There’s something undeniably comforting and luxurious about the combination of gooey melted cheese, crunchy nuts and sweet fruit preserves wrapped in flaky puff pastry. This pumpkin shaped baked brie with jam recipe is not only easy to make but promises to impress your guests.
Table of Contents
Why Love this Recipe
- Easy to Make: This easy holiday appetizer uses simple ingredients, it’s ridiculously easy yet impressively elegant, perfect for those busy holiday seasons.
- Flavor Profile: The creamy texture of the brie pairs divinely with the sweetness of the jam and the crunch of walnuts.
- It’s Versatile: Swap out raspberry preserves for your favorite jam and experiment with different nuts for a twist.
- Playful Presentation: The pumpkin-shaped brie adds a whimsical touch to your holiday table—reminding us that pumpkins aren’t just for Halloween and can add charm to any festive occasion.
Ingredients Overview
- Puff Pastry Sheet: This forms the buttery, flaky exterior that encases the creamy brie.
- Brie Cheese: Opt for a good quality, full wheel of Brie cheese to ensure a gooey, melty cheese center.
- Raspberry Jam: Its sweet-tart flavor balances the richness of the cheese beautifully. Feel free to explore other jam flavors like apricot jam or fig jam.
- Chopped Walnuts: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Other nuts like pecans or almonds work wonderfully too.
- Olive Oil: Brushing the pastry with olive oil gives it that irresistible golden brown finish. I used Kyoord Olive Oil (not a sponsor) in this recipe. If you prefer, you can do an egg wash instead.
- Cinnamon Stick and Fresh Rosemary: These are the adorable stem and leaf decorations for your pumpkin-shaped brie. You can use fresh thyme or parsley as your pumpkin leaves.
How to Make Baked Brie with Jam
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Arrange five pieces of twine on a parchment-lined baking sheet pan or cookie sheet in a star-like pattern. Unfold your puff pastry over the twine.
Unwrap the cheese wheel and place it in the center of the twine star.
Spread the raspberry jam over the top of the brie. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts on top of the raspberry jam.
Gather the corners of the puff pastry up and over the brie to cover it completely. Tie the twine together around the top of the wrapped brie to create the characteristic pumpkin lines. Trim any excess twine. Turn the brie over so that the seams of the twine are on the bottom.
Chill for at least 30 minutes or freeze for about 15 minutes.
Once chilled brush the tops and sides of the puff pastry with olive oil using a pastry brush. This will help it brown nicely during baking.
Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the cheese inside is soft and gooey.
Once done, remove the baked brie from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Transfer to a serving tray and cut open with a sharp knife.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Ensure the puff pastry is cold before baking for a flakier texture.
- Don’t overstuff the Brie, as it may burst through the pastry during baking.
- Experiment with different jams and nuts for unique flavor combinations.
- No need to remove the brie rind. It is safe to eat.
- Experiment with other fruit preserves such as strawberry jam or blackberry jam.
What to Serve with Brie Cheese
This delectable baked brie pairs wonderfully with:
- Baguette slices or Crostini
- Your favorite crackers
- Fresh fruit like grapes, apple slices or berries
- For a more elaborate spread, add cured meats, fresh fruit or a variety of cheeses to make an elegant charcuterie board.
Storing Leftovers
To keep leftovers fresh, cover with plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes for that melty goodness.
Alternative Baked Brie Shapes
Not into pumpkins? Here are a few alternatives to try out:
Braid: Twist strips of puff pastry around the brie, creating a beautiful, braided pattern. It’s not just eye-catching but also allows for an even bake, ensuring the cheese melts uniformly.
Heart: Shape the puff pastry into a heart by gently molding it around the brie. This shape adds a touch of love and warmth to any occasion, perfect for date nights or special celebrations.
Simple Rounds: Cut the puff pastry into circles, wrap the brie within each circle, and then pinch the edges together. This classic shape is effortless yet charming and works well for smaller gatherings or intimate settings.
Flower Petals: Carefully fold the puff pastry around the brie to create a flower-like appearance, with pastry folds resembling petals. This artistic design adds a decorative touch to your baked brie, making it an attractive centerpiece.
Animal Shapes: Get creative by sculpting puff pastry into fun animal shapes like turtles, hedgehogs, or bears. These playful shapes can be a hit at kids’ parties or themed gatherings, adding an element of surprise and delight.
Holiday-themed Shapes: Depending on the occasion, try shaping the puff pastry into festive designs like Christmas trees, Easter eggs, or stars. Tailoring the shape to suit the holiday adds a cheerful and thematic touch to your appetizer spread.
This pumpkin-shaped puff pastry baked brie with jam is undeniably the epitome of an elegant yet easy appetizer. Don’t wait for a special occasion; whip it up for a cozy evening or surprise your guests at holiday parties. It’s the perfect blend of creamy cheese, crunchy nuts and sweet jam, making it a favorite on any serving platter or charcuterie board. Happy Cooking!
Looking for more easy appetizers?
Pumpkin-Shaped Baked Brie with Raspberries and Walnuts
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese, about 8-10 ounces
- 1/4 cup raspberry jam
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tbsp Kyoord olive oil
- 1 cinnamon stick, for the stem
- 1 sprig of fresh rosemary, for the leaves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange five pieces of twine on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a star-like pattern. Unfold your puff pastry over the twine.
- Unwrap the brie and place it in the center of the twine star.
- Spread the raspberry jam over the top of the brie. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts on top of the raspberry jam.
- Gather the corners of the puff pastry up and over the brie to cover it completely. Tie the twine together around the top of the wrapped brie to create the characteristic pumpkin lines. Trim any excess twine. Turn the brie over so that the seams of the twine are on the bottom.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes or freeze for about 15 minutes.
- Once chilled brush the tops and sides of the puff pastry with olive oil using a pastry brush. This will help it brown nicely during baking.
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the cheese inside is soft and gooey.
- Once done, remove the baked brie from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Gently remove the twine from around the brie. Insert a cinnamon stick into the center of the brie to act as the stem. Place a sprig of fresh rosemary near the stem to serve as the leaves.
- Serve with crackers, crusty bread or slices of apple.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is cold before baking for a flakier texture.
- Don’t overstuff the Brie, as it may burst through the pastry during baking.
- Experiment with different jams and nuts for unique flavor combinations.
- No need to remove the brie rind. It is safe to eat.
- Experiment with other fruit preserves such as strawberry jam or blackberry jam.
