Galette with Brie, Cranberries and Toasted Walnuts with a Hot Honey Drizzle

There’s something irresistibly charming about the rustic beauty of a galette. The flaky, golden crust cradling creamy brie, sweet-tart cranberries, and the earthy crunch of toasted walnuts, all crowned with a seductive drizzle of hot honey—this dish isn’t just food, it’s an experience. As the buttery pastry warms in the oven, your kitchen fills with the aroma of baking fruit, caramelized edges, and toasted nuts. Trust me, you’re going to love this one from the very first bite.

Behind the Recipe

This galette was born from a spontaneous winter gathering, where I needed something elegant, festive, and quick. Brie was in the fridge, cranberries from holiday baking were begging to be used, and walnuts just felt right. That final flourish of hot honey? It happened on a whim—and now I can’t imagine the galette without it. It became an instant crowd-favorite, striking that perfect balance between indulgent and cozy.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Galettes are rooted in French culinary tradition, celebrated for their free-form style that embraces imperfection and creativity. Unlike their pie counterparts, galettes allow you to go off-script, wrapping up whatever seasonal fillings you have on hand. The pairing of brie and fruit, especially, is quintessential in French cuisine, often found on cheese boards or baked together in savory tarts. This dish is a modern love letter to those traditions, with an American twist from the spicy-sweet honey finish.

Why You’ll Love Galette with Brie, Cranberries and Toasted Walnuts with a Hot Honey Drizzle

This galette isn’t just easy on the eyes—it delivers on flavor, texture, and versatility too.

Versatile: Serve it as an appetizer, a brunch centerpiece, or even dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Budget-Friendly: Uses accessible ingredients and makes the most of seasonal or pantry staples.

Quick and Easy: No tart pan, no blind baking, no stress. Just roll, fill, fold, and bake.

Customizable: Swap in other fruits, cheeses, or nuts based on what you love or have on hand.

Crowd-Pleasing: The balance of savory, sweet, and spice makes it a universal favorite.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead and refrigerate until baking time, or bake and reheat beautifully.

Great for Leftovers: Delicious cold or warm the next day—just refresh with a quick toast in the oven.

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Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

To make this galette truly shine, here are a few insider tricks I’ve learned from experience:

• Use cold dough: Keep your pastry cold to ensure that flaky, buttery texture. If it gets too warm, pop it in the fridge before baking.
• Layer brie first: Place the brie on the bottom to keep the crust from getting soggy and to let the cheese melt into everything else.
• Chop nuts coarsely: This gives a nice texture contrast and prevents them from burning too quickly.
• Don’t skip the egg wash: It’s the key to that golden, glossy crust that looks straight from a bakery.
• Drizzle honey just before serving: Keeps it vibrant and prevents the crust from softening.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require anything fancy, but having the right tools will streamline the process:

Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough evenly.

Baking Sheet: A flat, rimmed one works best to catch any juices.

Parchment Paper: Makes cleanup easy and prevents sticking.

Sharp Knife or Pastry Cutter: For trimming or scoring the dough.

Pastry Brush: For applying that essential egg wash.

Mixing Bowls: One for the filling, one for the egg wash.

Ingredients in Galette with Brie, Cranberries and Toasted Walnuts with a Hot Honey Drizzle

This galette brings together bold, contrasting flavors with a simple list of ingredients that harmonize beautifully.

1. Refrigerated Pie Dough: 1 round sheet (about 9–10 inches) (acts as the buttery, flaky base of the galette)
2. Brie Cheese: 6 ounces, rind on, sliced thinly (adds creaminess and mild, earthy richness)
3. Fresh Cranberries: 1 cup (adds tart brightness and a juicy bite)
4. Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons (balances tartness with a deep molasses sweetness)
5. Orange Zest: 1 teaspoon (adds citrusy aroma and freshness)
6. Toasted Walnuts: 1/3 cup, roughly chopped (brings crunch and warm nuttiness)
7. Egg: 1, beaten (for brushing the crust and achieving a golden color)
8. Coarse Sugar: 1 tablespoon (optional, for a sweet crunchy crust)
9. Hot Honey: 2 tablespoons (sweet and spicy finish that ties everything together)

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t worry if you’re missing an item—these easy swaps still deliver great flavor.

Brie Cheese: Camembert or creamy goat cheese.

Cranberries: Pitted cherries, raspberries, or diced apples.

Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar or white sugar with a touch of molasses.

Toasted Walnuts: Pecans or slivered almonds.

Hot Honey: Regular honey with a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne.

