Decadent Brie En Croûte with Cranberry-Almond Compote
Indulge in this delectable Decadent Brie En Croûte with Cranberry-Almond Compote, a perfect combination of rich, creamy brie cheese enveloped in flaky puff pastry and topped with a tangy cranberry sauce and toasted almonds. This elegant dessert is ideal for gatherings, holiday celebrations, or special occasions. The contrasting textures of the buttery pastry, warm gooey cheese, and the sweet-tart cranberry sauce create an unforgettable taste experience. Serve it alongside an array of crackers and fresh fruit for a stunning appetizer that's sure to impress your guests.
8
Servings
312
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh cranberries
1 cup (washed)
brown sugar
6 tablespoons (packed)
orange juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
orange zest
1/2 teaspoon (freshly grated)
butter or margarine
1 tablespoon (melted)
sliced almonds
1/3 cup (toasted)
frozen puff pastry
0.5 (17 1/3 ounce) package (thawed (1 sheet))
brie cheese
14 ounces (round shape)
egg
1 (beaten)
assorted crackers
to taste (for serving)
sliced fresh fruit
to taste (for serving)
Instructions
1
To make the cranberry sauce, combine fresh cranberries, brown sugar, and orange juice in a 1-quart saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat until the mixture comes to a boil, stirring frequently.
2
Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, continuing to stir until the cranberry sauce thickens and the cranberries burst and soften. Stir in the orange zest, and then remove from heat. Let the mixture cool slightly.
3
In an 8-inch skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and toast, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
4
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
5
On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle measuring approximately 16 x 9 inches. Cut out one 8-1/2 inch circle and one 7-inch circle from the pastry.
6
Place the round of brie cheese in the center of the larger circle of pastry. Spoon the cranberry sauce over the top, followed by the toasted almonds.
7
Carefully bring the edges of the pastry up around the cheese, pinching to seal. Brush the egg wash along the edges to help seal it. Place the smaller circle of pastry on top and press the edges to seal. Brush the entire top and sides with the beaten egg for a beautiful golden finish.
8
Use any remaining pastry to cut out fun shapes like hearts or stars, and arrange them on top of the cheese if desired. Brush these decorations with the egg wash.
9
Transfer the pastry to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
10
Once baked, allow it to cool on the baking sheet for 30 minutes before serving. Serve warm with an assortment of crackers and sliced fresh fruit.
Nutrition Information
23g
Fat
19g
Carbs
6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Brie En Croûte with Cranberry-Almond Compote?
It is an elegant dish featuring rich, creamy brie cheese wrapped in flaky puff pastry and topped with a sweet-tart cranberry sauce and toasted almonds.
What are the primary ingredients needed for this recipe?
You will need fresh cranberries, brown sugar, orange juice and zest, butter, sliced almonds, frozen puff pastry, brie cheese, and an egg for an egg wash.
How do you prepare the cranberry sauce?
Combine fresh cranberries, brown sugar, and orange juice in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens and cranberries burst.
When should I add the orange zest to the sauce?
Stir in the fresh orange zest after the sauce has thickened and been removed from the heat.
How should the almonds be prepared?
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and toast the sliced almonds for about 5 minutes until they are golden brown and fragrant.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How do I prepare the puff pastry for rolling?
Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a floured surface into a rectangle measuring approximately 16 x 9 inches.
What size circles should be cut from the puff pastry?
You need to cut one 8-1/2 inch circle and one 7-inch circle from the pastry sheet.
How is the brie assembled with the pastry?
Place the brie in the center of the larger pastry circle, top it with cranberry sauce and almonds, then wrap the edges up and seal with a smaller pastry circle on top.
What is the purpose of the egg wash in this recipe?
The egg wash is used to help seal the pastry edges and to provide a beautiful golden finish to the exterior when baked.
Can I add decorative elements to the pastry?
Yes, you can use remaining pastry scraps to cut out shapes like hearts or stars to arrange on top before brushing with egg wash.
How long does the Brie En Croûte need to bake?
Bake it for 20 to 25 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Is there a cooling period required after baking?
Yes, allow the dish to cool on the baking sheet for 30 minutes before serving to let the cheese set slightly.
What should I serve alongside the baked brie?
It is best served warm with an assortment of crackers and sliced fresh fruit.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to provide 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 312 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 23 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 19 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does a serving provide?
Each serving provides 6 grams of protein.
What type of brie cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for a 14-ounce round of brie cheese.
Is this dish considered a dessert or an appetizer?
It is categorized as a dessert in this recipe, but it is also frequently served as an elegant appetizer.
How much brown sugar is used in the compote?
The recipe requires 6 tablespoons of packed brown sugar.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
Yes, lightly spray the baking sheet with cooking spray before placing the pastry on it.
Can I use margarine instead of butter for the almonds?
Yes, you can use either 1 tablespoon of butter or margarine to toast the almonds.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish features a contrast between buttery, flaky pastry, warm gooey cheese, and crunchy toasted almonds.
What amount of sliced almonds is required?
You will need 1/3 cup of sliced almonds.
How much orange juice is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed orange juice.
Does the puff pastry need to be thawed?
Yes, the frozen puff pastry should be thawed before you attempt to roll it out.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 11 ingredients total, including the optional serving accompaniments.
What makes this dish a 'crowd pleaser'?
Its combination of elegant presentation, rich melted cheese, and sweet-tart flavors makes it a favorite for holiday gatherings and special occasions.