Brie en croûte, also known as Baked Brie in Puff Pastry, is a delicious appetizer or party snack that features creamy Brie cheese wrapped in flaky puff pastry. The combination of the rich, melted cheese and the crisp pastry shell is sure to please your guests. Brie en croûte is a show-stopper and very easy to make.
Ingredients:
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese (about 8-10 ounces)
- 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1/4 cup fruit preserves (apricot, raspberry, or fig are popular choices)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- Optional toppings (sliced almonds, chopped fresh herbs, honey, or additional preserves for serving)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Prepare the Brie: Carefully remove the rind from the top of the Brie wheel. You can leave the sides and bottom rind intact. If you prefer to keep the rind on top, you can score it with a knife in a decorative pattern.
Roll out the puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to a size that will completely wrap the Brie. It should be large enough to cover the Brie entirely.
Add the fruit preserves: In the center of the puff pastry, spread a layer of fruit preserves. You can use a spoon or pastry brush to spread it evenly.
Place the Brie on top: Carefully place the prepared Brie wheel, rind-side down, on the fruit preserves.
Wrap the Brie: Gently fold the puff pastry over the Brie, enclosing it completely. You can trim any excess pastry if necessary. Pinch the seams to seal the pastry, so the Brie is completely covered.
At this point you can use an extra puff pastry to create a design for the top. You can even print an image and cut the dough to shape an image or icon.
Create an egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk the egg and water together to make an egg wash. Brush the entire surface of the puff pastry with the egg wash. This will give the pastry a beautiful golden brown color when baked.
Optional toppings: If you like, you can sprinkle sliced almonds or fresh herbs on top of the Brie en croûte for added flavor and texture.
Bake:
- Carefully transfer the wrapped Brie to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and gooey.
Serve:
- Allow the Brie en croûte to cool for a few minutes before serving, as the cheese inside will be extremely hot.
- Serve it with additional fruit preserves, honey, crackers, and fresh fruit for dipping and spreading.
Brie en croûte is a delightful and elegant appetizer that's perfect for parties and gatherings. The combination of creamy Brie and flaky pastry is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!