Description
This elegant Baked Brie in Puff Pastry is a delightful appetizer featuring a creamy wheel of brie cheese encased in flaky puff pastry. Topped with your choice of jam, crunchy nuts, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of honey, it bakes to golden perfection, creating a rich, melty indulgence perfect for gatherings, holidays, or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 8 oz brie cheese wheel
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry
Toppings and Glaze
- 3 Tablespoons jam (any flavor, preserves, cranberry sauce, or fig butter)
- 2–3 Tablespoons chopped pecans (or pistachios or walnuts)
- ½ teaspoon fresh rosemary (or fresh thyme, minced)
- 1 Tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
- Sea salt, flaky
Egg Wash
- 1 egg white
- 1 Tablespoon water
Instructions
- Thaw Puff Pastry: Remove the puff pastry from the fridge about 30 minutes before you start assembling to allow it to come to a workable temperature. Keep the brie refrigerated until you are ready to assemble.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) to get it hot and ready for baking.
- Roll Out Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, take the puff pastry out of its packaging and gently roll it with a rolling pin into an 11 by 11-inch square. Then transfer the rolled pastry onto a sheet of parchment paper for easy handling.
- Add Brie and Toppings: Place the brie cheese wheel in the center of the puff pastry. For a milder flavor, you can thinly slice off the top rind, but this is optional since the rind is edible. Spread the jam evenly over the brie, then sprinkle chopped nuts and minced fresh rosemary on top. Drizzle honey over everything and optionally sprinkle flaky sea salt for extra flavor.
- Wrap the Brie: Bring one corner of the puff pastry up and over the cheese and toppings. Brush the edge with a thin layer of the egg wash to help seal the pastry. Repeat by folding the remaining corners over, brushing each seam with egg wash to secure the package nicely. Once fully wrapped, brush the entire outside of the pastry with the remaining egg wash for a beautiful golden finish.
- Bake: Using a sharp knife, make a few shallow slits on top of the puff pastry to allow steam to escape while baking. Place the wrapped brie on the parchment paper on a baking sheet, and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, until the pastry is golden and crisp. Once done, remove from oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly.
- Serve: Present the baked brie with a small knife or spoon for spreading the melty cheese. It pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit like apple slices, grapes, figs, as well as crackers and sliced baguette for a perfect appetizer experience.
Notes
- The top rind of the brie can be sliced off for a milder taste but is completely edible and can be left on.
- Jam flavor can be customized according to taste preferences; fig butter, cranberry sauce, or any preserves work beautifully.
- Nut options are flexible—pecans, pistachios, or walnuts all add delightful crunch and flavor.
- Use fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme for aromatic freshness.
- Make sure to let the baked brie rest after baking to prevent the cheese from spilling out when cutting.
- This appetizer is best served warm and fresh for the best melty texture.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Keywords: baked brie, puff pastry brie, brie cheese appetizer, baked brie with jam, holiday appetizer, cheese appetizer
