Festive Christmas Baked Brie and Tarte Soleil 🎄🧀

This delightful duo of a warm, gooey Baked Brie and a beautiful Tarte Soleil is perfect for your holiday gatherings! The Baked Brie, topped with a luscious layer of cranberry sauce and sprinkled with nuts, is an indulgent cheese lover’s dream. The Tarte Soleil, shaped like a sunburst and stuffed with herby cheese, not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning on your table. These festive treats will steal the show and leave your guests raving!

Ingredients

For the Baked Brie

• 1 wheel of Brie cheese (about 8 oz)
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (canned or homemade)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish
• 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed, if frozen)
• Flour for dusting

For the Tarte Soleil

• 2 sheets of puff pastry (thawed, if frozen)
• 1 cup herbed cream cheese (or plain with fresh herbs added)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Flour for dusting
• Sea salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste

Instructions

To Prepare the Baked Brie

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prep the Brie: Place the wheel of Brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If desired, slice off the top rind of the Brie for easier access to the gooey cheese.

3. Top it: Spread the cranberry sauce over the Brie, then sprinkle with chopped pecans. Drizzle a little honey if you want extra sweetness.

4. Wrap it: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into a circle large enough to envelop the Brie. Lay the pastry over the cheese and trim the excess. Seal the edges well with a fork or crimping it.

5. Bake it: Brush the top with egg wash (mix the egg with a splash of water) and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

6. Garnish: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Top with fresh herbs before serving.

🧀 Serve the Baked Brie warm with toasted baguette slices or crackers for dipping. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is heavenly!

To Prepare the Tarte Soleil

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) if not already preheated for the Brie.

2. Prep the pastry: Roll out your first puff pastry sheet on a floured surface. Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut a circle about 10 inches in diameter.

3. Create the filling: Spread the herbed cream cheese on the center of the pastry, leaving about 2 inches around the edge.

4. Layer the second pastry: Roll out the second sheet and carefully place it over the first. Press down gently to seal the edges.

5. Cut and twist: Use a sharp knife to make 12 cuts from the center outwards, stopping about 2 inches from the edge. Twist each section a couple of times to form a sunburst shape.

6. Brush and bake: Brush the top with egg wash, sprinkle with sea salt and cracked pepper, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and puffed.

🌞 This stunning Tarte Soleil is not only a conversation starter but also a fantastic finger food!

Variations

• Sweet Baked Brie: Swap the cranberry sauce for a fig jam or apple butter for a different flavor profile. Top with chopped dried fruits and nuts. 🌰🍏
• Herbed Tarte Soleil: Experiment with different herbs in the cheese, such as spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, for a Mediterranean twist. 🍅🌿
• Nut-Free Options: Omit nuts in the Baked Brie for a nut-free version, or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.
• Vegan Version: Use a vegan cheese and plant-based puff pastry for both recipes. Adjust the toppings to match vegan preferences!

These two show-stopping dishes will not only impress your guests but also fill your home with the joyful aromas of the holiday season! Happy feasting! 🎉