Jack-o’-Lantern Brie: A Spooky and Delicious Halloween Appetizer

This Jack-o’-Lantern Brie is the ultimate Halloween appetizer—creamy, melty cheese wrapped in golden pastry and carved into a grinning pumpkin face. With its festive look and decadent flavor, it’s a spooky baked brie that doubles as edible décor and a conversation-starting centerpiece for your Halloween party spread.

Why You’ll Love This Halloween Brie Recipe

There’s something magical about slicing into a warm, flaky pastry to reveal gooey, molten cheese and a sweet-savory filling. This Halloween brie recipe delivers on all fronts:

• The brie melts into a luscious, creamy center that pairs beautifully with the fruity, nutty filling.
• Its pumpkin-shaped design makes it a showstopping Halloween party food and a charming addition to your spooky tablescape.
• It’s surprisingly simple to make and easy to customize with your favorite flavors.
• Whether you’re hosting a haunted bash or a cozy fall gathering, this Halloween appetizer is guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Jack-o’-Lantern Brie, you’ll need a few pantry staples and some creative flair. Here’s what goes into this pastry brie:

• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1 pear, cored and diced
• 1/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries
• 3 tablespoons seedless raspberry jam
• 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
• 2 tablespoons raspberry balsamic glaze (such as Colavita)
• 1 whole round brie cheese (6 inches in diameter, about 19.6 oz)
• 1 package (11 oz) pie crust (or puff pastry for a flakier finish)
• Orange, lemon yellow, and leaf green concentrated food colorings

Optional add-ins:

• Swap the pear for apple or fig
• Use apricot jam or pumpkin butter for a seasonal twist
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth

These baked brie ingredients come together to create a pastry-wrapped masterpiece that’s as delicious as it is decorative.

How to Make Jack-o’-Lantern Brie

Creating this Halloween puff pastry brie is easier than it looks. Follow these simple steps to bring your pumpkin baked brie to life.

Step 1 – Make the Fruit Filling

In a skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add diced pear and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in cranberries, raspberry jam, walnuts, and balsamic glaze. Cook over high heat for 2 more minutes until thickened. Cool completely and refrigerate.

Step 2 – Prep the Brie

Using a serrated knife, remove the rind from the top of the brie and discard. Set the cheese aside.

Step 3 – Assemble the Brie

Prepare pie crust according to package directions for a double crust. Roll out the dough into a 14-inch round. Place the cooled fruit mixture in a 5-inch circle at the center. Top with the brie, trimmed side down. Fold the pastry up and over the cheese, sealing the edges with water. Invert onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4 – Decorate the Pumpkin

Re-roll pastry scraps to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out a jack-o’-lantern mouth and triangle eyes and nose. Score pumpkin lines into the dough and brush with diluted orange food coloring. Add yellow to the facial features. Stack triangles for dimension and attach. Shape a stem from remaining dough, tint green, and attach to the top.

Step 5 – Chill and Bake

Freeze the assembled brie for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F. Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown. Let rest for 15–20 minutes before serving.

Now you know how to make Jack-o’-Lantern brie that’s equal parts spooky and scrumptious.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Jack-o’-Lantern Brie

• Chill the pastry before carving to get crisp, clean lines in your pumpkin face.
• Add a pinch of paprika to your egg wash or food coloring for a natural orange hue.
• Let the brie rest after baking to avoid a molten cheese landslide.
• Serve immediately for the ultimate gooey cheese pull—this is one of those Halloween appetizer ideas that’s best enjoyed warm.

These baked brie tips will help you master the art of Halloween cheese board drama.

Variations and Creative Twists

Want to put your own spin on this Halloween baked brie? Try one of these festive ideas:

• Make mini baked brie pumpkins using small brie rounds or even crescent roll dough for individual servings.
• Swap the raspberry jam for pear jam and add a touch of rosemary for a sweet-and-savory twist.
• Embrace the season with a pumpkin spice version using pumpkin butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before baking.

These Halloween snack ideas are perfect for customizing your spooky cheese appetizer to suit your party theme.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation is everything when it comes to Halloween party food. Here’s how to serve your Jack-o’-Lantern Brie in style:

• Surround with crackers, apple slices, or toasted baguette rounds for dipping.
• Place on a black slate or rustic wooden board for contrast.
• Garnish with mini pumpkins, fresh herbs, or edible flowers for a festive touch.
• Pair with themed drinks like Layered Prosecco Cocktails or Ginger Whiskey Magic Potions for a full-on Halloween vibe.

For more spooky pairings, check out our Frankenstein Spread, Spooky Pretzels, or Hot Chili Corn Dip in a Pumpernickel Coffin.

FAQs

Can I make it ahead of time? Yes. Assemble and decorate the brie, then freeze it. Bake just before serving for best results.

What can I use instead of brie? Camembert is a great substitute with a similar texture and flavor.

Can it be served at room temperature? It’s best warm, but it can sit out for up to two hours. The cheese will firm up slightly as it cools.

Final Thoughts

This Jack-o’-Lantern Brie is more than just a Halloween appetizer—it’s a spooky cheese centerpiece that brings festive flair and irresistible flavor to your table. Whether you’re hosting a haunted soirée or a cozy fall gathering, this pumpkin puff pastry brie is sure to steal the show.