Description
This Baked Brie recipe features a creamy 8-ounce brie cheese wrapped in flaky puff pastry, topped with a sweet and spiced pecan and brown sugar mixture, then baked to golden perfection. A delicious appetizer perfect for entertaining, served warm with crackers, crostini, or apple slices.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry and Cheese
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed (about 40 minutes)
- 1 (8 ounce) round brie cheese
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Nuts and Sweet Topping
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup roughly chopped pecans
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
For Serving
- Crackers, crostini, apple slices
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Puff Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the thawed puff pastry sheet on the baking sheet, ready to be wrapped around the brie.
- Toast Pecans: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped pecans and ground cinnamon, heating while stirring occasionally until the pecans are browned and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. Pour the toasted pecans into a small bowl immediately to stop the cooking process.
- Mix with Brown Sugar: To the warm pecans, add the packed light brown sugar and stir until combined. Some melting of the sugar is expected, resulting in a sticky, sweet topping.
- Prepare Brie Cheese: Place the brie round in the center of the puff pastry sheet. Leave the rind on to help keep the cheese intact during baking. Optionally, you can carefully cut off the thin top rind with a sharp knife while the brie is cold.
- Add Syrup and Topping: Drizzle the pure maple syrup evenly over the top of the brie. Then spoon the pecan and brown sugar mixture on top, gently pressing it so it adheres well.
- Wrap the Brie: Fold the edges of the puff pastry over the brie to completely encase it. Brush egg wash on each edge as you fold to help seal the dough. Trim excess pastry if needed, and use extra dough for decorative shapes if desired. Press the dough edges firmly to seal, then brush the entire wrapped brie with egg wash for a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake: Place the wrapped brie on the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the baked brie from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the cheese to slightly set. Transfer it to a serving platter and serve warm with crackers, crostini, and/or apple slices.
Notes
- Allow puff pastry to thaw completely according to package instructions before assembling to ensure it is pliable and bakes evenly.
- The rind of the brie is edible and helps maintain the cheese’s shape during baking, but it can be partially removed if preferred.
- Be sure to seal the puff pastry well with egg wash to prevent leaks during baking.
- Resting the baked brie after baking helps the melted cheese thicken slightly and makes serving easier.
- This appetizer pairs wonderfully with fresh apple slices and crisp crackers for textural contrast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: baked brie, puff pastry brie, brie appetizer, holiday appetizer, baked cheese, sweet and savory brie, pecan brie
