There is something truly magical about starting the new year with a dish that feels both festive and effortless, and that’s exactly what the Holiday Baked Brie for New Year brings to your table. This warm, gooey cheese delight wrapped in golden pastry offers a perfect blend of creamy richness and inviting aromas, instantly creating a cozy centerpiece that guests will adore. Whether you’re hosting a low-key gathering or a lively party, this dish brings the spirit of celebration alive with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role, delivering layers of flavor and texture without any fuss. From the buttery pastry to the luscious brie, every element combines to create a harmonious dish that’s sure to impress.
- One wheel of brie: Choose a high-quality brie for the best creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Puff pastry sheet: This provides the golden, flaky crust that wraps the brie beautifully.
- Fig jam or honey: Adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly balances the savory cheese.
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs: For aromatic herb notes that elevate the entire dish.
- One egg (beaten): Used to egg wash the pastry, giving it that perfect shiny finish.
How to Make Holiday Baked Brie for New Year
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pastry
Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While it heats, lightly flour your surface and roll out the puff pastry just enough so it can fully encase the brie wheel. This ensures that the pastry bakes evenly and crisps beautifully around the cheese.
Step 2: Assemble with Love
Place your brie in the center of the puff pastry and spread a generous layer of fig jam or honey right on top. This sweet element cuts through the richness of the brie in the most delightful way. Add a few sprigs of fresh herbs on top for both aroma and a lovely visual touch.
Step 3: Wrap and Seal
Carefully fold the pastry up and around the brie, sealing the edges by pinching the dough together. Use the beaten egg to brush over the entire surface. This simple step creates a golden, glossy crust to entice your guests from the moment it comes out of the oven.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place your wrapped brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then bake it for about 25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up. The aroma filling your kitchen will be a delightful signal that your Holiday Baked Brie for New Year is ready to shine.
How to Serve Holiday Baked Brie for New Year
Garnishes
Enhance the presentation and offer extra flavor with fresh fruit such as sliced apples or pears, a sprinkle of chopped nuts for crunch, or a handful of fresh herbs. These touches add color and texture that will make your baked brie irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair your Holiday Baked Brie for New Year with crusty baguette slices or assorted crackers. Both create the perfect vehicles for scooping the gooey cheese and sweet toppings, making your appetizer look and taste like a gourmet treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your baked brie on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh figs, grapes, or pomegranate seeds for a burst of festive color. Alternatively, place it within a decorative ring of rosemary for an elegant holiday touch that invites conversation and compliments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, wrap the remaining baked brie tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. It’s best enjoyed within two days to maintain its creamy texture and fresh flavors.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it is not ideal for preserving the delicate texture of baked brie wrapped in pastry. If you must freeze, wrap the unbaked assembled brie tightly and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge before baking for best results.
Reheating
To revive leftovers, gently reheat in a 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the pastry regains some of its crispness. Avoid using a microwave to keep the pastry from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses besides brie?
Absolutely! Camembert is a great alternative with a similar texture and flavor, or you can experiment with other soft cheeses to find your favorite variation of Holiday Baked Brie for New Year.
Is fig jam necessary, or can I substitute it?
Fig jam adds a wonderful sweetness, but honey, apricot preserves, or even a spicy cranberry sauce work beautifully as substitutes, each bringing a unique twist to the dish.
How far in advance can I assemble the baked brie?
You can assemble it a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated—just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
Can I add nuts inside the pastry?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds sprinkled on top of the jam before wrapping add a nice crunch and extra flavor dimension to your Holiday Baked Brie for New Year.
What’s the best way to serve this dish at a party?
Serve it warm with a selection of crackers, fresh fruit, and nuts on a platter, encouraging guests to dig in and enjoy its ooey-gooey charm right away—the perfect festive crowd-pleaser.
Final Thoughts
There’s no better way to kick off your New Year celebrations than with the comforting and indulgent flavors of Holiday Baked Brie for New Year. Its ease of preparation combined with impressive presentation makes it a must-have recipe to bring your friends and family together around the table. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to holiday favorite year after year.
PrintHoliday Baked Brie for New Year
A fresh and elegant Classic New Year’s Eve Shrimp Platter featuring perfectly cooked shrimp arranged beautifully with zesty lemon wedges and tangy cocktail sauce. This easy-to-prepare appetizer is perfect for celebrating and entertaining, served well chilled for maximum flavor and freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (if cooking shrimp)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Boiling and Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Shrimp Platter Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tail-on)
- 3–4 lemon wedges for garnish
- 1 cup cocktail sauce
Instructions
- Cook the shrimp (if using raw shrimp): Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the raw shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Immediately transfer the shrimp to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and chill completely.
- Arrange the shrimp: Drain the shrimp well and pat dry. Neatly arrange them in a circular pattern around a large serving platter, ensuring the tails are visible for easy handling.
- Add the cocktail sauce: Place the cocktail sauce in a small bowl and set it in the center of the shrimp arrangement on the platter.
- Garnish with lemon wedges: Decorate the platter with lemon wedges around the shrimp to add a fresh citrus touch and enhance presentation.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate the platter for at least 30 minutes before serving to keep the shrimp cold and the flavors fresh.
Notes
- If using pre-cooked shrimp, simply thaw and chill before arranging.
- Cocktail sauce can be store-bought or homemade with ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Serve with extra lemon wedges and toothpicks for easy eating.
- Keep the shrimp chilled to maintain food safety and optimal taste.