This Baked Brie in Puff Pastry is a warm, gooey delight that’s perfect for sharing! The flaky pastry wraps around creamy Brie cheese, making every bite a cozy treat.
It looks so fancy, but guess what? It’s super easy to make! Just wrap and bake, and you’ll be the star of the snack table—no fancy chef skills needed!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brie Cheese: Brie is creamy and melts beautifully, but if you can’t find it, Camembert is a great alternative. It has a similar flavor and texture, making it an excellent substitute.
Puff Pastry: Frozen puff pastry works best for this recipe due to its flaky and airy texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use phyllo dough, but be aware that it will be crispier and less fluffy.
Fruit Preserves: I love apricot or fig preserves for their sweet touch. If you prefer something different, you can try cranberry sauce or even honey for a unique flavor twist.
Egg Wash: The egg wash gives a lovely golden color. If you want a vegan option, brushing the pastry with almond milk or coconut milk will help it brown, but the finish won’t be as glossy.
How Do I Wrap the Brie Properly?
Wrapping Brie in puff pastry can be a little tricky, but it’s simpler when you follow these steps:
- Make sure the puff pastry is thawed and slightly softened, making it easier to work with.
- Place your Brie in the center of the pastry. Feel free to drop a spoonful of fruit preserves right on top of it for added flavor.
- Fold the pastry up around the Brie, pinching the seams well to avoid any leaks while baking. Tuck the edges underneath to make it look nice.
- Use the egg wash generously on the outside, as this promotes even browning during baking.
This will ensure that your pastry puffs up beautifully and your melted cheese stays inside! Enjoy the process, and don’t worry if it’s not perfect—it’s all about the deliciousness in the end!
How to Make Baked Brie in Puff Pastry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Baked Brie:
- 1 (8-ounce) wheel of Brie cheese
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1/4 cup fruit preserves (such as apricot or fig)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For Serving:
- Crackers
- Red grapes
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need around 35 minutes from start to enjoy this cheesy treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This way, you’ll have the perfect temperature for baking later! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make clean-up super easy.
2. Get the Brie Ready
If you like, you can gently trim the rind off the top of the Brie. This helps the fruit preserves mix with the cheese. No worries if you want to keep the rind on; it will still melt wonderfully!
3. Roll Out the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, take your thawed puff pastry and roll it out a bit if you need to. You want it to be large enough to wrap around the Brie without leaving any gaps.
4. Assemble the Dish
Place the wheel of Brie in the center of your puff pastry. Now, scoop the fruit preserves and dollop them right on top of the Brie for a sweet touch!
5. Wrap It Up
Fold the puff pastry over the Brie, tucking it neatly. If there’s extra dough, trim it off. Pinch the edges to seal everything tight and tuck them underneath the cheese wheel.
6. Egg Wash Time!
Grab that beaten egg and lightly brush it all over the outside of the puff pastry. This will give it a beautiful golden color when baked!
7. Bake Away!
Carefully place the wrapped Brie on the prepared baking sheet. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffy and gloriously golden brown.
8. Let It Rest
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This will make it easier to slice without everything oozing out right away!
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer your spectacular Baked Brie to a serving board. Slice it open and serve it warm alongside crackers, red grapes, and sliced apples. Add fresh thyme sprigs for a lovely touch if you like!
Now gather your friends and family, dig in, and enjoy the heavenly gooeyness of Baked Brie in Puff Pastry!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Brie is traditional for this recipe, you can use Camembert for a similar flavor and texture. Other creamy cheeses like goat cheese or even Fontina can work well, too, just be mindful of the flavor profiles!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine!), let the Baked Brie cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge. It should be good for about 2-3 days. To reheat, place it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the entire dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just be sure to keep it covered to prevent the pastry from drying out. When you’re ready, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
What Can I Pair with Baked Brie?
This treat pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments! In addition to crackers and sliced apples, consider adding some nuts, dried fruits, or a drizzle of honey for extra deliciousness. It’s also great alongside a light salad for a more substantial appetizer!