Prosciutto Baked Brie with Puff Pastry Recipe
If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s equal parts elegant and comforting, you’re going to love this Prosciutto Baked Brie with Puff Pastry Recipe. Picture this: gooey melted brie wrapped in salty prosciutto and pillowy puff pastry, baked to golden perfection, with a sweet and herby touch that makes every bite a total crowd-pleaser. I first made this for a cozy holiday gathering, and it instantly became my go-to when I want to impress without fuss. Stick with me—I’ll walk you through everything you need to get it just right!
Why This Recipe Works
- Flavor Harmony: The combination of creamy brie, salty prosciutto, sweet figs, and aromatic thyme creates a perfectly balanced bite.
- Effortless Elegance: Puff pastry makes wrapping up the cheese easy while delivering an irresistibly flaky crust.
- Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: This golden bundle looks stunning on any appetizer spread without needing fancy plating skills.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: You probably have everything you need in your kitchen already, yet it feels special and indulgent.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Prosciutto Baked Brie with Puff Pastry Recipe combines simple pantry staples with some fresh touches to give you a stunning appetizer. Each ingredient plays its part, which means choosing quality items makes a world of difference—especially the brie and prosciutto.
- Brie Cheese: The star of the show; creamy and mild, it melts beautifully but holds its shape inside the pastry.
- Honey: Adds a subtle sweetness that complements the savory layers and balances the saltiness.
- Fig Preserves: Brings a fruity richness and slight tang, making the flavor profile more complex.
- Black Pepper: Offers a tiny kick that wakes up the cheese and fruit without overpowering.
- Fresh Thyme: Earthy herbal notes that add freshness and aroma.
- Puff Pastry: Provides that flaky, buttery crust that’s quick to use once thawed.
- Prosciutto: Thin, salty slices wrap the brie with an elegant twist and a lovely savory depth.
- Egg Wash: Gives the pastry a golden, glossy finish.
- Coarse Sugar: A sprinkle on top adds subtle crunch and a hint of sweetness.
Make It Your Way
One reason I love this Prosciutto Baked Brie with Puff Pastry Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you want to dial up the sweetness, add a spicy note, or keep it classic, it’s adaptable. Play around with what you love and make it your own!
- Variation: Once, I swapped the fig preserves for apricot jam—just as delicious if you want a lighter fruit flavor.
- Herbs: Try rosemary or sage instead of thyme for a different aromatic twist that pairs wonderfully with prosciutto.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped toasted walnuts or pecans on top before baking for extra crunch and flavor contrast.
- Dietary Tweaks: If you want a gluten-free version, puff pastry alternatives are available, or try wrapping in prosciutto alone and baking without pastry.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Prosciutto Baked Brie with Puff Pastry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your workspace and preheat
First things first, preheat your oven to a lively 425°F. This ensures the puff pastry gets beautifully golden and flaky. Meanwhile, lay a sheet of parchment paper on your baking sheet to keep things clean and prevent sticking, which is a quick lifesaver because pastry can be sticky when warm.
Step 2: Score and flavor the brie
Place the brie wheel right in the center of your puff pastry. I like to gently score the top of the brie with a sharp knife in a crosshatch pattern—this helps the flavors seep in and the cheese melt evenly without ooze escaping wildly. Next, dollop your fig preserves evenly over the brie, then drizzle the honey on top. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves and a crack of black pepper to finish. These layers deliver a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and herbal notes.
Step 3: Wrap the brie with prosciutto and puff pastry
Wrap 4 to 8 slices of thin prosciutto around the flavored brie—this adds that mouthwatering salty hug before the pastry gets involved. Now fold the corners of the puff pastry up over the brie, pinching edges gently to seal but don’t worry about making it perfect—rustic folds give it charm. Brush the entire puff pastry surface with the beaten egg wash for that dreamy golden finish, and sprinkle a light dusting of coarse sugar for a subtle crunch and just a hint of shine.
Step 4: Bake to golden perfection
Pop your wrapped brie into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on that pastry—it should puff up nicely and turn a deep golden brown. Don’t rush it; the wait is worth it when you slice into that glorious, molten cheese center. Let it rest a few minutes after baking so the cheese thickens slightly, making it easier to serve.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Don’t Skip the Egg Wash: It really helps get that iconic golden color and makes the pastry look irresistible on the platter.
- Use Thin Prosciutto: Thicker slices can make wrapping tricky; thin slices mold around the brie better and crisp up nicely.
- Rest Before Serving: Give the baked brie 5-10 minutes to cool slightly so it sets—this means less cheese running off your plate!
- Watch the Oven Closely: Puff pastry varies by brand; check around the 20-minute mark to avoid burning.
