Baked Brie with Raspberries: An absolutely stunning and incredibly easy appetizer, this dish features a round of decadent, creamy Brie beautifully encased in flaky puff pastry, complemented by the vibrant sweetness of fresh raspberries and the aromatic touch of rosemary. It’s a guaranteed showstopper that will impress your guests at any party or gathering.
This Baked Brie recipe has become my absolute favorite go-to when I need an impressive yet simple appetizer. The secret to its magnificent results lies in using readily available frozen puff pastry, which acts as a brilliant shortcut without compromising on gourmet quality. If you love the versatility of puff pastry, you might also enjoy my Spinach Feta Pinwheels and Pepperoni Pinwheels for two more fantastic appetizer ideas that utilize this convenient ingredient.
Why This Baked Brie in Puff Pastry is an Absolute Must-Try
Baked Brie recipes consistently rank among my top appetizer choices, and for good reason. There’s something universally appealing about warm, gooey, melted cheese, especially when it’s wrapped in a golden, flaky crust. This particular rendition, featuring raspberries and rosemary, elevates the classic to a truly unforgettable experience. If the combination of tart raspberries and earthy rosemary sounds unconventional, allow me to assure you: it’s absolutely divine and creates a sophisticated flavor profile that will surprise and delight your palate.
While you might typically encounter baked brie at upscale catered events, the beauty of this recipe is that you can effortlessly recreate this gourmet delight right in your own kitchen. It’s a dish that looks incredibly fancy but is surprisingly simple to assemble, making it perfect for both seasoned home cooks and culinary novices alike.
I’ve personally served this exquisite appetizer on countless occasions, from intimate book club gatherings to lively dinner parties, and have brought it to numerous celebratory events. In fact, when I made two rounds of this delightful Baked Brie with Raspberry Jam for my sister’s large art open house in Denver, it was such a hit that I found myself handing out the recipe left and right! Its undeniable charm and deliciousness make it an instant crowd-pleaser and a reliable choice for entertaining.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Baked Brie with Raspberries
Creating this show-stopping appetizer is much simpler than it appears. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a perfectly gooey, golden, and delicious Baked Brie en Croute:
- Prepare the Raspberry-Rosemary Topping: In a small bowl, gently combine your fresh raspberries with raspberry jam or preserves and finely minced fresh rosemary. The jam adds a touch of sweetness and helps bind the fresh berries, while the rosemary infuses a subtle, aromatic counterpoint that truly transforms the dish. Set this mixture aside.
- Prepare the Brie and Puff Pastry: Carefully unroll one sheet of thawed frozen puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface or a piece of parchment paper. If your puff pastry is folded, gently unfold it. For optimal results, you may wish to lightly roll the pastry into a slightly larger square (around 12-13 inches) to ensure ample coverage for your Brie. Next, prepare your Brie cheese. While optional, I highly recommend removing the top rind of the Brie. This creates an open surface for the topping and makes it easier for guests to scoop out the melted cheese once baked. Place the prepared Brie wheel, cut-side up, directly onto the center of your puff pastry sheet.
- Assemble and Seal: Spoon the raspberry and rosemary topping generously over the exposed surface of the Brie. Now, carefully fold the puff pastry over the Brie, encasing it completely. Start by bringing two opposite sides of the pastry over the cheese, pressing gently to seal them together. Then, bring the remaining two sides over, ensuring the entire Brie wheel is covered. Trim away any excessive pastry, leaving just enough to create a neat, sealed package. If desired, use a small cookie cutter to create decorative shapes (like leaves or stars) from the puff pastry scraps, which can be placed on top of your Brie for an extra touch of elegance.
- Egg Wash and Bake: Whisk one large egg in a small bowl to create an egg wash. Lightly brush the entire surface of the wrapped Brie with the egg wash. This will give your pastry a beautiful, golden-brown sheen and a slightly crispy texture once baked. Carefully transfer the wrapped Brie, seam-side down, to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven (usually 400°F or 200°C, but check specific recipe instructions) for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, golden, and looks irresistible.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baked Brie to cool on the baking sheet for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This crucial cooling time allows the melted Brie to set slightly, preventing it from oozing out excessively when cut, and ensures a smoother, more enjoyable presentation.
PRO-Tip for Perfect Puff Pastry: For the flakiest, most impressive puff pastry, remember this golden rule: puff pastry puffs best when it is cold and goes into a hot oven. After wrapping your Brie, consider placing the entire assembly in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes before popping it into the preheated oven. This helps the butter layers in the pastry remain firm, leading to a higher, more dramatic rise and an incredibly flaky crust.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Brie
What Exactly is Brie en Croute?
Brie en Croute is a French culinary term that translates to “Brie in Crust.” It refers to a whole wheel of Brie cheese, often topped with sweet or savory fillings, that is enveloped in pastry (typically puff pastry) and then baked until the pastry is golden and flaky, and the cheese inside is wonderfully warm and molten. It’s renowned as a sophisticated, yet surprisingly simple, show-stopping appetizer perfect for any occasion.
Can Baked Brie en Croute Be Prepared Ahead of Time?
