Baked Brie in Puff Pastry with Honey & Walnuts
Baked Brie in Puff Pastry with Honey & Walnuts
An elegant, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Introduction
Baked Brie in Puff Pastry is a perfect appetizer for holidays, dinner parties, or any special occasion. The combination of creamy brie, flaky pastry, sweet honey, and crunchy walnuts creates a harmonious flavor and texture that will impress your guests while being surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese (8–12 oz)
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: fresh thyme for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry slightly to fit your Brie wheel.
- Assemble the Brie: Place the Brie in the center of the pastry. Drizzle honey over the top and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
- Wrap the Brie: Fold the pastry over the Brie, sealing the edges and tucking underneath. Brush the entire pastry with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake: Place the wrapped Brie on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Serve: Allow to cool for 5 minutes, then drizzle additional honey and garnish with fresh thyme before serving with crackers, bread, or fruit.
Tips & Tricks
- Use a high-quality Brie for the best flavor.
- Chill the puff pastry slightly before baking to prevent excessive spreading.
- Add dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a festive touch.
- Serve warm to fully enjoy the melty, creamy texture of the Brie.
Real-Life Example
During a holiday dinner, serving this baked Brie as the first course received rave reviews. Guests loved breaking into the golden pastry to reveal the gooey cheese inside. The combination of honey and walnuts added a sweet, nutty contrast that made the appetizer unforgettable.
FAQ
Q1: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the Brie in puff pastry and refrigerate it for up to 4 hours before baking.
Q2: Can I freeze it?
Yes, assemble the wrapped Brie and freeze before baking. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
Q3: Can I use other nuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work wonderfully as alternatives to walnuts.
Conclusion
Baked Brie in Puff Pastry with Honey & Walnuts is an elegant appetizer that impresses without complicated steps. Its creamy, melty center paired with flaky pastry, sweet honey, and crunchy walnuts makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Comments
Post a Comment