Baked Brie in puff pastry is an elegant and irresistibly delicious appetizer that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. With its creamy brie center, golden flaky crust, and endless topping options, this dish is perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or any special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Elegant Presentation: A showstopper centerpiece for any table.
- Versatile Toppings: Pair with sweet, savory, or a combination of both.
- Simple to Make: Minimal effort, maximum impact.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone will love the gooey, cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Wheel of brie cheese (8–12 ounces)
- Puff pastry sheet, thawed
- Egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional toppings: fruit preserves, honey, nuts, dried fruit, fresh herbs
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll Out the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to slightly thin it out.
- Add Toppings: Place the wheel of brie in the center of the puff pastry. Spread your chosen topping (e.g., fruit preserves or honey) on top of the brie, and sprinkle with nuts or dried fruit if desired.
- Wrap the Brie: Fold the puff pastry over the brie, ensuring it is fully enclosed. Trim any excess pastry and press to seal the edges. Flip the wrapped brie seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Apply the Egg Wash: Brush the puff pastry with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Cool Slightly: Let the baked brie cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh fruit.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 6-8 as an appetizer
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
- Savory Twist: Add caramelized onions, garlic, and thyme for a savory topping.
- Sweet & Salty: Use fig jam or apricot preserves topped with crushed pistachios or pecans.
- Holiday Flair: Incorporate cranberry sauce and orange zest for a festive touch.
- Mini Brie Bites: Use small rounds of brie and cut puff pastry into smaller squares for individual servings.
- Herb Infusion: Sprinkle fresh rosemary or thyme inside the pastry for a fragrant flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crispness of the pastry.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, camembert works as a great substitute for brie in this recipe.
Do I need to remove the rind from the brie?
No, the rind is edible and helps the cheese hold its shape during baking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the puff pastry-wrapped brie and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Apply the egg wash just before baking.
What type of puff pastry should I use?
Frozen puff pastry works perfectly. Thaw it according to package instructions before use.
What’s the best way to prevent leaks?
Ensure the pastry is sealed well, and trim excess pastry to avoid uneven baking.
Can I freeze baked brie?
It’s not recommended to freeze once baked, but you can freeze the assembled, unbaked brie for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What are the best dippers for baked brie?
Crackers, sliced baguette, apple slices, pear slices, or pretzels work beautifully.
Can I add multiple toppings?
Yes! Combine complementary flavors like honey, dried cranberries, and walnuts for a layered topping.
How do I prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy?
Avoid overloading with wet toppings, and bake on a parchment-lined sheet to help maintain crispness.
Can I serve this cold?
Baked brie is best served warm to enjoy the melty, gooey cheese.
Conclusion
Easy Baked Brie in Puff Pastry is an indulgent and versatile appetizer that’s as impressive as it is delicious. Whether paired with sweet or savory toppings, it’s a dish that elevates any gathering. Serve it warm with your favorite dippers, and watch it disappear in no time!
Print
Easy Baked Brie in Puff Pastry
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French, American
Description
This Easy Baked Brie in Puff Pastry is a warm, gooey, and decadent appetizer that’s perfect for parties, holidays, or any special occasion. Wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry and filled with optional sweet or savory toppings, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed according to package instructions)
- 1 (8 oz) wheel of Brie cheese
- 1/4 cup fruit preserves (apricot, raspberry, or fig work well) or honey (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds, optional)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Crackers, bread slices, or apple slices for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Brie and Puff Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to remove creases. Place the Brie wheel in the center of the pastry.
Add Fillings (Optional):
- Spread the fruit preserves or honey on top of the Brie. Sprinkle with chopped nuts, if desired.
Wrap the Brie:
- Fold the puff pastry over the Brie, trimming any excess dough and pressing the edges to seal.
- Flip the wrapped Brie seam-side down onto the prepared baking sheet.
Brush and Bake:
- Brush the top and sides of the pastry with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy.
Serve:
- Let the baked Brie cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with crackers, bread, or apple slices.
Notes
- Make it Savory: Add fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) or a sprinkle of garlic powder for a savory twist.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the Brie in the puff pastry up to 24 hours in advance. Store in the refrigerator and bake just before serving.
- Cheese Options: Use Camembert or a similar soft cheese as a substitute for Brie.