Brie is a soft cow's milk cheese with a buttery, creamy flavor. While it is delicious served up at room temperature all on its own, it also makes for some wonderful appetizers!
Baked Brie
For a quick and easy version, simply preheat your oven to 350°F, place a piece of foil on a baking sheet, and place your brie on the foil. Roll a little 'edge' of foil around the brie (this will help catch any oozing cheese during/after baking). Bake for 5-7 minutes. The brie will ooze on the sides. Serve with a baguette or your favorite crackers.
Enjoy the flavor of the brie on its own, or drizzle with honey or maple syrup prior to baking for an added sweetness!
Want to step it up a notch?
Puff Pastry Wrapped Brie
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
Dust work surface with a small amount of flower. Unwrap 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed but cold) and place it on the flour. Coat rolling pin with a little flour and roll out the puff pastry into roughly an 11 inch square.
Place the brie in the middle of the pastry. If you'd like, you can add additional toppings such as chopped nuts, jam, honey, or caramelized onions and mushrooms. Fold the corners of the pastry over the brie, forming a neat package.
Place the wrapped brie on baking sheet. Brush with 1 large egg, beaten. Be sure to get the sides and around the folds.
Bake until golden, about35-40 minutes. The pastry will turn a deep golden-brown.
Set aside to cool for 5-10 minutes, allowing the brie to firm up a little. This way, when you cut into the brie, it won't gush out everywhere.
Using the parchment paper, transfer the brie to a serving plate. Serve warm with sliced baguette, crackers, or all on its own!
Tips:
- You can make ahead by wrapping the pastry and keeping refrigerated for up to a day - be sure to save the egg wash for just before baking!
- Play with various flavors - like it sweet? Try honey and chopped walnuts. Want to add some heat? Try a red pepper or jalapeno raspberry jam on top. Looking for a savory option? Add some caramelized onions and sauteed mushrooms with some fresh herbs.