This baked brie and preserves wrapped in puff pastry is an easy cheesy appetizer, perfectly sweet and savory, and an entertaining stunner! This recipe has a simple ingredients list but is full of flavor, so delicious thanks to the creamy brie cheese, and is the perfect addition to any fall gathering.
Picture this - it's the night before Thanksgiving and you're looking for a quick and simple appetizer that is going to be a crowd-pleaser, looks pretty, and has lots of flavor. I know it seems tricky to find a recipe that fulfills all of those things, but this brie appetizer will do the trick! It will only take you about 10 minutes of preparation time, looks so stunning alongside your favorite crackers or other dippers, and has the best flavor.
This is one of the easiest appetizers to add to your entertaining rotation. A delicious baked brie is great on its own, but the preserves and puff pastry make this extra special and flavorful. This is also a great substitute to bringing a cheese board as it incorporates a lot of the flavors and elements without the extra price and time! Pop this recipe on your favorite serving dish and it will be a new entertaining staple.
Looking for another good party appetizer? Try out our Whipped Ricotta Dip which is also perfect for sharing! For another fig recipe, be sure to check out our Brie Toasts with Prosciutto and Fig Jam.
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Why You'll Love this Brie Dish
- It's the perfect cheesy party appetizer. Whether you need an appetizer to bring to holiday parties, or you're looking for a pretty addition to your Thanksgiving table, this easy baked brie recipe is the one!
- It looks impressive but is super easy and quick to prepare! This crowd pleaser is so delicious and has the best flavors despite the fact that it only takes about 10 minutes of preparation time with the oven doing the rest of the work.
- It's got both great sweet and savory flavors. The sweetness of the jam pairs so well with the savory puff pastry, creamy wheel of brie cheese, and fresh herbs.
Ingredients for this Baked Brie Recipe
This recipe uses a handful of ingredients which you should be able to find at your local grocery store, and we've also included some different options below!
- Frozen puff pastry - I like buying the Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Sheets, and you'll only need one for this recipe. Make sure to thaw it according to package directions so that it's thawed enough to roll out slightly but not warm as it may become sticky and not bake properly.
- Apple butter - My favorite unique part of this baked brie recipe is spreading apple butter on to the rolled out puff pastry! This ensures that once the brie wheel is wrapped in the puff pastry that the sweet apple flavor will be along the bottoms and the sides of the brie (along with the fig jam which will be added to the top). I can typically find apple butter at smaller local stores but you can also make your own or substitute an apple preserve or jam!
- Brie - I like using an 8-ounce wheel but anything in the 8-12 ounce range works. Don't worry, you don't have to remove the brie rind, it's an edible rind and I find it adds a lot of flavor and texture! Just make sure to score the top of the brie with a sharp knife so that the toppings can sink into the cracks.
- Honey - Some honey on top adds a little extra sweetness which sinks into the scored brie as it bakes.
- Fig jam - Fig jam is my favorite preserve to include as the mild sweetness and complex flavor pairs so well with the melty brie cheese. Fig preserves also work great. If you don't love the flavor of fig I would recommend trying an apricot jam!
- Thyme - Fresh thyme adds a savory herby flavor which contrasts well with the sweet flavors in this recipe. I recommend chopping the thyme finely, and you can always top the finished baked dish with more thyme leaves if desired. If you can't find thyme then fresh rosemary will work, I just recommend using a little bit less.
- Egg - Brushing the puff pastry with a beaten egg ensures it will bake up perfectly golden. Make sure to use a brush to get around all the edges, sides, and in between the layers of the puff pastry, which will help keep the puff pastry together as it bakes.
- Crackers, apple slices, halved figs - I love serving this baked brie with crackers or sliced fruit, but the possibilities are endless! Spreading the brie on toasted bread slices is delicious, or this can be served as part of a charcuterie board!
See recipe card below for quantities.
Step by Step Instructions
This is a super easy recipe which takes just a few minutes of prep time, making it a great option to add to your list of recipes for the busy holiday season.
Step 1: Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet. Preheat oven to 400°F degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease.
Step 2: Roll out puff pastry and add apple butter. Flour a work surface and rolling pin then roll the puff pastry into an even square, about 10-inches on each side. Brush off excess flour and spread on the apple butter, coating the square in an even thin layer.
Step 3: Score the brie, place it on the puff pastry, then add toppings. Score the top of the brie with a sharp knife and use your hands to open it up slightly. Place it in the center of the apple butter coated puff pastry square, then top the brie with honey, fig jam, thyme, and a sprinkle each of salt and pepper.
Step 4: Fold, seal, and brush the puff pastry with egg. Fold the corners of the puff pastry over the brie, pressing down to seal, then place it on the parchment paper lined baking sheet. If the puff pastry feels warm to touch pop it in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes, then brush it all over with the beaten egg, making sure to get the edges, sides, and in between the layers which will help keep it together as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake and finish the brie. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the puff pastry is deeply golden. Remove from oven and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle with additional fresh thyme and serve with crackers, apple slices, halved figs, or anything else you prefer!
Tips for Making this Classic Appetizer
- Don't skip the apple butter spread on to the puff pastry square! I think that step makes this version of a baked brie extra special because it ensures the sweet fruity flavors will be throughout the puff pastry and on the bottom and sides of the brie, not just on top. If you prefer this recipe to be more savory you can just spread on a light layer.
- Make sure to score the brie by lightly slicing across it with a knife in a criss-cross formation. This allows the toppings to infuse it with flavor while it bakes!
- Don't skip the salt, pepper, or thyme, as they add a savory addition that cuts the sweetness of the apple butter, honey, and fig jam.
- When brushing the beaten egg on to the puff pastry, make sure to brush under each layer a bit as the egg will help the puff pastry stick together and hold its shape in the oven as it bakes.
FAQs
I think the apple butter has the perfect level of sweetness to use on the puff pastry, but you can definitely substitute the fig jam for different jams! If you don't mind a sweeter end result then raspberry jam or strawberry jam on the top of the cheese will also work well.
Yes, a small oven-safe dish or small cast iron skillet should work. Just make sure the bottom of the baking vessel is lightly greased and that there's room for the puff pastry to expand as it bakes.
Nope! The brie rind is edible and I personally find it adds a great flavor and texture.
After you remove the finished brie from the oven let it sit for 5-10 minutes and this will ensure once the brie is sliced it doesn't spill out too quickly!
Storing and Freezing
This recipe is definitely best served right away because of both the cheese and the puff pastry. If you do have leftovers they can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days in the refrigerator then reheated in the oven until the brie is warmed through and melted.
I do not recommend freezing this recipe.
Did you try this recipe? If so please leave a ⭐️ rating and/or comment below! Also, make sure to tag us on Instagram @doublethespoonfuls so we can see what you create.
📖 Recipe
Baked Brie and Preserves (Easy Appetizer Recipe!)
Ingredients
- flour for dusting work surface
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry thawed according to package directions
- 3-4 tablespoons apple butter
- 1 8-ounce wheel of brie
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1-2 tablespoons fig jam
- ½-1 teaspoon thyme fresh, chopped, plus additional for serving
- kosher salt
- black pepper
- 1 egg beaten
- crackers, apple slices, halved figs for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease.
- Flour a work surface and rolling pin then roll the puff pastry into an even square, about 10-inches on each side. Brush off excess flour and spread on the apple butter, coating the square in an even thin layer.flour, 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, 3-4 tablespoons apple butter
- Score the top of the brie with a sharp knife and use your hands to open it up slightly. Place it in the center of the apple butter coated puff pastry square, then top the brie with honey, fig jam, thyme, and a sprinkle each of salt and pepper.1 8-ounce wheel of brie, 1-2 tablespoons fig jam, 1 tablespoon honey, ½-1 teaspoon thyme, kosher salt, black pepper
- Fold the corners of the puff pastry over the brie, pressing down to seal, then place it on the parchment paper lined baking sheet. If the puff pastry feels warm to touch pop it in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes, then brush it all over with the beaten egg, making sure to get the edges, sides, and in between the layers which will help keep it together as it bakes.1 egg
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the puff pastry is deeply golden. Remove from oven and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle with additional fresh thyme and serve with crackers, apple slices, halved figs, or anything else you prefer!crackers, apple slices, halved figs
Mary
I'm not a big fan of apple (hot - I know, I'm in the minority). Can you just put the fig jam on the inside of the pastry instead of apple butter? Or do you recommend any other substitute for the apple butter?
Jackie Murphy
Yes you could definitely just add a bit more fig jam on to the puff pastry in place of the apple butter! 🙂 If you like apricots you could also give apricot jam a try!