Today we're preparing a delicious baked brie, and we're using just a handful of ingredients all readily available at your local grocery store. This baked brie features the creaminess of French Brie mixed with a medley of sweet and spicy notes, courtesy of strawberry preserves, fresh fruit, and chili crisp. This is an elegant appetizer for any occasion needing a touch of delicious refinement.
To picture today's recipe, imagine the ease of creating an appetizer that combines your favorite jam with a touch of spiciness, all nestled within a golden puff pastry sheet. This recipe combines a wheel of brie cheese, adorned with strawberry preserves, wrapped in the flaky embrace of a crisped puff pastry sheet. We then bake the pastry to golden perfection on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet (for easy cleanup), and the end result is one of the most delicious and easiest appetizers possible, one that promises to be the star of any gathering.
While I'm using strawberry preserves, you can substitute in your favorite jam, you can also adjust the flavor profile with herbs such as fresh thyme, creating a medley of flavors that can be tweaked to fit any occasion. Above all, this is an elegant appetizer, golden and inviting, that I promise will become an instant favorite.
Below, we’ll give you an overview of the recipe, an ingredient checklist to ensure you’ve got everything you need, and of course a printable recipe card.
Now, without further delay, let’s bake some brie.
Sweet and Spicy Baked Brie: An Overview
- What Sort of Baked Brie Does This Recipe Make? There’s an entire world of baked brie out there. Today’s recipe yields (as the name implies) a baked brie that’s equal parts sweet and spicy. It features the brie, together with strawberry preserves, encased in a golden puff pastry.
- Taste and Texture: The exterior features a crisp and flaky puff pastry that gives way to the creamy decadence of melted French Brie, heightened by the sweet notes of strawberry preserves and a hint of spicy chili. The result is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, creating an indulgent experience for your taste buds.
- Pairing Suggestions: This Sweet & Spicy Baked Brie Pastry is a versatile star that pairs beautifully with an array of accompaniments. Sliced apples and pears, drizzled with honey, provide a refreshing contrast, while homemade crackers add a satisfying crunch. The addition of tangerines brings a burst of citrusy brightness to the ensemble. Charcuterie, wine, and dried fruit are all delicious accompaniments.
- Storage and Shelf Life: While this baked brie is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, a brief stint in the oven will help revive the flakiness of the pastry, ensuring the baked brie maintains its delightful texture.
- Suitable for Beginner Home Chefs: Fear not, aspiring chefs! This appetizer is an exercise in simplicity. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, even those new to the kitchen can enjoy this elegant homemade appetizer.
Ingredient Checklist: Everything You’ll Need
- 1 sheet of puff pastry dough
- Note: Use store-bought puff pastry for convenience. Homemade is simply not necessary for today’s recipe.
- 1 French Brie Wheel
- Tip: Opt for a high-quality French Brie to elevate the overall flavor of the dish.
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam
- Substitutions: Fig jam, apricot jam, a homemade jam recipe, blackberry jam, simple raspberry jam or raspberry preserves, or any sweet jam will work in today’s recipe. It’s entirely a matter of preference. You can also dice up fresh fruit and add that to the puff pastry on top of the brie.
- 2 teaspoons chili crisp
- Adjust to taste: If you prefer a milder or spicier kick, customize the amount of chili crisp accordingly.
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing the pastry)
- Tip: Beating the egg well ensures a golden, glossy finish on the puff pastry.
- 1 apple, sliced
- Variation: Experiment with different apple varieties like Granny Smith for a tangy twist or Honeycrisp for sweetness.
- 1 pear, sliced
- Substitution: Try using ripe figs or stone fruits for a seasonal variation.
- Tangerines
- Note: The citrusy freshness of tangerines complements the richness of baked Brie. Alternatively, use orange slices.
- Storebought or homemade crackers
- Tip: Choose crackers that offer a good crunch to contrast with the creamy Brie.
- Honey, for drizzling
- Note: I recommend using raw, unfiltered honey for this particular recipe.
Getting Creative: Variations on Baked Brie
- Jam Galore:
- Cranberry Sensation: Consider swapping the strawberry preserves for a zesty cranberry sauce, introducing a burst of tartness that complements the creamy brie.
- Orange Infusion: Alternatively, you can elevate the citrus notes by opting for a vibrant orange marmalade, creating a nice blend of sweet and tangy.
- Herbal Infusion:
- Fresh Herbs: Experiment with a variety of fresh herbs beyond thyme and rosemary. Consider basil, chives, or even a hint of dill to add layers of aromatic complexity.
- Nuts for Texture: Introduce a delightful crunch by incorporating different nuts like chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts into the jam mixture.
- Sweet Surprises:
- Brown Sugar: Sprinkle a touch of brown sugar over the top of the cheese before wrapping it in puff pastry. This subtle sweetness will complement the savory and spicy elements beautifully.
- Creative Presentation:
- Cutout Elegance: Instead of a traditional wrapping, use a cookie cutter to create decorative shapes with the puff pastry, enhancing the visual appeal of your baked brie.
- Mini Bites: Transform this into an elegant appetizer by creating individual bite-sized portions, each adorned with its own unique flavor profile.
- Flavorful Additions:
- Cheese Duo: Experiment with a combination of brie and another soft cheese like camembert for a more complex flavor profile.
- Fruit Medley: Mix things up by adding a layer of fruit spread or a medley of fresh berries atop the brie before enveloping it in the pastry.
Prep Tips for Perfect Sweet & Spicy Baked Brie Pastry
- Temperature Matters:
- Room-Temperature Brie: Allow the wheel of brie to reach room temperature before starting. This ensures even melting during the baking process, creating that luscious, gooey center.