Yes, absolutely! This raspberry-baked Brie is a fantastic make-ahead option, which adds to its appeal for entertaining. You can assemble and bake it as directed, allow it to cool completely, then refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat it. For best results, warm it in the oven at a lower temperature (around 300°F / 150°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the Brie is soft and gooey again. You can also use a microwave for 1-2 minutes, but be mindful not to overcook, as this can make the pastry less crisp.
Should You Remove the Rind from Brie Before Baking?
Whether or not to remove the rind from Brie before baking is largely a matter of personal preference. The rind is completely edible and contributes to the cheese’s unique flavor profile. However, removing the top rind (as suggested in this recipe) does make it significantly easier to scoop out generous servings of the melted cheese and topping once it’s baked. Be aware that removing too much rind, or all of it, could potentially allow the melted Brie to ooze out of the pastry during baking. I find that simply removing a thin slice from the top rind strikes the perfect balance between ease of serving and structural integrity during baking.
Where Can I Find Brie Cheese, and What Size Should I Use?
Brie cheese is a common specialty cheese and is readily available in the refrigerated cheese section of most major grocery stores. You’ll typically find it alongside other soft cheeses. For this raspberry-baked Brie recipe, a high-quality, artisan Brie is not strictly necessary; a standard supermarket brand will work perfectly fine. A round of Brie weighing between 7 to 14 ounces (approximately 6-7 inches in diameter) is ideal for one sheet of puff pastry. If you opt for smaller rounds, you might need to adjust the baking time slightly downwards, and ensure the puff pastry covers them adequately.
Elevate Your Presentation: Thoughtful Serving Suggestions
Serving your Baked Brie with Raspberries beautifully enhances the overall experience. Here are some ideas to complement this delightful appetizer:
- Crunchy Accompaniments: Offer an assortment of sturdy crackers (such as water crackers, whole-grain crackers, or entertainment crackers) or thin slices of toasted baguette. Their crisp texture provides a wonderful contrast to the creamy Brie.
- Fresh Fruit Medley: Arrange slices of crisp apples or pears around the Brie. The sweetness and slight tartness of these fruits pair wonderfully with the rich cheese. Remember to slice them right before serving to minimize oxidation and prevent browning. Garnish the platter with fresh grapes and extra raspberries for a vibrant touch.
- Aromatic Garnish: A few sprigs of fresh rosemary placed around the baked Brie not only tie into the flavors within the dish but also add an elegant, aromatic visual appeal.
- Spreading Tools: Provide a small knife or spreader, allowing guests to easily scoop out the warm, luscious Brie and topping.
Creative Variations & Customizations
While the raspberry and rosemary combination is exceptional, this baked Brie recipe is highly adaptable. Feel free to experiment with different toppings to suit your taste or the season:
- Sweet & Fruity: Try fig jam, apricot preserves, or cranberry sauce (especially lovely for holidays). You can also add chopped dried fruits like cranberries or apricots.
- Nutty Notes: Incorporate toasted chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added texture and richness.
- Savory Twists: For a savory version, omit the raspberries and use a mix of caramelized onions, a touch of thyme, garlic, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey could add an intriguing spicy element.
Enjoy this exquisite appetizer! I sincerely hope this recipe for Baked Brie with Raspberries becomes a cherished addition to your entertaining repertoire. There’s truly nothing better than the delightful combination of warm, gooey Brie, the sweet burst of berries with jam, and the satisfying crunch of flaky puff pastry to bring smiles to your guests’ faces.
Discover More Irresistible Appetizer Recipes:
- Baked Brie with Maple Roasted Cranberries from The View from Great Island
- Fiesta Corn Dip
- Apple Brie en Croute
- Antipasto Squares
- Potato Blue Cheese Tartlets
- Explore more delicious Appetizer Recipes
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Baked Brie with Raspberries Recipe
Brie topped with raspberries and rosemary, then wrapped in puff pastry.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (based on 34 reviews)
Ingredients
- ½ cup raspberry jam or preserves
- ¼ cup fresh raspberries
- ½ teaspoon finely chopped rosemary leaves
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed (Dufour brand or similar high-quality butter-based pastry recommended)
- 13 ounces Brie (about 6-7 inches in diameter)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Gently stir together raspberry jam, fresh raspberries, and finely chopped rosemary in a small bowl.
- Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a 12-inch square.
- Carefully cut the top rind off the Brie wheel and discard. Place the Brie on the center of the puff pastry, cut side up.
- Spoon the prepared jam mixture evenly on top of the Brie.
- Fold the puff pastry over the Brie: first, bring two opposite sides of the pastry over the cheese, pressing gently along the seams to seal. Then, fold the remaining two sides over, ensuring the Brie is completely encased. Press along all seams to create a tight seal.
- Brush the entire surface of the wrapped pastry with the beaten egg to create a glaze. Place the folded Brie, seam-side down, onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is beautifully golden brown and well-puffed.
- Allow the Baked Brie to cool for 20 minutes before serving. Transfer to a platter and arrange with sturdy crackers or baguette slices. Garnish with fresh fruit or rosemary sprigs if desired.
Notes
For the best flavor and flakiness, use a brand of puff pastry made with real butter, such as Dufour or Trader Joe’s brand. Using smaller rounds of Brie is an option; simply adjust the baking time slightly as needed. This recipe is an adaptation of a classic from Bon Appetit.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 servings
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 165
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 46mg
Sodium: 210mg
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 7g
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