo it).
5. Fold the pastry over the filling to seal into a long rectangle and gently press edges closed.
6. Slice 1-inch strips down both sides, leaving the center intact.
7. Cut out two small rectangles at the bottom to form the trunk.
8. Fold the top two strips inward to create a triangle for the tree top.
9. Brush generously with egg wash.
10. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until puffed and deeply golden.
11. Let cool slightly, then decorate the entire tree with pesto and small dots of cranberry jelly.
Flaky, savory, and perfect as an appetizer any time of year. Especially during the holidays 🎄🐾💛
The Baked Brie Christmas Tree is not only a visually stunning appetizer but also delivers a perfect balance of flaky pastry, creamy brie, and flavorful pesto complemented by the sweet tartness of cranberry jelly. Using puff pastry as the base ensures a light and airy texture that crisps beautifully in the oven. When selecting brie cheese, opt for a mild, creamy variety for smooth melting without overpowering the other ingredients. Incorporating pesto sparingly is key to avoid overwhelming the brie's delicate flavor. You can experiment with homemade basil pesto or a store-bought version to save time. The cranberry jelly adds a festive pop of color and a tangy sweetness that pairs exceptionally well with the rich brie and herbal notes of pesto, enhancing the holiday feel. For preparation, chilling the puff pastry beforehand helps achieve better puffing during baking. When folding the pastry, press edges firmly to seal in the filling and prevent leaks. The tree shape is cleverly created by slicing the sides into strips and twisting them for a decorative effect—this technique also ensures even cooking. This appetizer is ideal for holiday parties, potlucks, and family gatherings because it combines ease of preparation with impressive presentation. It can also be adapted by adding extras such as chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or a drizzle of honey for additional texture and flavor. Serving the baked brie tree warm is best to enjoy the gooey cheese and crisp pastry. Remember to let the pastry cool slightly after baking to allow the cheese to set, making it easier to cut and serve. Pair this appetizer with sparkling wine or a crisp white for a festive touch. The Baked Brie Christmas Tree truly embodies the spirit of holiday entertaining with its blend of taste, texture, and appearance.
