Pastry Wrapped Apple Baked Brie

This pastry wrapped apple baked brie combines crisp Honeycrisp apples with creamy brie, all enveloped in flaky puff pastry. It's a perfect appetizer that looks impressive yet requires minimal effort. The contrast between the caramelized apples, melty cheese, and buttery pastry creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone gathering around the appetizer table.

I first made this for a last minute holiday gathering when I needed something that would wow my guests without keeping me in the kitchen all day. The moment I placed it on the table, it became the centerpiece of conversation and disappeared within minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 Honeycrisp apples: Sliced; these hold their shape while baking and offer the perfect sweet tart balance
• 3 tablespoons salted butter: Creates richness and helps apples caramelize beautifully
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and complexity beyond regular sugar
• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry: Thawed; choose all butter pastry for the best flavor
• 1 wheel brie: A younger brie works best as it melts more smoothly
• 2 tablespoons apple butter or fig preserves: Adds concentrated flavor that complements the fresh apples
• 1 egg: Beaten; creates that gorgeous golden brown crust
• Coarse sugar: For sprinkling; adds a delightful crunch and sparkle
• Fresh thyme: For serving; the herbaceous notes cut through the richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Turn your oven to 425° F and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the ingredients. A properly heated oven ensures the pastry puffs up beautifully and the apples caramelize properly.

Prepare the Apples:

In a baking dish combine the apple slices with butter and maple syrup, ensuring all pieces are coated. This mixture will transform into a luscious caramel as it roasts. Transfer to the oven and roast for 25 minutes until the apples become tender and develop golden edges with a slight caramelization.

Prepare the Pastry:

Layer the thawed puff pastry flat on a parchment lined baking sheet ensuring the pastry has fully thawed but remains cold. Position the brie wheel in the center of the pastry. Carefully remove just the top rind of the brie using a small knife leaving the sides and bottom intact to maintain structure during baking.

Add Preserves and Wrap:

Spread the apple butter or fig preserves generously over the exposed cheese. This adds a concentrated flavor that complements both the brie and roasted apples. Fold each corner of the pastry over the brie starting with opposite corners and working your way around. Press lightly to seal the edges while maintaining a rustic appearance.

Finish and Bake:

Brush the entire pastry surface with beaten egg ensuring you cover all exposed areas for an even golden finish. Sprinkle with coarse sugar which will create a beautiful sparkle and subtle crunch. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastry becomes deeply golden brown and puffed. Watch carefully in the final minutes to prevent burning.

Serve and Garnish:

Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Spoon the roasted maple apples over the top of the baked brie creating a cascading effect. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves which add color contrast and a beautiful aromatic element.

Pin it

This dish reminds me of my first autumn dinner party as a newlywed. I was terrified of entertaining but this baked brie saved the evening. My husband still talks about how our guests literally applauded when I brought it to the table. Something about melted cheese wrapped in pastry just brings people together.

Make Ahead Options

You can prepare this recipe in stages to make entertaining easier. The apples can be roasted up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat them gently before serving. The entire wrapped brie can be assembled and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the refrigerator. This flexibility makes it perfect for planning holiday gatherings or dinner parties.

Serving Suggestions

While this baked brie is delicious enough to eat with just a spoon, consider creating a beautiful board around it. Serve alongside sliced baguette, crisp crackers, additional fresh apple slices, and a handful of toasted walnuts or pecans. For a truly special presentation, drizzle a little extra maple syrup or honey over the finished dish just before serving. The combination of warm cheese and cool accompaniments creates a wonderful sensory experience for your guests.

Flavor Variations

This recipe welcomes creative adaptations based on seasonal ingredients. In summer, replace the apples with fresh figs or stone fruits like peaches or plums. During winter holidays, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg to the apples before roasting. You can also experiment with different preserves such as raspberry jam, orange marmalade, or even pepper jelly for a sweet heat combination. The versatility of this recipe makes it a reliable favorite you can customize throughout the year.

Pin it

This baked brie is guaranteed to impress and delight your guests with minimal effort on your part.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare this apple baked brie ahead of time?

You can assemble the pastry-wrapped brie up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it uncooked. The apples can also be roasted in advance and reheated just before serving. When ready to serve, brush the pastry with egg wash and bake directly from the refrigerator, adding about 5 extra minutes to the baking time.

→ What's the best way to serve this baked brie?

Serve the baked brie warm, shortly after removing from the oven when the cheese is still gooey. Present it on a wooden board or platter surrounded by crackers, sliced baguette, fresh fruit, or nuts. Provide a cheese knife for guests to cut through the pastry and access the melted cheese inside.

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

While brie is traditional for this dish, you can substitute camembert, which has a similar texture and melting properties. For a more intense flavor, try using a wheel of goat cheese, though it won't melt as much as brie.

→ What other fruits work well with this baked brie?

Pears, figs, or cherries make excellent alternatives to apples. You can also try mixing in cranberries during the holiday season or use stone fruits like peaches or plums during summer. Adjust the sweetness level as needed based on the natural sweetness of your chosen fruit.

→ How do I know when the brie is done baking?

The pastry should be deep golden brown, which typically takes 20-25 minutes at 425°F. If you're concerned about doneness, gently press the center of the pastry - it should feel soft as the cheese inside has melted. Be careful not to overbake, as the cheese can firm up again if cooked too long.

→ What can I use instead of puff pastry?

Crescent roll dough makes a good substitute for puff pastry. You can also use phyllo dough (brushed with butter between layers) for a crispier texture, or even wrap the brie in prosciutto before baking for a gluten-free option.