Cranberry & Pistachio Brie Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

The holiday season is a time for celebration, food, and family. One of the most delightful treats you can make for your Christmas gatherings is the Cranberry & Pistachio Brie Puff Pastry Christmas Tree. This beautiful dish not only looks impressive but is also incredibly tasty. With melty Brie cheese at its core, topped with sweet cranberry sauce and crunchy pistachios, it’s the perfect appetizer to kick off your holiday feasting.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is a festive way to bring joy to your holiday table. It combines flavors that everyone loves and is easy to prepare. The puff pastry creates a flaky and light shell that pairs perfectly with the rich cheese and tangy cranberry sauce. Plus, its tree shape will surely impress your guests and make your holiday gathering feel even more special.

How to Make Cranberry & Pistachio Brie Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

Ingredients:

8 oz wheel of Brie cheese
1/4 cup cranberry sauce
1/4 cup pistachios, chopped
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Fresh rosemary or thyme (for garnish)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Unfold the puff pastry and cut it into a large triangle to resemble a Christmas tree.
Place the Brie cheese in the center of the triangle. Spread the cranberry sauce over the Brie and sprinkle chopped pistachios on top.
Make slits along both sides of the triangle, leaving the center intact. Fold each slit over the filling, twisting the ends to create a tree-like appearance.
Brush the pastry with the beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs to complete the tree effect. Serve warm and enjoy!

How to Serve Cranberry & Pistachio Brie Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

Serve your Cranberry & Pistachio Brie Puff Pastry Christmas Tree warm out of the oven. It’s perfect for sharing. You can place it on a festive platter and let guests pull off pieces of the pastry with their fingers. It pairs well with crackers, baguette slices, or just on its own.

How to Store Cranberry & Pistachio Brie Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Place the Christmas tree in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. It’s best eaten within 2 days to maintain its flaky texture. When you’re ready to eat it again, reheat it in the oven until warm.

Tips to Make Cranberry & Pistachio Brie Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

Make sure your puff pastry is fully thawed before you begin.
You can adjust the amount of cranberry sauce and pistachios based on your taste.
If you want to add more flavor, consider adding a drizzle of honey on top of the filling before folding the pastry.

Variation

You can switch out the cranberry sauce for fig jam or apricot preserves for a different flavor. Use walnuts or almonds instead of pistachios for a twist.

FAQs

1. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the tree up until the egg wash step. Cover it and store it in the refrigerator, then bake it just before serving.

2. Is it okay to use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Brie is delicious, you can use Camembert or any soft cheese you enjoy.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Look for gluten-free puff pastry at your local grocery store to make this dish gluten-friendly.

4. How do I know when the puff pastry is done cooking?
The puff pastry should be golden brown and puffed up all over. If it looks golden, it’s usually ready to come out of the oven.

5. Can this recipe be frozen?
Yes! You can freeze the assembled tree before baking. Thaw it in the refrigerator before baking it as directed.