Prosciutto and Brie Upside-Down Pastries

Prosciutto and Brie Upside-Down Pastries are a delicious twist on savory baking, where buttery puff pastry tops a gooey, flavorful filling of melted Brie and crispy prosciutto. Baked “upside-down,” this technique caramelizes the cheese and meat for a perfectly golden finish that’s both elegant and irresistibly tasty.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a brilliant blend of sweet, savory, creamy, and crisp. You’ll love how the Brie melts into gooey perfection while the prosciutto turns crisp, all beneath a flaky, golden pastry crust. The upside-down method makes for a beautiful presentation and a foolproof way to get crispy edges and maximum flavor in every bite. These pastries are perfect for brunch, appetizers, or an easy gourmet snack.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Puff pastry sheet, thawed
• Brie cheese (mini wheels or small slices)
• Prosciutto slices
• Olive oil
• Honey
• Fresh thyme leaves
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Salt and black pepper

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle and cut into 8 equal squares or rectangles. Chill the pastry pieces in the fridge while you prep the fillings.
3. On the parchment-lined tray, drizzle about 1 teaspoon of olive oil in 8 spots. Add a small drizzle of honey over each.
4. Place a piece of Brie over each honeyed spot. Sprinkle with thyme and place a slice of prosciutto over the cheese.
5. Lay a piece of puff pastry over each stack and gently press down. Prick the top with a fork to vent.
6. Brush each pastry with beaten egg, then sprinkle with Parmesan and a little black pepper.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
8. Let rest for 5 minutes, then use a spatula to flip each pastry over so the Brie and prosciutto are on top.
9. Drizzle with extra honey and garnish with fresh thyme if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 pastries
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Fruit Pairing: Add a slice of fig, pear, or apple under the Brie for a sweet contrast.
• Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans with the thyme for crunch.
• Spicy Kick: Use hot honey or add a thin slice of chili for heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit prosciutto and use roasted mushrooms or caramelized onions instead.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cooled pastries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes until warm and crisp again.
• Freezing: Assemble the pastries and freeze unbaked on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a bag and bake from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to the bake time.

FAQs

Can I use regular Brie instead of mini wheels?

Yes, just slice into small pieces—about 1 oz each.

Can I make these pastries ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate for a few hours before baking.

What can I use instead of prosciutto?

Thinly sliced ham or smoked turkey will also work well.

Can I skip the honey?

You can, but the honey adds a nice balance of sweetness. Try fig jam or maple syrup as a substitute.

Will frozen puff pastry work?

Absolutely—just make sure it’s fully thawed before using.

Can I bake these in a muffin tin?

Yes! It helps keep the fillings contained and creates a neat shape.

Can I make this without Parmesan?

Yes, but it adds a delicious salty finish. You can sub with Pecorino or leave it out.

What herbs go well besides thyme?

Try rosemary or sage for a different aromatic profile.

Is there a vegan alternative?

Use plant-based puff pastry, vegan Brie, and swap prosciutto for roasted veggies or vegan deli slices.

Are these best warm or cold?

They’re best served warm, when the Brie is soft and the pastry is crisp.

Conclusion

Prosciutto and Brie Upside-Down Pastries are a gourmet-style treat made simple. With rich flavors, an elegant look, and a fun twist on technique, they’re perfect for impressing guests or indulging in something special at home. Whether you’re serving them as appetizers or part of a cozy brunch spread, these pastries will quickly become a favorite.

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