If you’re looking for a fun and festive appetizer that’s as delicious as it is adorable, you have to try my Mummy Brie with Puff Pastry, Jam, and Cranberry Eyes Recipe. I absolutely love how this gooey, cheesy wheel of brie wrapped like a mummy turns out every time—and the little cranberry eyes add such a charming, spooky touch that impresses guests. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or just want an easy yet show-stopping snack, this recipe is your new go-to. Keep reading, because I’ll share all my tips to make it come out perfectly melty and golden!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fun and Festive: It’s perfect for Halloween or any get-together where you want to wow your guests with cute, creative food.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these in your kitchen already, and it takes just 40 minutes total from start to finish.
- Melty, Gooey Brie: The cheese melts beautifully inside the puff pastry, balanced with sweet jam for a flavor combo that’s irresistible.
- Customizable and Kid-Friendly: You can swap the jam, use different dried fruit for eyes, or up the spice level depending on your mood.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients here come together to create that perfect contrast of crisp pastry, creamy cheese, and fruity sweetness. Just a heads-up—go for a good quality brie and a jam that’s thick, not runny, so it doesn’t make the pastry soggy.
- Brie wheel: A classic 8 oz wheel works great here; make sure it’s not too soft or overly ripe for easier handling.
- Frozen puff pastry sheet: This is your shortcut to flaky, golden layers. Thaw just enough so it’s pliable but still cold.
- Jam or preserves: I’m a huge fan of cherry jam for the tart-sweet flavor, but raspberry or even fig would be delicious too.
- Egg yolk: Brushed on the pastry surface to give a gorgeous shiny, golden finish after baking.
- Water: Just a splash to thin out the egg yolk for easy brushing.
- Dried cranberries or raisins: These act as the mummy’s eyes—choose something small and dark to stand out.
Variations
One of the best things about this Mummy Brie with Puff Pastry, Jam, and Cranberry Eyes Recipe is how easy it is to switch things up. Whether you want to play around with flavors or keep it simple for kids, there’s something here for everyone.
- Jam swaps: I once used fig preserves instead of cherry jam and it gave it a lovely autumn feel that my family went crazy for.
- Savory twist: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or some crushed red pepper flakes under the pastry strips for a little kick.
- Vegan option: Swap the brie for a cashew-based vegan cheese and use vegan puff pastry—super easy and yummy!
- Seasonal fruits: Use dried blueberries or chopped olives for the eyes to match your party theme or mood.
How to Make Mummy Brie with Puff Pastry, Jam, and Cranberry Eyes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Brie and Jam Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Then, take your frozen puff pastry out to thaw—it should be soft and pliable but still nicely chilled after about 15 to 30 minutes. While that’s resting, use a sharp knife to cut a shallow ring around the top of the brie. Carefully lift the top off and spoon on about 3 to 4 tablespoons of jam, making sure not to overload it so the jam doesn’t spill out during baking. Pop the top back on and set the cheese aside for the next step.
Step 2: Wrap the Brie Like a Mummy
Roll out your puff pastry on a cold surface using a rolling pin, just enough to smooth it and create thin strips—about 1 inch wide works great. Then, wrap these strips snugly around the brie in a crisscross pattern to mimic mummy bandages, leaving tiny gaps for the creepy little “eyes.” Place your wrapped brie on your baking dish, tidy up any loose ends, and carefully cut two small slits near the top for the eyes. Insert your dried cranberries or raisins into these slits to bring your mummy to life.
Step 3: Egg Wash and Bake to Perfection
Whisk together one egg yolk with just a splash of water to create a beautiful egg wash. Brush this generously over the puff pastry, but be careful to avoid getting any on the eyes so they stay clear and spooky. Now bake your mummy brie in the oven at 400°F for about 20 to 24 minutes, until the puff pastry gets golden brown and crisp, and you can almost smell that melty cheesy goodness beneath.
Step 4: Serve While Warm and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let it cool for just a couple of minutes—too hot and you might burn yourself on that gooey cheese! Serve this beauty alongside fresh fruit like sliced apples or figs and some crusty bread to mop up all the cheesy, jammy goodness. Your guests will be asking for this spooky treat at every party after you make it!
Pro Tips for Making Mummy Brie with Puff Pastry, Jam, and Cranberry Eyes Recipe
- Keep Puff Pastry Cold: This prevents it from getting sticky and helps it puff beautifully, so don’t skip the chilling step.
- Don’t Overfill with Jam: Too much jam makes the puff pastry soggy—less is definitely more here.
- Gentle Wrapping: Wrap the pastry strips loosely but snug enough to look like mummy bandages; this also allows steam to escape, keeping the crust crisp.
- Watch the Bake Time: Overbaked brie can get too runny and burst; about 20-24 minutes usually nails it perfectly.
