Baked Brie in Puff Pastry is a simple yet impressive appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. The creamy, gooey brie cheese wrapped in crispy, flaky puff pastry creates a delightful mix of textures and flavors that everyone loves. It’s golden on the outside and melty on the inside, making it hard to resist.
I love making this as a quick party snack because it looks fancy but is so easy to prepare. Sometimes I add a bit of jam or some nuts on top before wrapping the cheese, which adds a nice little surprise of sweetness and crunch. It’s one of those dishes where I always find myself sneaking bites when I think no one’s watching!
My favorite way to serve baked brie is warm right out of the oven with some crusty bread or crispy crackers alongside. It’s such a crowd-pleaser, and I always notice how it brings people together, sharing the warm, cheesy goodness. Plus, it’s a great way to kick off a meal or celebrate a special moment with friends and family.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brie Cheese: Brie is soft and creamy, perfect for melting inside the pastry. If you can’t find Brie, Camembert is a great substitute with a similar texture and flavor.
Puff Pastry: Puff pastry creates the flaky crust. You can buy it frozen or fresh. If unavailable, phyllo dough can work, but be gentle to avoid breaking.
Dried Cranberries & Nuts: These add sweetness and crunch. Swap cranberries for raisins or chopped dried apricots. Pecans can be replaced by walnuts or almonds.
Honey: Honey balances the flavors with subtle sweetness. Maple syrup or agave nectar work well too.
Apple (Optional): Adds fresh, crisp texture. Pear or quince can be used as an alternative for a nice twist.
How Do You Wrap and Seal the Brie Perfectly in Puff Pastry?
Wrapping the Brie well keeps all the gooey cheese inside and the pastry golden.
- Place the Brie in the center of the rolled-out pastry, leaving enough space around the edges for folding.
- Spread the fruit and nut mixture evenly on top of the Brie.
- Fold the pastry edges up around the cheese, pinch or press together to seal tightly.
- Trim off extra dough to avoid bulky layers, which may not cook evenly.
- Brush the outside with beaten egg for a shiny, golden finish.
- Chill the wrapped Brie for 10 minutes before baking to help it hold its shape.
Taking these steps results in a neat package that bakes evenly and looks beautiful on the table.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – to bake the wrapped brie evenly without sticking.
- Parchment paper – keeps your baking sheet clean and helps with easy cleanup.
- Rolling pin – to gently roll out the puff pastry just right for wrapping the cheese.
- Small bowl – perfect for mixing the nuts, dried fruit, and honey together.
- Pastry brush – for brushing the egg wash to get that golden, shiny crust.
- Sharp knife – to trim excess dough and make neat edges on the puff pastry.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap dried cranberries with fig jam or apricot preserves to add a different sweet note that pairs wonderfully with creamy brie.
- Add chopped fresh rosemary or thyme inside the pastry for a fragrant herbal touch that brightens the flavors.
- Include halved roasted pecans or sliced almonds for extra crunch and nuttiness.
- Top the wrapped brie with a sprinkle of brown sugar or cinnamon before baking for a warm, cozy sweetness perfect in fall or winter.
Baked Brie in Puff Pastry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Puff Pastry Wrap:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
For The Filling:
- 1 round (8 oz) wheel of Brie cheese
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 small apple, peeled and diced (optional, for extra texture and flavor)
For Finishing Touches:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)
- Red grapes and sliced apples (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, plus 5 minutes to rest before serving. In total, you’ll spend around 35-40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your brie from sticking and to make cleanup easy.
2. Roll Out the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the puff pastry sheet so it is big enough to completely wrap the Brie cheese wheel.
3. Mix the Filling:
In a small bowl, combine the dried cranberries, chopped nuts, diced apple (if using), and honey. Stir until well mixed.
4. Assemble the Brie Package:
Place the Brie wheel in the center of the puff pastry. Spoon the cranberry and nut mixture evenly on top of the Brie.
Carefully fold the edges of the puff pastry over the Brie and filling, sealing all sides neatly. Trim off any extra dough for a tidy package.
5. Finish and Bake:
Use a pastry brush to coat the outside of the puff pastry with the beaten egg. This will help the pastry become golden and shiny as it bakes.
Place the wrapped Brie on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
6. Rest and Serve:
Remove the baked Brie from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the cheese set slightly before cutting.
Transfer to a wooden board, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, and serve warm with red grapes and sliced apples on the side. Enjoy the melty, sweet, nutty, and flaky treat!
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before using. This helps the dough roll out smoothly and bake evenly without cracking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Wrap any leftover baked brie tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven to warm through without melting the pastry too much.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and wrap the Brie in puff pastry a few hours before baking. Keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to pop it in the oven.
What Can I Serve with Baked Brie in Puff Pastry?
It’s delicious with fresh fruit like grapes and apple slices, as well as crusty bread or assorted crackers for dipping into the gooey cheese.