Transform an ordinary wheel of brie cheese into an extraordinary culinary masterpiece with this easy and elegant brie en croute recipe. Featuring a flaky, buttery puff pastry crust that gives way to gooey melted brie with bursts of sweet raspberries and crunchy pecans, this baked cheese appetizer is a surefire crowd-pleaser.
Toast and Season Nuts: Melt the butter in a small sauté pan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the pecans and sauté, stirring occasionally, until golden in color, about 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt over the toasted and buttered nuts. Stir until the nuts are well coated and then set them aside to cool completely.
Preheat oven: Arrange baking rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Prepare a baking sheet or a small baking dish with parchment paper and then set it aside.
Roll out pastry: Lightly flour a clean work surface. Open the envelop of puff pastry and lay it out flat on your floured work surface. Next,use a rolling pin to roll the puff pastry out to an 11-inch square (SEE NOTES).
Add toppings: Place the wheel of brie cheese in the center of the puff pastry. Next, generously dollop and spread the preserves on top of the brie cheese. Then, scatter the toasted cinnamon pecans over the raspberry preserves.
Fold puff pastry: Brush the outer 1-inch of puff pastry with the egg wash. Then, make a cut from each of the four corners of the pastry in towards the center of the cheese. (Tip: Make sure you leave a little bit of space around the cheese! See photos in the post) . Bring each corner (there should be 8) up and over the brie. Use your hands to gently pat the pastry to secure it. Transfer the brie en croute to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the outside of the brie en croute with the remaining egg wash.
Bake: Transfer the brie to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown.
Cool slightly: Remove the brie en croute from the oven and place on a clean work surface or serving platter. Allow the cheese to cool for 5-10 minutes. (Tip: Don't skip this step!)
Serve: Serve baked brie en croute with crackers, crostini, artisanal breads, or your favorite cheese dippers, and your favorite charcuterie board items on the side. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Brie Size: If you use a 13-16 ounce wheel of cheese, roll the pastry out to a 13-inch square.
Thaw your puff pastry on the counter at room temperature for 30-40 minutes, or thaw according to package instructions.
If you don't like the taste of the rind on brie cheese, you can use a sharp knife to carefully shave it off. Please note, if you remove the rind the cheese will really ooze after being baked once you cut into it! Allow the cheese to cool at least 10 minutes before serving.
Make in Advance: Brie en croute can be prepared and wrapped in puff pastry (do not brush the outside with egg wash until ready to bake) up to 1 day in advance. Lightly cover the wrapped brie and store in the refrigerator.
Recipe serves: 6-8 people
Nutritional information is an estimate based upon 8 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.