Undoubtedly, cheese elevates almost anything, but when it's nestled within a flaky puff pastry, the culinary experience becomes truly exceptional. I adore this recipe for its versatility—you can tailor the ingredients to suit the season or your specific flavor cravings. Simply choose a jam, incorporate nuts, and/or add fruits that align with your desires at the moment. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
Serving: 4-6 people
Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 round of brie cheese (about 8 oz)
- 2-3 tablespoons fruit preserves/jam (apricot, raspberry, or fig)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional toppings: nuts, honey, fresh herbs
- Crackers or baguette slices, for serving
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- If the brie has a rind on the top, you can choose to remove it or leave it on for added flavor and texture.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet slightly to ensure it's large enough to wrap around the brie completely.
- Place the brie in the center of the puff pastry sheet. Spread a layer of fruit preserves on top of the brie. This adds a sweet contrast to the richness of the cheese.
- Gently fold the corners of the puff pastry over the brie, sealing it completely. You can twist or gather the pastry at the top to create a "parcel" effect.
- Brush the entire surface of the puff pastry with the beaten egg. This will give the baked brie a beautiful golden color.
- Place the prepared brie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Add optional topping if desired and enjoy!