This baked brie wrapped in crispy puff pastry is the perfect treat for cheese lovers! It’s warm, gooey, and a little bit fancy for any gathering.
Just imagine cutting into it and letting that cheese ooze out—delicious! I love serving it with some fresh fruit or crunchy crackers for a fun twist!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: The star of this dish, puff pastry provides a flaky and buttery crust. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pastry. For a lighter option, consider phyllo dough, but be aware that it will bake differently—crispier and less fluffy.
Brie Cheese: I usually go for a soft, creamy brie, around 8 oz. If you can’t find brie, camembert is a great substitute. For a stronger flavor, try aged cheddar, but it will change the dish’s character.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds a fantastic savory touch. Feel free to swap for garlic powder if that’s what you have on hand, but start with less, as it’s more concentrated.
Honey or Fig Jam: These add a lovely sweetness that balances the cheese’s richness. If you prefer, cranberry sauce or a fruit chutney can work well instead!
How Do I Handle Puff Pastry Like a Pro?
Working with puff pastry can seem tricky, but it’s easier than it looks! Here are my tips to ensure success:
- Always keep it cold! Warm pastry can become difficult to work with. If it gets too warm, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Roll it out gently on a floured surface to keep it smooth and avoid sticking. You want it to be even and thin, but don’t stretch it too much.
- When wrapping the brie, ensure it’s sealed well so the cheese doesn’t ooze out while baking. Pinching the seams is key!
Following these steps will help you achieve that gorgeous, golden pastry when it comes out of the oven!
Baked Brie in Puff Pastry
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 wheel of brie cheese (approx. 8 oz)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional: 1-2 teaspoons honey or fig jam (for added sweetness)
- Crackers, apple slices, and grapes for serving
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)
Time Needed:
This delightful baked brie will take you about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 35-40 minutes before you can dig into this cheesy goodness!
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that it’s nice and hot when your brie goes in.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. If there are any creases, roll it out gently to smooth them out. You want it to be nice and even for an even bake.
3. Add Sweetness (If Desired):
If you’re using honey or fig jam, spread a thin layer right on top of your brie. This little touch adds a lovely sweetness that complements the cheese perfectly!
4. Center the Brie:
Now, place the brie right in the center of your puff pastry. It’s the star of the show!
5. Incorporate Garlic:
Sprinkle the minced garlic on top of the brie. This will give your baked brie a wonderfully aromatic flavor.
6. Wrap It Up:
Next, fold the puff pastry up and over the brie, bringing all the edges together at the top. Pinch the seams to seal it well, and you can trim any excess dough if you’d like.
7. Place on Baking Sheet:
Carefully flip the wrapped brie over so the seam side is facing down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking!
8. Brush with Egg Wash:
Brush the entire surface of the puff pastry with the beaten egg. This will give your pastry a beautiful golden color once baked.
9. Add Optional Toppings:
If you want, sprinkle some extra minced garlic or fresh herbs on top for an added burst of flavor and decoration.
10. Bake:
Bake your creation in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for that pastry to be puffy and golden brown.
11. Cool Off:
Once it’s done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. This helps the cheese set a little, so it’s easier to slice into!
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the baked brie to a serving plate, and serve it warm alongside crackers, apple slices, and grapes. Feel free to garnish with fresh herbs for that extra flourish.
Enjoy the melty, buttery goodness of brie encased in flaky, golden puff pastry—it’s perfect for entertaining or just treating yourself!
Can I Use Non-Frozen Puff Pastry?
Yes! You can certainly use fresh puff pastry instead of frozen. Just make sure to roll it out to a similar thickness. Fresh pastry may bake up just a bit faster, so keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the wrapped brie a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven chilled.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (though they’re hard to resist!), let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, avoiding the microwave to preserve crispiness.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Filling?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding nuts, dried fruits, or herbs into the brie before wrapping it in pastry. Just be cautious not to overstuff it, as this can make it difficult to seal properly.
