Gooey Baked Brie Wrapped in Crescent Dough

Few appetizers stop a holiday crowd in its tracks like baked brie. Golden on the outside, melty on the inside, and topped with something sweet and crunchy—it’s the ultimate “wow” factor dish that requires almost no effort.

I love how forgiving this recipe is. Grab a wheel of brie, wrap it in buttery crescent roll dough, and top with cranberry sauce and pecans (or fig jam and almonds if you’re feeling adventurous). Ten minutes later, you’ll pull a puffed, golden bundle out of the oven that looks like it came from a fancy cheese shop. Drizzle with honey, set it on a platter with apple slices and crackers, and just watch your guests dive in.

This baked brie has become my no-fail appetizer, the one I pull out when I need something impressive but don’t have the time—or patience—for complicated recipes. It’s rich, creamy, festive, and, best of all, completely foolproof.

The Ultimate 20-Minute Holiday Appetizer

Baked brie doesn’t just taste good—it saves you time. With a 5-minute prep and a quick bake, it’s out of the oven before your guests even finish their first drink.

Golden, Flaky, and Gooey in Every Bite

The crescent dough bakes into buttery layers that give way to molten, creamy brie inside. Add tart cranberry and crunchy pecans, and every bite hits salty, sweet, and nutty notes at once.

Endless Topping Combinations to Try

Cranberry and pecans are classic, but I’ve also swapped in fig jam and almonds, or apricot preserves with pistachios. You can make it festive in endless ways while keeping the prep exactly the same.

Perfect for Sharing Around the Table

This appetizer feels communal—guests gather around, slicing off gooey wedges, dipping apples, or piling it onto crackers. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly, which is exactly what you want at a holiday party.

Impress Guests Without the Stress

People assume baked brie takes skill, but the truth is, the oven does all the work. It’s minimal effort, maximum payoff, and perfect for hosts who want big results without juggling pans all night.

Ingredients

• 1 wheel brie cheese (about 8 oz)
• 1 sheet crescent roll dough (or puff pastry)
• ¼ cup cranberry sauce (or fig jam, apricot jam, etc.)
• 2 tablespoons chopped pecans (or almonds, pistachios)
• 1 tablespoon honey (for drizzling)
• Crackers, apple slices, celery sticks (for dipping)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Wrap brie: Place brie in the center of the crescent dough. Top with cranberry sauce and pecans.
3. Seal edges: Fold dough over brie, pinching to seal, and flip seam-side down.
4. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden brown.
5. Finish & serve: Drizzle with honey and serve warm with crackers and apple slices.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Calories: ~220 per serving
• Fat: 14g
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Costs: ~$7 per wheel