Baked Brie in Puff Pastry

Golden, flaky puff pastry wrapped around warm, gooey brie—this is the kind of appetizer that feels fancy but is incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for something to elevate a casual gathering, baked brie is a showstopper. With a sweet and savory filling tucked inside, every bite is pure bliss.
I first tried baked brie at a holiday party, and let me tell you—it was love at first bite. The combination of buttery pastry, creamy cheese, and a hint of sweetness from the filling is absolutely irresistible. It’s one of those recipes you’ll make once and then want to make for every occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Brie
- Easy and Impressive: Minimal effort with maximum wow factor.
- Customizable: Use your favorite jams, nuts, or dried fruits to make it your own.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, game nights, or any gathering.
- Serves Warm or Room Temp: A forgiving appetizer that stays delicious even as it cools.
How to Make It
Making baked brie in puff pastry is easier than you might think, and the results are nothing short of spectacular.
Start with a wheel of brie. There’s no need to remove the rind—it softens beautifully as it bakes and helps the cheese hold its shape. Place the brie on a sheet of puff pastry, which you’ve rolled out slightly to ensure it fully wraps around the cheese.
Before wrapping, add a filling on top of the brie. Popular choices include a dollop of fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot, a sprinkle of chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts, and even a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness. If you love a savory twist, try caramelized onions or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Carefully fold the puff pastry around the brie, trimming off any excess and ensuring it’s sealed well. Flip it seam-side down onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. For that perfect golden finish, brush the pastry with an egg wash.
Bake the wrapped brie in a preheated oven until the pastry is golden brown and puffed, typically around 20–25 minutes at 400°F. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure the cheese doesn’t ooze out immediately. Pair with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh fruit, and get ready for the compliments to roll in!
Make Ahead Method
Baked brie in puff pastry is an excellent choice for entertaining because much of the work can be done ahead of time, leaving you stress-free when guests arrive. Here’s how you can prepare it in advance without compromising on flavor or texture:
- Assemble and Chill: Prepare the baked brie up to the point of baking. Wrap the brie, add your filling, fold the puff pastry around it, and seal the edges. Once assembled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent the pastry from drying out. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezing for Longer Storage: If you’d like to prepare it even earlier, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked brie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw—just pop it straight into the oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Prepare Your Toppings in Advance: If you’re adding fresh elements like caramelized onions, nuts, or herbs, you can prepare these components ahead of time. Store them in separate containers in the fridge so they’re ready to use when you assemble the dish.
- Bake Fresh for Best Results: While the assembly can be done ahead of time, it’s best to bake the puff pastry right before serving. Baking fresh ensures the pastry is golden, flaky, and crisp—qualities that can diminish if the dish is reheated.
- Reheating Tips: If you need to reheat leftover baked brie, do so gently in a 300°F oven for about 5–10 minutes. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the puff pastry soggy.
By taking advantage of these make-ahead tips, you can free up time and reduce last-minute prep stress, leaving you more time to enjoy your gathering. Baked brie is always a crowd-pleaser, and with this method, it’ll be as delicious as if you made it on the spot!

Pro Tips
- Keep It Cold: Cold puff pastry is easier to work with and bakes up flakier.
- Trim Excess Pastry: Too much overlap can result in soggy layers, so trim and seal carefully.
- Add Texture: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or chopped nuts on the egg-washed pastry adds extra flavor and crunch.
- Let It Rest: Allow the brie to cool slightly before cutting—this keeps the cheese from spilling out too quickly.
Storage Options
- Fridge: Leftover baked brie can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven for best results.
- Freezer: Assembled, unbaked brie can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Tools for This Recipe
- Rolling Pin: For gently rolling out the puff pastry.
- Baking Sheet: Lined with parchment for easy cleanup.
- Pastry Brush: For evenly applying the egg wash.
- Sharp Knife: To trim the puff pastry cleanly.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to remove the brie rind?
A: Nope! The rind is edible and helps the cheese keep its shape while baking.
Q: Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to layer and butter several sheets to achieve the same flakiness.
Q: What kind of preserves work best?
A: Sweet preserves like raspberry, fig, or apricot pair beautifully with brie’s creamy texture.
Variations and Substitutions
- Sweet and Spicy: Add a drizzle of hot honey or sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Savory Touch: Swap fruit preserves for caramelized onions or a tapenade.
- Nuts and Seeds: Top with sliced almonds, pistachios, or sesame seeds for extra crunch.
- Different Cheeses: Try camembert for a similar gooey texture with a slightly stronger flavor.

A Perfect Party Starter
Baked brie in puff pastry is the kind of appetizer that never fails to impress. With its flaky crust, melty center, and customizable flavors, it’s destined to be a favorite at any gathering. What’s your favorite filling for baked brie? Share your ideas in the comments—I can’t wait to hear how you make it your own!

Baked Brie in Puff Pastry
Ingredients
- 1 wheel of brie 8–12 oz
- 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
- 2 –3 tablespoons fruit preserves raspberry, fig, or apricot
- 2 tablespoons chopped nuts optional
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out puff pastry slightly to ensure it fully wraps the brie.
- Place the brie in the center of the pastry and top with preserves and nuts (if using).
- Fold the puff pastry around the brie, trimming excess, and seal the edges.
- Flip the wrapped brie seam-side down onto the baking sheet.
- Brush the pastry with beaten egg and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving with crackers or bread.