Ingredient Spotlight

Brie Cheese: A soft cow’s milk cheese with a bloomy rind that melts into gooey perfection, pairing beautifully with fruits and nuts.

Cranberries: Their tart pop cuts through the richness, bringing balance and vibrant color.

Instructions for Making Galette with Brie, Cranberries and Toasted Walnuts with a Hot Honey Drizzle

Before we begin, imagine the final product: golden, bubbling, slightly crisp on the edges, and gloriously messy in all the right ways. Now let’s dive into the steps to get us there.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a mixing bowl, combine cranberries, brown sugar, and orange zest. Toss gently to coat.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Unroll the pie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Let it rest for 5 minutes so it’s easier to shape.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Layer brie slices in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Top with cranberry mixture, then sprinkle with toasted walnuts.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Fold the edges of the dough up over the filling, pleating as needed. Brush crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar if using.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Bake for 30–35 minutes, until crust is golden and filling is bubbly. Let cool slightly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Drizzle with hot honey just before serving. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

This galette is all about contrast. The crisp, buttery crust meets the creamy, slightly oozy brie. Tart cranberries burst into jammy pockets, while the toasted walnuts lend a warm crunch. And that hot honey? It sneaks up with a tingle, lifting the whole dish into flavor nirvana.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Here are a few more handy tips to elevate your galette game:

• Add a pinch of cinnamon to the cranberry mixture for warm spice notes.
• Chill the assembled galette for 10 minutes before baking to help it hold shape.
• Use a pizza cutter for clean, easy slicing.

What to Avoid

Let’s steer clear of a few common galette blunders:

• Skipping the egg wash—it’s essential for color and sheen.
• Overfilling—less is more to avoid soggy crusts or leaks.
• Using overly juicy fruits without thickening—the crust can turn mushy.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 320
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This galette is a dream when it comes to prepping ahead. You can assemble it hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. Leftovers store beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop slices in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. It also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to a month.

How to Serve Galette with Brie, Cranberries and Toasted Walnuts with a Hot Honey Drizzle

Serve it on a wooden board with a few sprigs of rosemary for rustic charm. Pair it with a glass of chilled apple cider or a side salad with arugula and vinaigrette. It’s lovely on a brunch table, as a starter, or even a sweet-savory dessert.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Leftovers? Lucky you. Try these ideas:

• Warm and top with a fried egg for a fancy breakfast.
• Cut into small wedges and serve as part of a cheese platter.
• Reheat and serve with a dollop of crème fraîche or Greek yogurt.

Additional Tips

For even more flavor and ease:

• Sprinkle flake salt on the hot honey for a salty-sweet surprise.
• Use store-bought pie dough to save time—just choose a high-quality one.
• Add a splash of vanilla extract to the cranberry mix for subtle depth.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation matters. Brush the crust generously with egg wash for that glossy finish. Garnish the galette with a few extra cranberries and a drizzle of honey right before serving. A rustic serving board and a serrated knife give it that just-from-the-bakery charm.

Variations to Try

• Apple Brie Galette: Swap cranberries for thin apple slices and add rosemary.
• Fig and Goat Cheese: Use dried figs and tangy goat cheese for a rich twist.
• Savory Herb Galette: Add caramelized onions and thyme for a dinner-ready version.
• Pear and Walnut: Use sliced pears instead of cranberries for a mellow sweetness.
• Berry Medley: Combine raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries for a summer take.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make this galette ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble and chill, then bake fresh when needed.

Q2: Do I have to use hot honey?

No, but it adds great contrast. You can use regular honey or a chili oil-honey blend.

Q3: Can I freeze the baked galette?

Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.

Q4: How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

Layer brie first and don’t overfill with fruit.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat it?

Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes to crisp up the crust.

Q6: Can I use puff pastry instead of pie dough?

You can, but expect a flakier, more delicate crust.

Q7: Are dried cranberries okay?

Fresh or frozen work best, but you can rehydrate dried ones if needed.

Q8: Can I use a homemade pie crust?

Definitely! It’ll elevate the flavor even more.

Q9: Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, it’s completely vegetarian.

Q10: How spicy is the hot honey?

Mild to medium, depending on your brand. Adjust to taste.

Conclusion

This galette captures everything we love about cozy seasonal cooking—warmth, richness, balance, and that little surprise element (hello, hot honey). Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, it’s a dish that delivers every time. So roll out that dough, slice the brie, and let the aroma of something truly special fill your kitchen.

Watch How To Make Galette with Brie, Cranberries and Toasted Walnuts