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Looking for the ultimate fall appetizer that’s as festive as it is delicious? This pumpkin-shaped baked brie in puff pastry is the star of any Halloween party, Thanksgiving gathering, or cozy fall cheese board. With just a wheel of creamy brie cheese, puff pastry, and hot honey, you can create an elegant appetizer that looks like a pumpkin and tastes like heaven. Whether you serve it with fruit, crackers, or a drizzle of pumpkin butter, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between rustic charm and gooey indulgence.
This pumpkin-shaped baked brie is a crowd-pleaser for the fall and holiday season. It is the perfect appetizer for brie cheese lovers on holiday, which the whole family will love. It uses a fluffy puff pastry, delicious brie cheese, and sweet and spicy honey. This appetizer gives off all the cozy vibes, while still maintaining a beautiful and elegant touch.
The Chemistry of Pumpkin Brie Bake
This appetizer may look whimsical, but the chemistry behind it is what makes it irresistible. Puff pastry relies on layers of dough and butter, expanding when baked. As the butter melts, it releases steam, which pushes apart the thin dough layers and creates the signature flaky, golden-brown puff pastry shell. The key is starting with well-chilled pastry so the butter stays solid until it hits the oven’s high heat.
Inside, the creamy brie cheese transforms under heat: the fat softens and melts into a gooey center while the protein loosens, giving it that luscious, pull-apart texture. Wrapping the brie ensures the molten cheese stays encased until slicing. The drizzle of hot honey not only adds sweet heat but also balances the buttery pastry and rich cheese with acidity and spice. Together, these reactions create a perfect blend of crisp, creamy, sweet, and savory in every bite.
Recipe Troubleshooting
Twine mistakes? If not spaced evenly, the pumpkin looks lopsided.
Leaky pastry? The puff pastry is not sealed well, or the brie is too close to the edge.
Overbaking or underbaking? Puff pastry burns before the brie melts, or the brie stays cold if the pastry is undone.
Pumpkin stem won’t stay? A flat top is needed for the stem (such as a bell pepper, cinnamon stick, or pretzel rod).
Twin-tearing pastry? Twine is greased or removed too soon.
How can I prevent puff pastry from becoming soggy? Bake at a high enough heat and avoid watery jams.
What can I use as an alternative to kitchen twine? Parchment strips or even long chives work for a softer look.
Serving Suggestions
This Halloween puff pastry is a perfect appetizer for any party or occasion. It can be used on an autumn cheese party or as a Thanksgiving day side dish or appetizer. The hot honey pairs beautifully with the creamy brie and soft puff pastry. It is also incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up multiple batches in no time!
It pairs best with soft sourdough bread, buttery crackers, pretzel chips, or sliced baguette. You can also dip fresh apples, pairs, or grapes for a sweet contrast. During the holiday season, it is popular to pair this appetizer with fig jam, butter, or cranberry sauce. For an elegant and rustic flair, serve on a wooden board with twine ridges intact for a rustic pumpkin look. Garnish with fresh sage leaves or rosemary sprigs.
Similar & Related Recipes
Some similar recipes are my homemade buttery croissants, soft potato bread, or Hawaiian rolls. Another great mixture for dipping is my roasted red pepper hummus with homemade pita bread– it will truly be the talk of the party! Give any of these recipes a try and you won’t be disappointed!
Storage Tips
Pumpkin Brie Bake is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, when the puff pastry is at peak flakiness and the brie is molten. However, if you have leftovers:
- Short Term Storage– Let the baked brie cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Reheating– Warm in a 350 degree oven for 10-15 minutes until the pastry crisps up and the brie softens again. Avoid microwaving- it will make the puff pastry soggy.
- Make Ahead Options– Assemble the brie wheel in puff pastry, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add the kitchen twine and bake just before serving.
- Freezing– Not recommended, since both puff pastry and brie can lose texture when thawed.
Recommended Products
Easy Pumpkin Baked Brie Appetizer
This Pumpkin Brie Bake is a show-stopping, yet easy appetizer that delivers on both flavor and fall vibes. With flaky puff pastry, creamy brie, and a drizzle of hot honey, it’s a perfect appetizer for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving dinners, and cozy autumn nights. Add fruit, nuts, or jam for extra flavor and watch this dish disappear from the table.
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Fall Pumpkin Baked Brie with Puff Pastry
Ingredients
- 1 puff pastry sheet thawed
- 8 oz brie wheel
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 bell pepper stem
- hot honey
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees, prepare a cookie sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Lay down 4 long pieces of twine crossing over each other in a star-like shape. Make sure they are evenly separated so that your pumpkin shape doesn't end up lopsided.
- Lay the puff pastry down onto the pan with the prepared twine, place the brie wheel in the center. Gently fold and wrap the puff pastry around the brie wheel. Pinch the dough together to seal the cheese inside.
- Pull the twine up and around the pastry and tie the opposite sides of each piece of twine together until all are secure.
- Flip the pastry over so it is twine knot side down (and the side that you pinched the dough to seal the pastry is also down).
- In a small mixing bowl combine 1 egg and 1 tbsp water. Whisk until combined. Brush the egg wash on with a pastry brush all over the pastry.
- Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- When done, let cool for 10 minutes before carefully removing the twine.
- Place the bell pepper stem in the top center to complete the pumpkin look.
- Drizzle hot honey all over the pastry and serve with your favorite crackers.
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe?
I’d love to see it! Follow @_mrs.madi_ on Instagram and tag your photos with #mrsmadi.
M Wiseman
I made this and although I probably didn’t pay attention to all instructions it still turned out delicious! Definitely wasn’t as pretty as Madi’s. Going to make this again for thanksgiving!
Madison Reid
Getting the perfect pumpkin shape is all about the rubber band placement. So glad you loved it! Its perfect for Thanksgiving!