How to Serve Mummy Brie with Puff Pastry, Jam, and Cranberry Eyes Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep the garnishes simple—fresh rosemary sprigs or a few edible flowers around the plate add a nice fresh pop, and some extra cranberries scattered around tie in with the eyes perfectly. For a little more sparkle, a drizzle of honey right before serving is divine.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with slices of crisp apple, juicy grapes, or figs. A crunchy baguette or rustic sourdough rounds out the plate beautifully and is perfect for dipping into that melty cheesy center.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to really impress at a party, place your mummy brie on a wooden board surrounded by autumn leaves or mini pumpkins for a seasonal vibe. I’ve also served individual mini mummies using small brie rounds and puff pastry strips—it’s adorable and perfect for finger foods!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers are best stored in an airtight container in the fridge. I like to wait until the mummy brie cools completely, then wrap it gently in plastic wrap before placing it inside a container. It keeps well for up to 2 days, though you’ll want to reheat carefully to preserve that flaky crust.
Freezing
I’ve frozen wrapped brie before, but it’s key to do it before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, then freeze for up to a month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual. The puff pastry still turns out crispy, which surprised me!
Reheating
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake your leftover mummy brie on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes—just enough to warm the cheese and crisp the pastry without drying it out. Avoid the microwave if you can; it’ll get soggy quickly.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade puff pastry for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will work wonderfully here. Just make sure it’s nicely chilled and rolled out evenly to get those beautiful flaky layers when baked.
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What’s the best jam to use in the Mummy Brie with Puff Pastry, Jam, and Cranberry Eyes Recipe?
I recommend cherry jam because its tartness complements the creamy brie perfectly. But raspberry, fig, or even apricot can add interesting sweetness—just avoid runny jams that might soak the pastry.
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble your mummy brie in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just cover it well to prevent the pastry from drying out, then bake fresh before serving for the best texture.
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What substitutes can I use for the cranberry eyes?
Dried raisins, small olives, or even peppercorns can make great alternative “eyes” if you don’t have dried cranberries on hand. Just choose something small and dark that contrasts nicely with the pastry.
Final Thoughts
I can’t tell you how many times this Mummy Brie with Puff Pastry, Jam, and Cranberry Eyes Recipe has rescued me when I needed a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both playful and delicious. It’s such a joy to bake—getting all those rustic mummy “bandages” just right—and the taste never disappoints. If you want a recipe that’s easy to pull together but feels special enough for celebrations, give this one a try. Trust me, your family and friends will be asking you to make it again and again!
Print
Mummy Brie with Puff Pastry, Jam, and Cranberry Eyes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Mummy Brie is a fun and festive Halloween appetizer featuring a creamy wheel of brie wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry strips to resemble a mummy. Filled with your favorite jam and adorned with dried cranberries or raisins for eyes, this playful dish is perfect for parties and grazing boards. It combines the rich, melty texture of brie with a sweet jam filling and a crisp puff pastry exterior, creating a deliciously spooky treat.
Ingredients
Cheese
- 8 oz wheel of brie
Pastry & Filling
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (can substitute homemade puff pastry if desired)
- 3 tbsp jam or preserves (recommended: cherry jam)
Decoration & Wash
- 1 egg yolk
- splash of water
- 2 dried cranberries or raisins
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Puff Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Remove the puff pastry from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes until it becomes soft and pliable but remains cold.
- Prepare the Brie: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a shallow ring around the top of the brie and remove it. Spoon 3 to 4 tablespoons of your chosen jam onto the exposed brie, being careful not to overfill. Replace the top of the brie and set it aside.
- Roll and Cut Puff Pastry Strips: Lay the softened puff pastry on a cold surface. Roll it out flat with a rolling pin, then cut it into strips using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
- Wrap Brie Like a Mummy: Wrap the pastry strips around the brie to mimic mummy bandages, leaving some gaps for the “eyes.” Place the wrapped brie on a baking dish. Using a knife, make two small slits for eyes and insert dried cranberries or raisins.
- Brush with Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and a splash of water. Carefully brush the egg wash over the puff pastry strips, avoiding the eye area to prevent sticking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 24 minutes, until the puff pastry is golden brown and the brie is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm with fresh fruit and crusty bread for dipping and spreading. Enjoy your spooky appetizer!
Notes
- This puff pastry wrapped Mummy Brie is the perfect Halloween appetizer and a great conversation starter at parties.
- Serve with a variety of fresh fruits like grapes or apple slices and crusty bread for a complete grazing board experience.
- You can substitute the cherry jam with other flavors such as raspberry, fig, or apricot for different flavor profiles.
- Ensure the puff pastry is cold but pliable before wrapping for easier handling and better browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (assuming 10 slices per wheel)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
