Absolutely nothing says ‘I’m fancy but I also like to have fun’ like serving a wheel of brie wrapped in puff pastry. This recipe is your ticket to becoming the MVP of any gathering, combining the creamy, dreamy goodness of brie with the buttery, flaky perfection of puff pastry.
Why This Recipe Works
- It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and steps, but the result looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
- The contrast between the warm, melted brie and the crisp, golden puff pastry is nothing short of magical.
- It’s versatile, serving as the perfect appetizer, dessert, or even a main dish if you’re feeling particularly cheesy.
Ingredients
- 1 wheel of brie (about 8 oz), rind left on
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
- Knife
Instructions
Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unfold the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and roll it out just enough to remove the fold lines. This ensures your pastry bakes evenly and looks picture-perfect.
Wrap the Brie
Place the brie wheel in the center of the puff pastry. If you’re using nuts, sprinkle them over the top of the brie. Drizzle with honey. Carefully fold the puff pastry up and over the brie, trimming any excess pastry if necessary. Seal the edges by pinching them together. This step is where your brie gets its cozy pastry blanket.
Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the beaten egg over the top of the wrapped brie. This will give your pastry a beautiful golden shine. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. The smell will be irresistible, but try to let it cool for a few minutes before diving in.
Tips and Tricks
For an extra touch of elegance, score the top of the pastry with a knife before baking to create a decorative pattern. If you’re short on time, skip the nuts or use pre-chopped ones. And remember, the key to a perfectly melted brie is not overbaking it—keep an eye on the oven as baking times can vary.
Recipe Variations
- Add a layer of fruit preserves under the brie before wrapping for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Incorporate herbs like rosemary or thyme into the egg wash for an aromatic flavor boost.
- For a savory version, top the brie with caramelized onions or sun-dried tomatoes before wrapping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the brie in puff pastry up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven cold.
Can I use a different type of cheese? While brie is the classic choice for this recipe, camembert or even a small round of goat cheese can work beautifully. Just adjust the baking time as needed based on the size and type of cheese.
How do I serve this? Let it cool for about 5 minutes after baking, then serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or apple slices for dipping into the melted cheese.
Summary
This brie in puff pastry recipe is a foolproof way to impress your guests with minimal effort. It’s creamy, flaky, and utterly delicious, making it the perfect centerpiece for any occasion.