- Chilled Puff Pastry: While the brie warms up, keep the puff pastry chilled. This contrast in temperatures will contribute to a flaky and golden crust.
- Rind Wisdom:
- To Rind or Not to Rind: Decide whether you prefer the earthy flavor of the brie rind or if you'd like to trim it. Personally, I find that leaving it on adds a layer of complexity to the final dish.
- Puff Pastry Precision:
- Rolling Out: When rolling out the puff pastry, aim for an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. This ensures uniform baking and a balanced texture.
- Flour Power: Lightly flour your work surface to prevent the pastry from sticking, allowing for smooth and easy handling.
- Jam Application:
- Top of the Wheel: Spread the strawberry preserves and chili crisp mixture evenly over the top of the wheel of brie. Pay attention to the edges to ensure each bite is packed with flavor.
- Egg Wash for Elegance:
- Brushing Technique: When applying the egg wash, use a gentle hand to avoid pressing down on the pastry. A light touch ensures a golden, glossy finish without compromising the puffiness.
- Baking Brilliance:
- Prepared Pan Precision: Place the parchment-lined baking sheet or pan strategically towards the center of your oven to maximize even baking.
- Watchful Eye: Keep a close eye on the pastry during the last few minutes of baking to ensure it achieves the desired deep golden brown color without crossing into burnt territory.
- Artful Presentation:
- Serving Aesthetics: Transfer the baked brie to a stylish serving dish or tray. Consider placing it directly on a wooden board for a rustic touch or on a decorative platter to take your presentation to the next level.
Baked Brie in Puff Pastry with Jam (easy appetizer)
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 1x
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry dough
- 1 wheel of French Brie
- 1/4 cup strawberry preserves
- 2 teaspoons chili crisp
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing the pastry)
- 1 apple, sliced
- 1 pear, sliced
- Tangerines
- Storebought or homemade crackers
- Honey, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, mix strawberry preserves and chili crisp.
- On a parchment-lined baking sheet, gently roll out the puff pastry.
- Place the brie in the center then cover the cheese with the preserves mixture.
- Carefully fold the puff pastry over the entire wheel of cheese.
- Brush the pastry with the beaten egg and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
- Bake for about 30 minutes or until the pastry is a deep golden brown.
- Serve immediately on a board fixed with your favorite fixings (such as your favorite fruits and vegetable sticks). For today's board, I served the brie with sliced apples and pears drizzled with honey. Some homemade crackers (link) and tangerines for added color. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
And that’s our Baked Brie. If you enjoyed today’s recipe, or have any questions or suggestions, please let us know in the comments below. We always love hearing from you.
Happy Cooking!
4
Esme Slabbert says
Oh my hat, this is calling me by name, loud and clear, so pinned it for our next get together.
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Beth says
This is such a delicious recipe! I love baked brie on its own, but pairing it with the golden, flaky puff pastry really makes it amazing.
Ben says
I love the combination of the gooey brie inside the flakey puff pastry. It's really amazing!
Stephanie says
This baked brie recipe is just wonderful! It's delicious and works well for casual and formal gatherings.
David J Myers says
Catherine, Great appetizer! Love the flavor overload... We're always looking for something different to serve family and friends. Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
Lisa says
What a delicious idea! I love any kind of cheese in puff pastry but I’d love to try brie. I’m definitely trying out this recipe for the family!
Sue-Tanya Mchorgh says
What a mouthwatering delight! The simplicity of this Baked Brie in Puff Pastry with Jam is truly enticing. The fusion of creamy French Brie, sweet strawberry preserves, fresh fruit, and a hint of chili crisp sounds like an exquisite blend of flavors. The golden puff pastry sheet wrapping it all up adds a touch of elegance, making it a perfect appetizer for any occasion. The detailed description has my taste buds tingling, and I can't wait to try this easy yet refined recipe for my next gathering.
Lavanda says
The flavor must be everything! I would love to try this recipe for valentines day. It's my daughter birthday and she loves this combination!!
Karen says
Baked brie!!! I never had that before...I love brie and I can imagine how delicious it would taste when baked...I can't wait to make it, can't wait.
Jupiter Hadley says
Oh wow this sounds like such a lovely dish! I have not had baked brie before - not a huge cheese person - but this might have changed my mind.
Gloria says
Bake brie is always a hit at parties. Warm, gooey and so delicious. Love the addition of puff pastry and jam.
Lauren says
This was the first time that I made baked brie with preserves inside and I'm never going back to making it without. It was so good and such a nice touch!
Marta says
I loved the added element of spice from the chili crisp in this baked brie. It combines perfectly with the creamy cheese and the strawberry preserves.
Savita says
Wow, this baked brie recipe is an absolute showstopper! The combination of gooey melted cheese, flaky puff pastry, and sweet jam is simply divine.
Dennis says
I love baked brie and your recipe was easy to make and oh-so-delicious!
Erin says
It's time I try this! I've never had baked brie but it sounds incredible. Especially your version!
Carrie Robinson says
This is such an easy, yet impressive appetizer idea! 🙂 Would be perfect for entertaining. Such a great idea!
Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says
This called my name so loudly that I went to the store just to buy the ingredients! The chili crisp was the perfect addition to this!
Loreto and Nicoletta Nardelli says
The things that a store-bought puff pastry can do still amaze me! This baked brie with jam looked fabulous, tasted amazing, and was quite easy and fast to make.
andrea says
I had never used chili crisp but now I'll be using it all the time! This was delicioius!