Description

This Baked Brie in Puff Pastry is a decadent and visually stunning appetizer featuring a creamy brie cheese wheel wrapped in flaky puff pastry, layered with sweet jam, crunchy nuts, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of honey. Perfect for entertaining, it combines sweet, savory, and nutty flavors, baked to golden perfection and served warm with fresh fruit and crackers.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese and Pastry

8 oz brie cheese wheel
1 sheet puff pastry

Egg Wash

1 egg white
1 tablespoon water

Toppings

3 tablespoons jam (any flavor such as 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 (optional, to taste)

Instructions

Thaw Puff Pastry: Remove the puff pastry from the refrigerator 30 minutes before assembling to allow it to soften slightly, making it easier to roll and wrap. Keep the brie refrigerated until assembly to maintain its firmness.
Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the wrapped brie.
Roll Out Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, unroll the puff pastry from its packaging and gently roll it out into an approximately 11 by 11 inch square. Transfer this onto a piece of parchment paper for easy handling and cleanup.
Add Brie and Toppings: Place the brie cheese wheel in the center of the puff pastry square. Optionally, thinly slice off the top layer of rind, though it is edible and can be left intact. Spread the jam evenly over the top of the brie, then sprinkle with chopped nuts and minced rosemary. Drizzle honey over everything and add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt if desired for extra flavor contrast.
Wrap the Brie: Pull one corner of the puff pastry over the brie and brush the edge with the prepared egg wash to help seal it. Continue folding the remaining corners up and over the cheese, brushing egg wash on the folds as you go to secure. Smooth the pastry evenly around the cheese and brush the entire outside surface with egg wash to encourage golden browning.
Bake: Use a sharp knife to make a few shallow slits in the top of the pastry to allow steam to escape during baking. Place the wrapped brie on the parchment paper on a baking sheet, then bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the pastry is golden and puffed. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.
Serve: Present the baked brie warm with a small knife or spoon for serving. Accompany it with apple slices, grapes, figs, crackers, and baguette slices for spreading the melted, creamy cheese and toppings for a delightful appetizer experience.

Notes

Removing the top rind layer from the brie is optional; it softens when heated and is edible.
Puff pastry should be gently rolled out and handled carefully to avoid tearing.
Use a sharp knife to score the pastry to prevent sogginess due to trapped steam.
Let the baked brie rest after baking to prevent the cheese from oozing out when cut.
Feel free to customize toppings with your favorite jams and nuts.
Serve with fresh fruit and assorted crackers or bread for a complete appetizer platter.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French

Keywords: Baked Brie, Puff Pastry, Appetizer, Party Food, Cheese, Jam, Nuts, Holiday Recipe, Elegant Snack