This tasty Apple Brie dish combines sweet, juicy apples with creamy, melty brie cheese. It’s perfect as a snack or a fancy appetizer, and it’s super easy to make!
Honestly, who can resist cheese and apples? I love to serve it warm with some crackers. It never lasts long at parties—I might just keep it all to myself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brie Cheese: Brie is creamy and mild, perfect for this recipe. If you can’t find Brie, Camembert is a great alternative. It’s a bit stronger in flavor but works well.
Apples: Gala and Fuji are good choices for sweetness. If you’re looking for tartness, try Granny Smith apples instead. Mixing varieties can also add depth to the flavor!
Puff Pastry: Store-bought is super convenient, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you could make your own. Alternatively, consider using phyllo dough for a lighter crunch or even a pie crust if that’s what you have on hand.
Honey: This adds sweetness. Maple syrup or agave syrup can work instead if you’re looking for a different flavor but still want that sweetness. You could also skip it if you prefer a more savory dish.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from the Apples?
Cooking the apples before adding them to the Brie allows them to soften and caramelize just a little, which brings out their natural sugars. Follow these steps:
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced apples, cooking until they’re just tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Optional: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor.
- Stir in honey and thyme for an extra flavor boost and remove from heat.
Lighter cooking keeps them from getting mushy while letting their sweetness shine through!
Baked Brie with Apples and Puff Pastry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese (about 8 ounces)
- 1 medium-sized apple (such as Gala or Fuji), thinly sliced
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for apple flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 25 minutes for baking, so you’ll have a warm, delicious dish ready in about 35-40 minutes total. Perfect for a cozy evening or a gathering with friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when your Brie is ready to bake.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet. Aim for a circle that’s just a bit bigger than your Brie wheel, so it can wrap around nicely.
3. Cook the Apples:
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add your sliced apple and let them cook for about 3-4 minutes until they get a little soft. If you want, sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra bit of cozy flavor! Stir in the honey and thyme gently until everything is mixed well and then take it off the heat.
4. Assemble the Dish:
Place the Brie wheel in the center of your rolled-out puff pastry. Pile the cooked apple slices on top of the cheese, giving it a nice little hat of flavor!
5. Wrap It Up:
Now, fold the edges of the pastry up and over the Brie and apples. Don’t worry about being perfect! Pleat them if you’d like, but leave a little opening in the center for the melted Brie to ooze out while baking.
6. Egg Wash for a Golden Finish:
Take your beaten egg and brush it over the exposed edges of the puff pastry. This will give it that beautiful golden color when it bakes!
7. Bake:
Carefully transfer your wrapped Brie to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and your Brie is all melty inside.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
When it’s done, take it out and let it rest for a few minutes. Transfer to a serving plate, and if you like, garnish it with a bit of fresh thyme. Serve it warm alongside some fresh apple slices or your favorite crackers. Enjoy your delicious, melty Brie!
This dish is not only easy to make but also sure to impress! Perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!)
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! If Brie isn’t your favorite, you can use Camembert or any soft cheese that melts well, such as goat cheese or even cheddar for a different flavor profile.
What Can I Serve with Baked Brie?
Serve Baked Brie with apple slices, crackers, or toasted baguette slices. You can also add some nuts or dried fruits for a nice touch!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at a low temperature to keep the cheese creamy.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
You can prep everything in advance! Assemble your Brie and apples in the puff pastry, then wrap it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly if it’s cold from the fridge.
