Baked Brie Recipe
Craving an easy, quick, and delicious appetizer? This Baked Brie Recipe delivers a warm, gooey wheel of cheese wrapped in flaky puff pastry—perfect for holiday gatherings or just a cozy night in.
Warm, golden, and utterly satisfying, baked brie is one of my all-time favorite appetizers. Picture a round of creamy brie cheese melting under crisp layers of puff pastry, its savory aroma filling the kitchen as guests hover nearby. You know what? It’s the kind of dish that sparks conversation—“How did you make this?”—and makes you look like a kitchen rock star, even if you’ve never touched pastry before. I first whipped this up one chilly Thanksgiving evening, inspired by my mom’s love of simple, crowd-pleasing cheese plates. Over the years, I’ve tweaked it—adding a sprinkle of fresh thyme here, a drizzle of honey there—to create a version that’s festive, slightly sweet, and totally irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a holiday open house or craving a quick snack, this baked brie recipe is your new go-to.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Brie Recipe
- Super simple – just three ingredients plus a few pantry staples
- Ready in under 30 minutes—yes, really quick
- Fancy enough for Thanksgiving, cozy enough for Netflix nights
- Puff pastry bakes to golden perfection every time
- Warm, melty cheese paired with honey or jam hits all the right notes
- Customizable with nuts, herbs, or dried fruit for a personal touch
- Impressive appetizer that needs minimal hands-on time
- Perfect for gift-giving: slice a mini wheel and wrap in cellophane
Ingredients
• 1 (8-ounce) wheel of Brie cheese, room temperature
(Look for a creamy rind—avoid super-aged, chalky centers.)
• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed (I love Pepperidge Farm)
(Substitute homemade or all-butter pastry for extra richness.)
• 2 tablespoons honey or apricot jam
(Use local wildflower honey for floral notes.)
• 1 egg, beaten, for egg wash
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra sprigs for garnish
• Pinch of flaky sea salt
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so cleanup is a breeze.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to smooth any creases.
Tip: A quick roll makes it easier to wrap neatly around the cheese. - Place the Brie wheel in the center of the pastry. Spoon the honey (or jam) onto the top of the cheese, spreading gently.
- Sprinkle thyme leaves over the honey. Fold pastry edges up and around the Brie, trimming excess corners if needed. Press seams to seal.
- Flip the wrapped Brie seam-side down and transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg for a shiny, golden crust.
- Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes—this helps the pastry hold its shape and bake evenly.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until pastry is puffed and deep golden brown. Look for a gentle ooze at the seams as your cue that it’s ready.
- Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes—warm enough to stay melty, cool enough to slice. Garnish with extra thyme sprigs and a final drizzle of honey.
Servings & Timing
Yield: Serves 6–8 as an appetizer
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 40–45 minutes
Variations
• Apple & Pecan: Top with diced Granny Smith apples and toasted pecans before baking.
• Cranberry Twist: Swirl cranberry sauce between the cheese and pastry for a tangy pop.
• Savory Herb: Mix minced rosemary and garlic into softened Brie before wrapping.
• Sweet & Spicy: Drizzle with hot pepper jelly instead of honey for a kick.
• Vegan Swap: Use plant-based puff pastry and a cashew-based brie alternative.
Storage & Reheating
• To Store: Cover leftover slices in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• To Freeze: Wrap cooled, unbaked Brie in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month; bake from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to baking time.
• To Reheat: Warm slices in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes, or microwave on low in 15-second bursts until cheese oozes again.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the wrapped Brie and refrigerate up to 2 hours before baking; bring back to chill before popping in the oven.
Notes
Honestly, the key to a perfect puff pastry shell is chilling briefly after wrapping—you’ll avoid that sad, droopy look and get a nice crisp rise. I’ve learned that using a sharp knife to score a decorative pattern on top adds flair but also helps steam escape. If your Brie feels too soft when you unwrap it, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes; a chilled wheel is way easier to handle.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different cheese?
A: You can swap in camembert or a washed-rind cheese, but note that melt times and flavors will vary.
Q: My pastry browned unevenly—what went wrong?
A: Make sure your oven rack is centered and the sheet is lined with light-colored parchment to reflect heat evenly.
Q: Is it okay to make this dairy-free?
A: Absolutely—just choose a vegan Brie substitute and check your puff pastry is plant-based.
Q: How do I serve this at a party?
A: Place on a wooden board, surround with crackers, sliced baguette, and fresh fruit for a simple spread.
Q: Can I add nuts inside?
A: Sure—sprinkle walnuts or pecans around the cheese before wrapping for extra crunch.
Q: Why did my cheese leak out?
A: Overheated Brie can burst. Try baking a minute or two less, and make smaller slits to vent steam.
Q: What’s the best honey to pair?
A: Wildflower or orange blossom honey complements the creamy cheese and adds floral sweetness.
Q: Can I prepare mini portions?
A: Yes, use mini Brie wheels and cut pastry into small squares—bake for 12–15 minutes.
Conclusion
This Baked Brie Recipe is a true showstopper—warm, melty cheese enveloped in flaky puff pastry that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday soirees, or a simple cozy night at home. Give it a try, let me know how it goes, and don’t forget to explore my other favorite appetizers for your next gathering!
Baked Brie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) Brie cheese room temperature, creamy rind
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry thawed, such as Pepperidge Farm
- 2 tablespoons honey or apricot jam local wildflower honey recommended
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves plus extra sprigs for garnish
- Pinch flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to smooth any creases.
- Place Brie wheel in the center of pastry. Spread honey or jam on top, sprinkle thyme, then wrap the pastry around the Brie.
- Chill wrapped Brie for 10 minutes. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and oozy.
- Let Baked Brie rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with extra thyme and honey.
