If you’ve ever wanted to steal the show at any gathering, Baked Brie is the answer — a golden, flaky parcel of gooey cheese, sweet jam, and (optionally) toasty nuts, all wrapped up in buttery puff pastry. This classic French-inspired appetizer transforms just a handful of ingredients into a crowd-pleasing centerpiece that’s both sophisticated and reassuringly simple. Whether you’re hosting a cozy night in, festive party, or looking for an unforgettable starter, Baked Brie brings restaurant-level magic to your own kitchen in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best thing about Baked Brie is how easy and accessible the ingredient list is. Each part brings its own charm — creamy cheese, flaky pastry, and a hint of sweetness — with plenty of room for your own tasty twists along the way. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each one matters:
- Brie cheese wheel (8 ounces): The star of the show, Brie melts beautifully and provides a luxurious, earthy flavor.
- Puff pastry sheet (thawed, if frozen): Wraps everything in a buttery, tender crust that becomes delightfully crisp in the oven.
- Raspberry or apricot jam (1/4 cup): Adds a sweet, fruity balance to the rich, savory cheese—choose your favorite!
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (1/4 cup, optional): Offers extra crunch and a toasty depth, but you can leave them out if you prefer.
- Egg (beaten, for wash): Brushed on top, it helps create that gorgeous golden sheen on your pastry.
- Crackers or sliced baguette (for serving): These are the perfect vehicles for scooping up gooey cheese and flaky pastry.
How to Make Baked Brie
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Puff Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, lay your puff pastry out on a lightly floured surface, rolling it just enough to smooth out any creases or cracks from the packaging. This gives you a smooth canvas and ensures the Brie wraps up snugly with no gaps.
Step 2: Assemble the Brie Parcel
Place your Brie cheese wheel right in the center of the pastry. Spoon your chosen jam over the top, gently spreading it to the edges. Scatter the chopped pecans or walnuts over the jam if you’re using them. The layers create a happy blend of flavors and textures in every bite.
Step 3: Seal and Wrap
Fold the edges of the pastry up and over the Brie, gathering and pinching as you go to completely enclose the cheese and sealing any seams. Don’t worry about making it perfect—rustic is charming! If you’d like, flip the parcel over so the smooth side faces up for a prettier presentation.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Brush the entire wrapped Brie with your beaten egg. This crucial step will give your Baked Brie that beautiful, glossy, deep golden finish. You can even use any leftover pastry to cut fun shapes for extra decoration, sticking them on with a dab of egg wash.
Step 5: Bake and Rest
Transfer the pastry-wrapped Brie to a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup. Bake in your hot oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and a deep golden brown. Once it’s out, let the Baked Brie rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes—this helps the molten cheese inside settle just enough so it doesn’t run everywhere when you slice in.
How to Serve Baked Brie
Garnishes
Garnishing your freshly baked Brie can elevate it from pretty to showstopper. Try a scatter of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, a drizzle of extra honey, or even a few ruby pomegranate seeds for sparkle. Aim for something colorful and seasonal that hints at the flavors inside.
Side Dishes
Serve your Baked Brie with an array of crispy crackers, toasted baguette slices, or even fresh, crunchy apple or pear slices. These balance out the richness while giving your guests plenty of fun scooping options.
Creative Ways to Present
Set the baked Brie on a rustic wooden board surrounded by grapes, spiced nuts, dried fruit, and a few extra sprigs of herbs. Or, for a festive twist, wrap it with a ribbon of herbs before baking, or cut the pastry into a seasonal shape like a star for the holidays.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Baked Brie, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days—just know that the pastry will soften a bit over time, but the flavors remain lush.
Freezing
You can assemble Baked Brie (up to the egg wash step) and freeze it for later. Wrap it well and freeze for up to a month. When ready to bake, brush with egg (if not already done), bake straight from the freezer, and add a few minutes to the cooking time until golden and heated through.
Reheating
To reheat, place your refrigerated Baked Brie on a baking sheet and warm in a 325°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is molten inside again and the pastry crisps up. Avoid the microwave, which can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese besides Brie?
While Brie is classic for Baked Brie, Camembert is a great substitute with a similar melting quality and flavor. Just make sure it’s a wheel and not pre-sliced for best results.
What if my puff pastry tears?
No worries! Patch it up with any leftover pastry scraps and press to seal. Once baked, any small imperfections will vanish under the golden puffed crust.
Can I make Baked Brie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the Brie parcel up to a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for the freshest, flakiest results.
What type Appetizer
Both raspberry and apricot jam bring a lovely sweet-tart note, but you can experiment with fig spread, cherry preserves, or even a drizzle of honey for a different spin.
How do I know when the Baked Brie is done?
Look for a deeply golden pastry and a bit of puffiness. If you gently press the top and it feels soft, the cheese inside is likely gloriously melted and ready!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for that one appetizer that always gets devoured first, you just found it! Give this Baked Brie a try at your next get-together and watch friends and family light up—there’s something truly magical about this gooey, golden masterpiece.
Print
Baked Brie Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of baked Brie wrapped in a flaky puff pastry, topped with sweet jam and nuts. This elegant appetizer is perfect for entertaining or as a delicious snack.
Ingredients
Baked Brie:
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese (8 ounces)
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1/4 cup raspberry or apricot jam
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- crackers or sliced baguette (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and place the Brie in the center.
- Add toppings: Spread jam on the Brie, sprinkle with nuts if desired.
- Wrap the Brie: Fold the pastry over the Brie, sealing the edges.
- Brush with egg wash: Brush the pastry with beaten egg.
- Bake: Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Let it rest before serving warm with crackers or bread.
Notes
- Try adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
- Substitute honey for jam for a different sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wedge
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
