Baked Brie en Croûte
The following recipe and photography was provided by recipe developer and food photographer, Ashley Durand of Plate & Pen.
Begin every holiday gathering on a cheesy note by pulling this Baked Brie en Croûte out of the oven as a piping hot appetizer.
“En Croûte” is a French term meaning “in crust,” and that’s exactly what this dish is – rich and creamy brie cheese wrapped in a light and flaky puff pastry crust, but there’s more to this dish than the name suggests.
Prior to wrapping the brie cheese in the puff pastry, a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of nuts are added so each bite offers the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors and creamy and crunchy textures.
Commonly served with bread, crackers, or fresh fruit, this dish can be prepped and baked in a matter of 30 minutes, making it easy to throw together when entertaining expected or unexpected holiday guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It Features Heinen’s Hand-Selected Brie Cheese. If you’re looking for an affordable, high quality brie, you’ll find it Heinen’s Specialty Cheese Department. Hand-vetted by Heinen’s specialty cheese experts and imported from France, Heinen’s Hand-Selected French Brie Cheese Wheel offers the soft-ripened, mellow-flavored goodness you expect from a traditional brie for an incredible value!
- It’s Easily Customizable. Not a fan of honey or allergic to nuts? No problem! You can add virtually anything to the center of this appetizer. A sprinkle of brown sugar or an artisan fruit spread would be delicious!
- It’s Easy to Prepare and Impressive to Serve. The name and presentation of this dish is guaranteed to impress your guests. They’ll never guess you only needed a handful of ingredients and 30 minutes to make it.
Baked Brie en Croûte
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients
- Heinen’s Hand-Selected French Brie Cheese Wheel
- 1 frozen puff pastry sheet
- Heinen's cranberry nut mix (includes walnuts, pepitas, peanuts and dried fruit)
- Heinen’s honey, for drizzling
- 1 Heinen's cage free egg
- Heinen's fig or sour cherry spreads (optional)
- Heinen's artisan bread, for serving
- Sliced apples, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- On a level surface, gently flatten the puff pastry sheet with a roller.
- Cut the top rind off the brie cheese wheel.
- Place the brie cheese wheel on the flattened puff pastry sheet. The side where the rind was removed should be facing up.
- Drizzle honey on the brie cheese wheel.
- Sprinkle the nut mixture on top of the honey.
- Beat the egg in a small bowl and gently brush it around one edge of the puff pastry. Carefully fold the edge over the brie cheese, honey, and nuts. Repeat with the remaining edges, working clockwise, until the brie cheese, honey, and nuts are sealed inside the puff pastry. If you have excess puff pastry, trim it off before folding the edges. The trimmings can be discarded or used for designed garnishes.
- Brush the egg wash over top of the entire puff pastry-covered wheel. If you used the trimmings to make designed garnishes, place them on the wheel and brush with egg wash.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
- Let it sit for about 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve with Heinen’s fig or sour cherry spreads, artisan bread, and fresh sliced apples.
