Immerse yourself in the aromatic world of French cuisine with this exquisite Baked Brie en Croûte recipe. The combination of luscious brie cheese wrapped in golden puff pastry, enhanced with the sweetness of honey and a hint of rosemary, delivers a culinary experience that is both delicious and visually elegant. Perfect for special occasions, this dish is also simple enough to prepare for a cozy night in.
Although most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in most kitchens, there are a few that you might need to pick up from the supermarket. Brie cheese, the star of this dish, is a soft French cheese that can be found in the cheese section. Puff pastry, typically located in the frozen foods aisle, is another key ingredient which gives this dish its characteristic flaky crust. Lastly, dried cherries can usually be found in the dried fruit and nuts section.
Key Ingredients for Baked Brie en Croûte
Frozen puff pastry: The foundation of this dish, providing a flaky and buttery crust that complements the creaminess of the brie.
Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory notes of the brie and rosemary.
Dried cherries: These add a tangy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the brie and pecans.
Chopped pecans: Provide a crunch that contrasts with the soft brie and chewy dried cherries.
Fresh rosemary: Its aromatic, woodsy flavor enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Brie cheese: The star of this dish, brie is creamy and mild, and it melts beautifully within the pastry.
Egg: Used for the egg wash that gives the pastry a glossy, golden finish.
Water: Mixed with the egg to make the egg wash.
One reader, Cacilia Hyland says:
This baked brie en croûte recipe is a game-changer! The combination of honey, cherries, and pecans creates a delightful flavor explosion. The presentation with the pastry leaves is a showstopper. It's a hit at every gathering and always leaves everyone wanting more. Highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Making Baked Brie en Croûte
How to prepare the pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface to a 12-inch square, then trim the corners to form two circles. Place one pastry round on a prepared baking sheet and set aside the scraps for later use.
How to assemble the brie en croûte: Place the brie on top of the pastry, rind side down. Drizzle with honey, then top with dried cherries, pecans, and rosemary. Brush the exposed edges of the pastry with the egg mixture, then cover the brie with the other pastry circle, pressing to form a tight seal. Cut off the excess dough and crimp the edges firmly with a fork to seal.
How to decorate the pastry: Cut out nine leaves from the pastry scraps and use a knife to draw the ribs on the leaves. Place the leaves on top of the pastry in the shape of a flower, overlapping them slightly and pressing them together in the center. Brush the leaves with the egg mixture and roll up a small ball of dough to place in the center.
How to bake the brie en croûte: Bake for about 20 minutes at 425°F, or until the pastry is golden brown. Let it stand for 45 minutes before serving with fruit and crackers.
How to prepare ahead: You can prepare this appetizer ahead of time up until the baking step; refrigerate until ready to cook.
How To Make Baked Brie en Croûte
Buttery baked brie is cooked en Croûte or in a puff pastry to yield a delightful appetizers, with sides of honey, dried cherries, and crunchy pecans!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2sheetsfrozen puff pastry,thawed
- 2tbsphoney
- ⅓cupdried cherries,roughly chopped
- ¼cuppecans,chopped
- 1tspfresh rosemary,chopped
- 16ozBrie cheese round,(6-inches)
- 1large egg,beaten
- 1tbspwater
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice off the top rind of the brie and discard.
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On a lightly floured work surface, roll each pastry sheet out to a 12-inch square. Trim the corners of each sheet to form 2 circles. Set the scraps aside.
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Put one of the pastry rounds on the prepared baking sheet. Cut off the top rind of the cheese and place the Brie on top of the pastry, rind side down.
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Drizzle the top of the cheese with the honey, and then top with the dried cherries, pecans and rosemary.
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Brush the exposed edges of the pastry with the egg mixture. Cover the Brie with the other pastry circle; press against the sides of the cheese and the bottom pastry to form a tight seal.
