Randy Chandler
Baked brie in puff pastry is a simple yet elegant appetizer for any holiday get-together or party. The process is straightforward: roll out the puff pastry, add your chosen toppings to the brie, wrap the brie in the pastry, bake, and serve. The key challenge is in the timing: the pastry should be baked until golden brown, and then allowed to cool for at least five minutes before serving, to avoid molten cheese. The recipe can be customised with different toppings, such as honey, nuts, fruit preserves, or pesto.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Appetizer |
| Main Ingredients | Brie Cheese, Puff Pastry |
| Oven Temperature | 400°F |
| Baking Time | 15-40 minutes |
| Cooling Time | 5-15 minutes |
| Toppings/Fillings | Honey, Nuts, Thyme, Cranberry Sauce, Fruits, Herbs, Jam, Pesto, etc. |
| Serving Suggestions | Crackers, Bread, Fruits |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the puff pastry
Once the pastry is thawed, you can begin to roll it out. Lightly flour a clean surface and place the pastry on top. Use a rolling pin to gently roll out the pastry into an 11-inch square. Be careful not to press too hard, or the layers of the pastry may fuse together.
Now it's time to add the brie! Place your chosen toppings on the pastry, then position the brie wheel in the centre, and fold the corners of the pastry over the cheese. Gently press the edges of the pastry against the brie and neaten up the sides. If the pastry has warmed during this process, place it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before proceeding.
Finally, prepare an egg wash by whisking together one beaten egg and a small amount of water. Brush the pastry all over with the egg wash, making sure to cover the sides and the folds. This will give the pastry a golden-brown colour when baked.
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Preparing the Brie
Firstly, you'll need to select a wheel of Brie cheese in the 8- to 12-ounce range. The soft rind of Brie is edible, so there is no need to remove it. However, some people prefer to cut off the top rind to create a more open-faced pastry, which is a matter of personal preference.
Next, you'll want to prepare your puff pastry. Start by thawing the pastry if it is frozen. This can be done by leaving the unwrapped pastry at room temperature for no more than 40 minutes, or by using a microwave on high for 15-second intervals, turning it over between each interval. Once thawed, unfold the pastry onto a lightly floured surface and use a rolling pin to roll it out. The pastry should be rolled into a rough 11-inch square, or larger if you are using a bigger wheel of cheese.
Now it's time to add the Brie to the pastry. Place the cheese in the centre of the pastry, and if desired, add any toppings or fillings. Some popular options include honey, cranberry sauce, roasted nuts, herbs, and even sliced or preserved fruits. If you are adding toppings, use just enough to cover the surface of the cheese, and be careful not to overfill.
Finally, you'll want to wrap the Brie in the pastry. Bring the corners of the pastry up and over the cheese, forming a neat package. Use your hands to gently press the edges against the Brie and neaten up the sides. If you have excess pastry, you can trim it away and use it for decoration. At this point, the wrapped Brie can be refrigerated for up to a day before baking, or you can proceed to the next step of baking it.
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Preparing the toppings
Sweet Toppings:
- Honey: Drizzle honey on top of the baked brie for a touch of sweetness. You can also use honey as a garnish, along with other ingredients like pecans and thyme.
- Fruit Preserves: Sweet fruit preserves can add a delightful contrast to the salty cheese and pastry. Try apricot preserves, fig jam, or strawberry preserves for a fruity twist.
- Cranberry Sauce: Adding cranberry sauce is an excellent way to bring fall-inspired flavours to your dish. You can place the cranberry sauce on top of the brie before wrapping it in pastry, or use it as a topping after baking.
Savory Toppings:
- Herbs: Freshly chopped herbs like thyme will provide enticing aromas and flavours. Sprinkle them on top of the baked brie for a savoury garnish.
- Nuts: Toasted pecans or other nuts can add a crunchy texture and a savoury element to your dish. You can use them as a topping or mix them with herbs and cranberry sauce for a more complex flavour profile.
- Caramelized Onions or Apples: Topping your baked brie with caramelized onions or apples can add a depth of flavour and a touch of sweetness.
Customization:
Feel free to experiment with different combinations of toppings to suit your taste preferences. You can also try using camembert instead of brie for a more pungent flavour or adjust the amount of toppings based on the size of your cheese wheel. Get creative and enjoy crafting your perfect baked brie in puff pastry!
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Cooking the Brie in puff pastry
Preparing the ingredients
Firstly, you will need to defrost the puff pastry. Remove the frozen pastry from its packaging and defrost it on a sheet tray on the countertop for around 40 minutes, or until it is cool but pliable. If you are not using it right away, cover it with plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator.
Preparing the Brie
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to press it out into an 11-inch square. Don't press too hard, or the puff pastry layers will fuse together. Place the Brie in the centre of the puff pastry. Top with any extra toppings, such as honey, nuts, thyme, or fruit preserves.
Wrapping the Brie
Fold the corners of the pastry over the Brie, forming a neat package. Gently press the edges against the Brie and neaten up the sides. If the pastry has warmed and is no longer cool to the touch, place it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes, or until you are ready to bake and serve.
Baking the Brie
Brush the pastry all over with a beaten egg. Be sure to get the sides and around the folds. Try not to let the egg puddle underneath the Brie. Place the wrapped Brie on a baking sheet or in a pie plate. Bake in the oven at 400°F for 35-40 minutes, or until the pastry is deep golden brown.
Serving the Brie
Set the baked Brie aside to cool for 5 to 10 minutes. This will give the hot cheese time to firm up a little. You can serve it straight from the pie plate or transfer it to a serving platter. It is recommended to serve it with a variety of dippers, such as apples, pears, grapes, crackers, or bread.
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Serving suggestions
Baked brie in puff pastry is a great appetizer for a get-together, cocktail party, or holiday gathering. It can be served as part of a cheese platter or as a standalone dish with various dippers.
When serving as an appetizer, it is recommended to let the baked brie cool for about five to ten minutes before serving to allow the melted cheese to firm up slightly. This will make it easier to scoop and prevent it from being too gooey or molten. Serving it in a pie plate can also help contain the cheesy goodness and make it easier for your guests to enjoy.
As for dippers, there are several options to choose from. Fresh fruit, such as apples, pears, grapes, or dried fruits, can add a refreshing touch to the rich and creamy brie. Toasted baguette slices, crackers, or crostini provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy cheese. For a more indulgent option, candied pecans or other nuts can be offered on the side. A drizzle of honey can also complement the flavours nicely.
For a savoury twist, you can stuff the baked brie with sautéed mushrooms, caramelised onions, or cooked bacon before baking. This will add a layer of flavour to the dish and make it more substantial. If you want to add a touch of sweetness, consider spreading some jam or fruit preserves, such as raspberry, apricot, blackberry, or cranberry sauce, on top of the brie before wrapping it in the pastry. A sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar on top can also take things up a notch.
Finally, don't forget that presentation is essential. You can get creative and use cookie cutters to cut the puff pastry scraps into decorative shapes and attach them to the baked brie with egg wash. This will make your dish look as good as it tastes!
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Frequently asked questions
Bake the brie at 400°F (190ºC).
Bake the brie for 25-40 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown.
Let the brie cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to firm up slightly so that it is gooey but not molten.
Baked brie is great served with crackers, bread, or fruit like apples, pears, or grapes. You can also serve it with dried fruits and nuts or a drizzle of honey.
You can top the brie with cranberry sauce, honey, roasted nuts, jelly, caramelized onions, or caramelized apples.
