Baked Brie in Puff Pastry is a simple yet impressive snack that combines gooey, melted cheese with a crispy, flaky crust. The soft brie cheese melts perfectly inside golden puff pastry, creating a warm, comforting bite that’s hard to resist. Whether it’s for a holiday party or a cozy night in, this dish always stands out with its creamy center and buttery exterior.
I love making this because it feels fancy but is actually super easy to put together. My favorite part is adding a little honey or fruit jam before wrapping the brie—it adds just the right touch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the rich cheese. It’s always a hit when guests gather because it looks like you spent hours, even if you didn’t!
When it’s time to serve, I like to slice it into wedges and offer some fresh crackers or sliced apples on the side. It’s perfect for sharing and works great as an appetizer or a tasty addition to a casual gathering. Plus, the warm brie melts right on the cracker, making each bite a cozy little treat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Brie Cheese
- This soft cheese melts beautifully and gives the dish its creamy center. If you can't find brie, camembert works well too. Just pick a wheel that’s about 8 ounces for easy wrapping.
- Puff Pastry
- Store-bought puff pastry is a great time-saver. Make sure it's thawed but still cold when you unwrap it to keep all those flaky layers.
- Pecans & Brown Sugar
- Candied pecans add a lovely crunch and sweetness. If you're allergic to nuts, try using toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds instead.
- Honey
- Honey adds a natural sweetness that balances the cheese. You can swap it with maple syrup, fruit jam, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a savory twist.
How Can I Wrap the Brie in Puff Pastry Without Messing It Up?
Wrapping the brie neatly is key to keeping it all inside as it bakes. Here are some tips:
- Roll the pastry to a size that fully covers the cheese with some overlap.
- Place the brie in the center with honey and pecans on top.
- Gently lift the edges of the pastry around the brie, folding the corners like a bundle.
- Pinch the edges well to seal. Trim extra pastry if it’s bulky—this helps prevent burning and uneven baking.
- Brush the pastry with egg wash to get a glossy, golden finish.
Let the wrapped brie chill in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking if possible. This helps the pastry hold its shape better during baking. Baking at 375°F usually gives the perfect balance between crispy crust and melted cheese center.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – to bake your wrapped brie evenly and catch any drips.
- Parchment paper – keeps the puff pastry from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Small skillet – perfect for toasting and caramelizing pecans.
- Pastry brush – helps you spread the egg wash for a golden, shiny crust.
- Rolling pin – to gently roll out the puff pastry for easy wrapping.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add fig jam or cranberry sauce inside the brie for a fruity, tangy contrast that pairs nicely with the cheese.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh rosemary or thyme for an herbal note that brightens the richness.
- Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for different nutty textures and flavors.
- Mix in a little garlic or sun-dried tomatoes under the brie to add a savory twist.
Baked Brie in Puff Pastry with Candied Pecans and Honey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1 wheel brie cheese (8 oz)
- 2 tbsp honey, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
For Candied Pecans:
- 1/4 cup pecans
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp butter
Optional for Serving:
- Crackers
- Sliced apples
- Fresh thyme
How Much Time Will You Need?
This baked brie recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes of baking. Allow an extra 5 minutes for resting before serving. Overall, it’s a quick and elegant appetizer ready in less than an hour.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Oven and Candied Pecans:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a small pan over medium heat, melt butter, then add brown sugar and pecans. Stir and cook until the sugar melts and pecans become toasted and candied, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Prepare Puff Pastry and Cheese:
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry into a roughly 10-inch square. Place the brie wheel in the center. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of honey over the brie, then sprinkle some of the candied pecans on top.
3. Wrap and Bake:
Fold the puff pastry all around the brie, pinching the edges together to seal. Trim any excess pastry if needed to avoid bulk. Brush the pastry surface with the beaten egg to get a golden, shiny crust. Place the wrapped brie on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
4. Rest and Serve:
Remove the baked brie from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to firm up slightly. Drizzle more honey over the top and sprinkle with remaining candied pecans. Serve warm alongside crackers, sliced apples, and fresh thyme if you like. Enjoy the gooey and crispy magic!
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before using. This helps keep the layers flaky and prevents the pastry from tearing while wrapping the brie.
How Do I Store Leftover Baked Brie?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes to warm through without overcooking the pastry.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the wrapped brie a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just add the egg wash right before baking for the best golden crust.
What Should I Serve with Baked Brie in Puff Pastry?
Crackers, sliced apples, and fresh herbs like thyme make perfect accompaniments. They add crunch and fresh flavors that balance the rich, creamy cheese.