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Using a pizza cutter, cut off the excess dough, leaving a generous 1-inch border. Crimp the edges firmly with a fork to seal. Brush the pastry with the egg mixture. Set aside.
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Using a pizza cutter or cookie cutter, cut out 9 leaves of about 2-inches long and 1-inch wide from the scraps. Use a knife to draw the ribs on the leaves, pressing down but not cutting all the way through.
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Place the leaves on top of the pastry in the shape of a flower, overlapping them slightly and pressing them together in the center. Brush the leaves with the egg mixture. Roll up a ½-inch ball of dough and press it in the center; brush the ball with the egg mixture.
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Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.
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Let stand for 45 minutes.
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Serve with fruit and crackers. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 176.88kcal
- Fat: 11.67g
- Saturated Fat: 6.22g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.86g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.88g
- Carbohydrates: 9.15g
- Fiber: 0.33g
- Sugar: 5.55g
- Protein: 9.21g
- Cholesterol: 29.81mg
- Sodium: 32.24mg
- Calcium: 259.69mg
- Potassium: 50.59mg
- Iron: 0.24mg
- Vitamin A: 76.78µg
- Vitamin C: 0.78mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Baked Brie en Croûte
When sealing the puff pastry around the brie cheese, ensure to press firmly to create a tight seal. This prevents the cheese from oozing out during baking. Also, when brushing the pastry with the egg mixture, be sure to cover all exposed areas. This gives the pastry a beautiful golden brown color and a shiny finish when baked.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Baked Brie en Croûte
Prepare the filling: Prepare the honey, dried cherries, pecans, and rosemary mixture ahead of time to save time during the assembly process.
Use pre-made puff pastry: Save time by using store-bought frozen puff pastry instead of making it from scratch.
Make ahead: Prepare the brie en croûte up to the baking step and refrigerate until ready to cook to save time on the day of serving.
Use a pizza cutter: Use a pizza cutter to trim the pastry and cut out decorative shapes for a quicker and more precise process.
Double the recipe: If making for a larger gathering, consider doubling the recipe to make two brie en croûte at once and save time on preparation.
Substitute Ingredients For Baked Brie en Croûte Recipe
2 sheets frozen puff pastry - Substitute with phyllo dough: Phyllo dough can be used as a substitute for puff pastry in this recipe. It will provide a similar flaky and crispy texture when baked.
2 tbsp honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a substitute for honey, providing a similar sweetness and flavor to the dish.
⅓ cup dried cherries - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries can be used as a substitute for dried cherries, offering a similar tartness and chewy texture.
¼ cup chopped pecans - Substitute with chopped walnuts: Chopped walnuts can be used as a substitute for pecans, providing a similar nutty flavor and crunch to the recipe.
1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary - Substitute with thyme: Thyme can be used as a substitute for rosemary, offering a similar earthy and aromatic flavor to the baked brie en croûte.
Essential Tools for Making Baked Brie en Croûte
- Oven: An essential appliance for baking and roasting dishes, providing consistent and even heat distribution for cooking.
- Baking sheet: A flat, metal pan used for baking, providing a surface for the baked brie en croûte to cook evenly.
- Parchment paper: A non-stick paper used to line the baking sheet, preventing the pastry from sticking and making cleanup easier.
- Work surface: A clean, flat surface for rolling out the puff pastry and assembling the baked brie en croûte.
- Pizza cutter: A sharp utensil used for cutting the excess dough and creating decorative shapes on the pastry.
- Knife: A versatile tool for cutting and shaping the pastry leaves for decoration.
- Fork: Used for crimping the edges of the pastry to seal the baked brie en croûte.
- Brush: A kitchen tool used for applying the egg mixture to the pastry for a golden finish.
- Cookie cutter: A tool for cutting out decorative shapes, such as the pastry leaves for the baked brie en croûte.