How to Serve Prosciutto Baked Brie with Puff Pastry Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling fresh thyme leaves on top right after baking for a pop of color and earthy aroma. Sometimes, a few fresh fig slices or pomegranate seeds add a beautiful jewel-like touch and an extra layer of sweetness that pairs incredibly well.
Side Dishes
Pair with your favorite crusty bread, like a baguette sliced thin or artisanal crackers for that satisfying crunch. Fresh apple or pear slices on the side balance the richness with cool, crisp texture. I’ve also served it with roasted nuts and a small charcuterie board for the ultimate appetizer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try serving the baked brie on a wooden cheese board surrounded by fresh herbs, seasonal fruit, and your favorite jams. I once wrapped the brie in a lattice puff pastry pattern to wow guests visually. Adding edible flowers on top can elevate the presentation beautifully for a festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked brie wrapped in pastry can be gently covered and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. I usually wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap to keep the pastry from getting soggy. When you’re ready to enjoy again, you’ll want to reheat it properly to revive that flaky texture.
Freezing
I’ve frozen unbaked wrapped brie before by assembling it then putting it into a freezer-safe container. When you want to bake, just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed—the pastry still crisps up beautifully after freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, I like to keep the oven at a moderate 350°F and warm the baked brie for about 10-15 minutes. This brings back crispiness to the puff pastry without overcooking the cheese. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
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Can I use a different cheese instead of brie in this recipe?
While brie is ideal for this recipe due to its creamy texture and mild flavor, you could experiment with other soft cheeses like camembert or triple-cream cheese. Just keep in mind the melting properties and flavors will vary, so the result might be slightly different but still delicious.
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How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out of the puff pastry during baking?
Scoring the brie lightly on top allows steam to escape and flavors to infuse without the cheese bursting out. Make sure to seal the puff pastry edges firmly and don’t overfill with toppings. Resting for a few minutes post-baking also helps the cheese to set, reducing ooze.
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Can I prepare the prosciutto baked brie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire wrapped brie up to a day ahead, keep it refrigerated, then bake fresh when ready. This makes it a great make-ahead appetizer option for busy entertaining days.
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What’s the best way to serve leftover prosciutto baked brie?
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven to regain that flaky crust and melty center. Serve with fresh slices of bread or crackers and some fruit for a quick second round of snacking. Leftovers are perfect for a cozy night in!
Final Thoughts
This Prosciutto Baked Brie with Puff Pastry Recipe will honestly become one of your go-to appetizers once you try it. I love how it’s both fancy enough to impress guests and straightforward enough for a weeknight treat. Every time I make it, I get compliments and requests for the recipe—which is always such fun. So, don’t hesitate to bake this golden, melty marvel next time you want to wow your friends or unwind with something delicious. Trust me, you’ll be so glad you did!
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Prosciutto Baked Brie with Puff Pastry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This elegant Prosciutto Wrapped Baked Brie in Pastry is a perfect appetizer featuring a creamy wheel of brie cheese layered with fig preserves, honey, fresh thyme, and black pepper, all wrapped in thin prosciutto and golden puff pastry. Baked to perfection, it offers a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and flaky textures that pairs wonderfully with crackers or fresh bread.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (8-12 ounce) wheel of brie cheese
- 1-2 tablespoons honey
- 1-2 tablespoons fig preserves
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4-8 slices thin prosciutto
- 1 egg, beaten
- Coarse sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the pastry to a golden brown.
- Prepare the pastry and brie: Lay the thawed puff pastry flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the wheel of brie in the center of the pastry. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a crosshatch pattern on the top of the brie to allow flavors to infuse.
- Add toppings: Spread the fig preserves evenly over the top surface of the brie, then drizzle with honey. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves and a dash of black pepper over the cheese for added aroma and flavor.
- Wrap with prosciutto and pastry: Arrange the thin slices of prosciutto around the brie, covering it completely. Next, fold the corners of the puff pastry up and over the brie, sealing the edges gently.
- Brush and sprinkle: Brush the entire pastry surface with the beaten egg to give it a beautiful glossy finish when baked. Lightly sprinkle coarse sugar on top for a hint of sweetness and a slight crunch.
- Bake: Place the prepared pastry in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the pastry turns a deep golden brown and is crisp.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove from oven and let it rest briefly. Serve warm with your favorite bread or crackers, and enjoy the melty, flavorful delight.
Notes
- If fig preserves are unavailable, apricot or raspberry preserves can be excellent substitutes.
- Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed before working with it to avoid tearing.
- For easier slicing after baking, allow the baked brie to cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Adjust the amount of prosciutto depending on preference for saltiness and coverage.
- Use coarse sugar sparingly to prevent overpowering sweetness on the pastry crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg