Baked Brie in Puff Pastry with Jam (easy appetizer) - Living The Gourmet (2025)

24/01/2024 by Living the Gourmet 20 Comments

Today we're preparing a delicious baked brie, and we're using just a handful of ingredients all readily available at your local grocery store. This baked brie features the creaminess of French Brie mixed with a medley of sweet and spicy notes, courtesy of strawberry preserves, fresh fruit, and chili crisp. This is an elegant appetizer for any occasion needing a touch of delicious refinement.

To picture today's recipe, imagine the ease of creating an appetizer that combines your favorite jam with a touch of spiciness, all nestled within a golden puff pastry sheet. This recipe combines a wheel of brie cheese, adorned with strawberry preserves, wrapped in the flaky embrace of a crisped puff pastry sheet. We then bake the pastry to golden perfection on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet (for easy cleanup), and the end result is one of the most delicious and easiest appetizers possible, one that promises to be the star of any gathering.

While I'm using strawberry preserves, you can substitute in your favorite jam, you can also adjust the flavor profile with herbs such as fresh thyme, creating a medley of flavors that can be tweaked to fit any occasion. Above all, this is an elegant appetizer, golden and inviting, that I promise will become an instant favorite.

Below, we’ll give you an overview of the recipe, an ingredient checklist to ensure you’ve got everything you need, and of course a printable recipe card.

Now, without further delay, let’s bake some brie.

See Also

Strawberry Jam: Exploring the Perfect Flavor Combinations - HomeDiningKitchenThe Very Best Strawberry Jam According to Our Test Kitchen

Sweet and Spicy Baked Brie: An Overview

• What Sort of Baked Brie Does This Recipe Make? There’s an entire world of baked brie out there. Today’s recipe yields (as the name implies) a baked brie that’s equal parts sweet and spicy. It features the brie, together with strawberry preserves, encased in a golden puff pastry.
• Taste and Texture: The exterior features a crisp and flaky puff pastry that gives way to the creamy decadence of melted French Brie, heightened by the sweet notes of strawberry preserves and a hint of spicy chili. The result is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, creating an indulgent experience for your taste buds.
• Pairing Suggestions: This Sweet & Spicy Baked Brie Pastry is a versatile star that pairs beautifully with an array of accompaniments. Sliced apples and pears, drizzled with honey, provide a refreshing contrast, while homemade crackers add a satisfying crunch. The addition of tangerines brings a burst of citrusy brightness to the ensemble. Charcuterie, wine, and dried fruit are all delicious accompaniments.
• Storage and Shelf Life: While this baked brie is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, a brief stint in the oven will help revive the flakiness of the pastry, ensuring the baked brie maintains its delightful texture.
• Suitable for Beginner Home Chefs: Fear not, aspiring chefs! This appetizer is an exercise in simplicity. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, even those new to the kitchen can enjoy this elegant homemade appetizer.

Ingredient Checklist: Everything You’ll Need

• 1 sheet of puff pastry dough
  • Note: Use store-bought puff pastry for convenience. Homemade is simply not necessary for today’s recipe.
• 1 French Brie Wheel
  • Tip: Opt for a high-quality French Brie to elevate the overall flavor of the dish.
• 1/4 cup strawberry jam
  • Substitutions: Fig jam, apricot jam, a homemade jam recipe, blackberry jam, simple raspberry jam or raspberry preserves, or any sweet jam will work in today’s recipe. It’s entirely a matter of preference. You can also dice up fresh fruit and add that to the puff pastry on top of the brie.
• 2 teaspoons chili crisp
  • Adjust to taste: If you prefer a milder or spicier kick, customize the amount of chili crisp accordingly.
• 1 egg, beaten (for brushing the pastry)
  • Tip: Beating the egg well ensures a golden, glossy finish on the puff pastry.
• 1 apple, sliced
  • Variation: Experiment with different apple varieties like Granny Smith for a tangy twist or Honeycrisp for sweetness.
• 1 pear, sliced
  • Substitution: Try using ripe figs or stone fruits for a seasonal variation.
• Tangerines
  • Note: The citrusy freshness of tangerines complements the richness of baked Brie. Alternatively, use orange slices.
• Storebought or homemade crackers
  • Tip: Choose crackers that offer a good crunch to contrast with the creamy Brie.
• Honey, for drizzling
  • Note: I recommend using raw, unfiltered honey for this particular recipe.

Getting Creative: Variations on Baked Brie

1. Jam Galore:
   • Cranberry Sensation: Consider swapping the strawberry preserves for a zesty cranberry sauce, introducing a burst of tartness that complements the creamy brie.
   • Orange Infusion: Alternatively, you can elevate the citrus notes by opting for a vibrant orange marmalade, creating a nice blend of sweet and tangy.
2. Herbal Infusion:
   • Fresh Herbs: Experiment with a variety of fresh herbs beyond thyme and rosemary. Consider basil, chives, or even a hint of dill to add layers of aromatic complexity.
   • Nuts for Texture: Introduce a delightful crunch by incorporating different nuts like chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts into the jam mixture.
3. Sweet Surprises:
   • Brown Sugar: Sprinkle a touch of brown sugar over the top of the cheese before wrapping it in puff pastry. This subtle sweetness will complement the savory and spicy elements beautifully.
4. Creative Presentation:
   • Cutout Elegance: Instead of a traditional wrapping, use a cookie cutter to create decorative shapes with the puff pastry, enhancing the visual appeal of your baked brie.
   • Mini Bites: Transform this into an elegant appetizer by creating individual bite-sized portions, each adorned with its own unique flavor profile.
5. Flavorful Additions:
   • Cheese Duo: Experiment with a combination of brie and another soft cheese like camembert for a more complex flavor profile.
   • Fruit Medley: Mix things up by adding a layer of fruit spread or a medley of fresh berries atop the brie before enveloping it in the pastry.

Prep Tips for Perfect Sweet & Spicy Baked Brie Pastry

1. Temperature Matters:
   • Room-Temperature Brie: Allow the wheel of brie to reach room temperature before starting. This ensures even melting during the baking process, creating that luscious, gooey center.
   • Chilled Puff Pastry: While the brie warms up, keep the puff pastry chilled. This contrast in temperatures will contribute to a flaky and golden crust.
2. Rind Wisdom:
   • To Rind or Not to Rind: Decide whether you prefer the earthy flavor of the brie rind or if you'd like to trim it. Personally, I find that leaving it on adds a layer of complexity to the final dish.
3. Puff Pastry Precision:
   • Rolling Out: When rolling out the puff pastry, aim for an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. This ensures uniform baking and a balanced texture.
   • Flour Power: Lightly flour your work surface to prevent the pastry from sticking, allowing for smooth and easy handling.
4. Jam Application:
   • Top of the Wheel: Spread the strawberry preserves and chili crisp mixture evenly over the top of the wheel of brie. Pay attention to the edges to ensure each bite is packed with flavor.
5. Egg Wash for Elegance:
   • Brushing Technique: When applying the egg wash, use a gentle hand to avoid pressing down on the pastry. A light touch ensures a golden, glossy finish without compromising the puffiness.
6. Baking Brilliance:
   • Prepared Pan Precision: Place the parchment-lined baking sheet or pan strategically towards the center of your oven to maximize even baking.
   • Watchful Eye: Keep a close eye on the pastry during the last few minutes of baking to ensure it achieves the desired deep golden brown color without crossing into burnt territory.
7. Artful Presentation:
   • Serving Aesthetics: Transfer the baked brie to a stylish serving dish or tray. Consider placing it directly on a wooden board for a rustic touch or on a decorative platter to take your presentation to the next level.

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And that’s our Baked Brie. If you enjoyed today’s recipe, or have any questions or suggestions, please let us know in the comments below. We always love hearing from you.

Happy Cooking!

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