How To Reheat Baked Brie en Croûte Leftovers
- If you have leftover baked brie en croûte, the best way to reheat it is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the brie on a lined baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the pastry is crisp and the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Another option is to reheat the brie in the microwave, although this method may result in a softer, less crispy crust. Place the leftover brie on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in 30-second intervals until the cheese is melted and the pastry is warm.
- If you want to restore some of the crispiness to the pastry after microwaving, you can place the brie under the broiler for a minute or two. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- When reheating, be cautious not to overheat the brie, as it can cause the cheese to become rubbery or separate from the pastry. The key is to reheat it just until the cheese is melted and the pastry is warmed through.
- If you have toppings like honey, dried cherries, or nuts on your baked brie, you may want to add a fresh sprinkle before serving to refresh the flavors and textures.
- Leftover baked brie can also be enjoyed at room temperature if you prefer. Simply let it sit out for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to soften and the flavors to develop.
Interesting Fact About Baked Brie en Croûte
Baked brie en croûte is a popular appetizer that originated in France. It is typically made with a round of brie cheese wrapped in puff pastry and baked until golden and gooey. This dish is often served with fruit and crackers, making it a versatile and delicious addition to any gathering. Brie cheese is known for its creamy texture and rich flavor, and when baked en croûte, it becomes even more decadent. The combination of sweet honey, tart cherries, and crunchy pecans adds a delightful contrast of flavors and textures to this indulgent dish. Enjoy!
Is Making Baked Brie en Croûte at Home Cost-Effective?
This baked brie en croûte recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a versatile and impressive dish for various occasions. The cost-effectiveness of this recipe largely depends on the availability and pricing of the ingredients in your region. However, considering the use of brie cheese, dried cherries, and pecans, the approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-$25. The overall verdict for this recipe is a solid 9, as it provides a luxurious and indulgent experience at a reasonable cost.
Is Baked Brie en Croûte Healthy or Unhealthy?
The baked brie en croûte recipe, while indulgent and delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe uses puff pastry, which is high in saturated fats and calories due to its butter content.
- Brie cheese is rich in saturated fats and sodium, which can contribute to heart disease and high blood pressure when consumed in excess.
- Honey and dried cherries add sugar to the dish, increasing its calorie count.
However, the recipe does include some beneficial ingredients:
- Pecans provide healthy fats, fiber, and essential nutrients.
- Rosemary offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use a whole-grain pastry or phyllo dough instead of puff pastry to increase fiber content and reduce saturated fats.
- Opt for a lower-fat cheese, such as a reduced-fat brie or a goat cheese, to decrease the overall fat content.
- Reduce the amount of honey used or replace it with a natural, low-calorie sweetener like stevia.
- Increase the amount of pecans and add other nutrient-dense ingredients, such as chopped apples or pears, to boost the dish's fiber and vitamin content.
- Serve the baked brie with whole-grain crackers and fresh fruit to provide a balanced mix of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and nutrients.
Editor's Opinion on This Baked Brie Recipe
The baked brie en croûte recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, with the richness of the brie cheese complemented by the sweetness of honey and dried cherries, and the crunch of pecans. The use of puff pastry adds a wonderful flakiness and texture to the dish. The addition of rosemary provides a subtle earthy note, enhancing the overall flavor profile. The presentation with the decorative pastry leaves is visually appealing and adds a touch of elegance. This recipe is a perfect choice for entertaining, as it can be prepared ahead of time and baked to golden perfection just before serving.
Why trust this Baked Brie en Croûte Recipe:
This recipe for baked brie en croûte is a delightful combination of brie cheese, honey, dried cherries, and pecans encased in flaky puff pastry. The blend of sweet and savory flavors, along with the aromatic touch of fresh rosemary, promises a tantalizing experience for your taste buds. The careful instructions and attention to detail ensure a perfect outcome, making it a trustworthy choice for any occasion. With the rich, creamy brie as the star, this recipe is a testament to the indulgent pleasures of cheese and pastry, making it a must-try for any food enthusiast.
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