Baked brie with beer-caramelized pears
- Preparation 10 min
- Cooking 45 min
- Servings 4 to 6
- Freezing I do not suggest
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🧀 A baked brie that instantly steals the show
Some recipes don’t slowly warm up the room. They arrive, hit the table, and immediately change the vibe. This baked brie with beer caramelized pears does exactly that. The moment the knife cuts through the flaky pastry and the brie starts to melt, everyone knows this is no longer just an appetizer. It’s the moment people gather around.
Rich, double-cream brie becomes perfectly molten inside a golden puff pastry crust. On top, Bartlett pears are gently caramelized with maple syrup and a lightly fruity beer, bringing sweetness, brightness, and balance to the cheese’s richness. Pecans add crunch, dried cranberries bring a subtle tang, and every bite lands somewhere between cozy and impressive.
This is the kind of recipe you make for entertaining, holiday spreads, or any night where you want something easy that still feels special. Simple to prepare, dramatic to serve, and guaranteed to disappear fast, this baked brie proves that comfort food can absolutely feel elevated.
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✅ Don’t wrap the pastry too tightly
Leaving a bit of slack allows the cheese to melt properly without bursting the crust.
✅ Start with cold brie
Cold cheese melts more slowly and helps keep the pastry intact.
✅ Brush generously with egg white
This gives the pastry a glossy, golden finish.
✅ Slice pears thin
Thin slices cook evenly and caramelize without turning mushy.
✅ Add nuts and cranberries at the end
This prevents burning and preserves texture.
✅ Serve immediately
This dish is at its best when the brie is fully molten.
Ingredients
- 1 round fresh puff pastry, 250 g (9 oz), thawed
- 1 double-cream brie, 450 g (1 lb)
- 1 egg white
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) butter
- 1 ripe Bartlett pear, halved lengthwise then sliced 3–4 mm (⅛ inch) thick
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) white wheat beer, lightly fruity
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) dried cranberries
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Preparation
- Preheat oven at 410°F.
- Spread puff pastry and place brie cheese in the middle. Fold pastry over. Don’t worry if it is not covering it all on top!
- Brush pastry sides and top with egg white and place on a cooking tray covered with parchment paper. Cook for 30-35 minutes, until crust is golden. Take out of the oven and let cool down for 5 minutes.
- When 10 minutes remains for the baking of the cheese, start preparing the pears. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the pears, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and 2 tablespoons of beer then stir. Cook for 8 minutes while stirring gently.
- Add the pecans, cranberries, the rest of the syrup and the beer then stir gently. Cook for 2 minutes and remove from heat.
- Place the cheese on a plate and pour the mix over the top. Serve immediately and careful not to get burned!!!!
Yes. The brie can be wrapped in puff pastry in advance and kept refrigerated. The pear topping can also be prepared ahead. Bake the brie and gently reheat the topping before serving, loosening it with a splash of maple syrup if needed.
A lightly fruity wheat beer works best. Avoid overly bitter styles, which can overpower the pears and cheese.
Yes. Apples work very well, especially firm, slightly tart varieties. Fresh figs are also an excellent seasonal option.
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