This baked brie wrapped in golden puff pastry is everything you want at a holiday party: warm, gooey cheese with sweet brown sugar and crunchy pecans tucked inside flaky, buttery layers. I first made this for Thanksgiving a few years back when I needed something elegant but quick, and it's been my go-to ever since. The whole thing bakes up in about 40 minutes, which means you can pull it together while the turkey rests or right before guests arrive.
If you're looking for more crowd-pleasers, try this Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe, Easy & Creamy! or these Easy baked beef empanadas | Golden & Freezer-Friendly for your next gathering.
The smell of buttery pastry crisping in the oven never gets old.
Why You Will love this Baked Brie
This puff pastry appetizer is ridiculously easy. You don't need any fancy skills or a lot of time. The ingredients are simple, most of them things you probably already have or can grab at the store. The brie cheese appetizer bakes up in less than an hour, and it always gets compliments.
The combination of creamy, melted cheese with sweet brown sugar and crunchy pecans wrapped in buttery, flaky pastry hits all the right notes. It's rich without being heavy, and the little bit of black pepper adds just enough bite to balance the sweetness.
Plus, you can prep it ahead and bake it right before serving, which is perfect when you're juggling a dozen other things in the kitchen.
What Makes Baked Brie So Special
Baked brie is one of those appetizers that looks fancy but takes almost no effort. You're wrapping a wheel of creamy brie cheese in store-bought puff pastry, adding a little sweetness and crunch, and letting the oven do the work. The cheese gets soft and melty inside while the pastry turns golden and crisp. It's the kind of thing that makes people think you spent way more time in the kitchen than you actually did.
This baked brie appetizer works for any occasion, from holiday dinners to casual get-togethers. Serve it with crackers or apple slices, and watch it disappear.
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Baked Brie Ingredients
Here's everything you'll need to make this Baked Brie.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
- Frozen puff pastry: Thaw it according to the package directions so it's easy to roll out. This creates those golden, flaky layers.
- Brie cheese: A 16-ounce wheel works best. The rind is edible and adds a nice earthy flavor, so leave it on.
- Pecans: Roughly chopped for texture and a little nuttiness. You can swap in walnuts if that's what you have.
- Dark brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses that pairs beautifully with the cheese.
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked pepper balances the sweetness and gives the dish a subtle kick.
- Egg: Mixed with water to create an egg wash that makes the pastry shiny and golden.
- Crackers and apple slices: Optional but highly recommended for serving.
HOW TO MAKE Baked Brie
Follow these steps to make your Baked Brie.
Preheat oven: Set your oven to 400°F and position a rack in the center. Lightly grease a pie plate or rimmed sheet pan so the pastry doesn't stick.
Prepare puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry into a 12-inch square. If it's a little uneven, that's fine.
Assemble brie: Place the rolled-out pastry in your prepared pie plate. Set the brie wheel in the center, then sprinkle the chopped pecans, brown sugar, and black pepper on top of the cheese.
Fold and seal: Carefully bring the corners of the pastry up and over the brie, pinching the edges together at the top to seal everything inside. It doesn't have to look perfect.
Prepare egg wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Use a pastry brush to coat the entire surface of the pastry, including the sides, so it bakes up golden and glossy.
Bake: Place the assembled brie in the oven and bake for 36 to 38 minutes, until the pastry is deep golden brown and crisp. The cheese inside should be fully melted.
Serve: Let the baked brie cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This gives the cheese a chance to set slightly so it's not too runny. Serve with crackers or apple slices on the side.
Simple Substitutions
You can easily tweak this baked brie recipe based on what you have on hand or what flavors you prefer.
Nuts: If you don't have pecans, try walnuts, slivered almonds, or even leave them out entirely.
Sweetener: Swap the brown sugar for honey, maple syrup, or a spoonful of your favorite jam. Fig or apricot jam works especially well.
Cheese: Camembert is a great substitute for brie if you want something with a slightly stronger flavor.
Puff pastry: Crescent roll dough can work in a pinch, though it won't be quite as flaky.
Kid-Friendly Tweaks
If you're serving this to little ones, here are a few ways to make it more kid-friendly.
Skip the black pepper if your kids are sensitive to spice. Use a smaller wheel of brie (8 ounces) and cut it into smaller portions so kids can manage it more easily. Serve it with mild crackers, sliced apples, or even pretzel crisps for dipping.
You can also let them help with the assembly. Kids love folding the pastry over the cheese and brushing on the egg wash.
Expert Tips
Here are a few things I've learned from making this baked brie cheese recipe over the years.
Use cold brie straight from the fridge. It's easier to handle and less likely to leak through the pastry. Make sure your puff pastry is fully thawed but still cold. If it gets too warm, it becomes sticky and hard to work with.
Don't skip the egg wash. It's what gives the pastry that beautiful golden color and a slight sheen. If you notice any tears or gaps in the pastry after folding, patch them with a small piece of dough before baking.
Let the brie rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set slightly so it's not too runny when you cut into it.
Equipment FOR Baked Brie
This Baked Brie cheese wheel doesn't require anything fancy.
- Pie plate or rimmed sheet pan: Holds the brie while it bakes and catches any cheese that might leak out.
- Rolling pin: For rolling out the puff pastry to the right size.
- Small bowl: To mix the egg wash.
- Pastry brush: For brushing the egg wash onto the pastry.
How to Store Baked Brie
Baked brie is best served warm and fresh, but you can store leftovers if you have any.
Let the brie cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, until the cheese is soft again.
You can also assemble the whole thing ahead of time, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you're starting with a cold pastry.
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Brie well with a variety of sides.
Serve it with a mix of crackers, sliced baguette, and apple or pear slices for a simple cheese board. Fresh grapes or dried figs add a nice contrast to the richness of the brie. A drizzle of honey or a spoonful of cranberry sauce on the side gives guests an option to add extra sweetness.
Pair it with a crisp white wine or a light sparkling cider. If you're serving it as part of a larger spread, try it alongside Cabbage Rolls Recipe | Tender, Flavorful & Easy to Make for a mix of textures and flavors.
FAQ
Do you take the rind off brie before baking?
No, you don't need to remove the rind. The rind is edible and adds a nice earthy flavor to the dish. It softens as the brie bakes and blends right in with the creamy cheese. Some people prefer to trim it off, but I've found that leaving it on works just fine, especially when you're wrapping it in pastry.
How long should you heat brie in the oven?
Baked brie at 400°F for about 36 to 38 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese inside is fully melted. If you're baking the brie without pastry, reduce the time to about 15 to 20 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the cheese feels soft and slightly jiggly when you gently press on it.
Is it better to bake brie or camembert in the oven?
Both work beautifully in the oven. Brie is milder and creamier, while camembert has a slightly stronger, more earthy flavor. If you're serving it to a crowd with different tastes, brie is usually the safer choice. Camembert is great if you want something a little more robust. Either way, the baking process is the same.
Does brie cheese go in the oven?
Yes, Baked brie is perfect for baking. It melts into a soft, creamy consistency that's ideal for dipping. The rind holds everything together while the inside gets gooey and warm. Baking brie brings out its rich, buttery flavor and makes it even more delicious than it is at room temperature.
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Baked Brie
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a pie plate or rimmed sheet pan.
- Roll the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to form a 12-inch square.
- Place the puff pastry on the prepared pie plate. Center the brie cheese and top with pecans, brown sugar, and black pepper. Carefully fold the pastry over the cheese and pinch the edges to seal.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 2 tablespoons of water. Brush the egg wash over the pastry, making sure to coat the edges.
- Bake for 36 to 38 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp. Serve warm with crackers or apple slices if desired.
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