Melted, rich baked brie ensconced in flaky, buttery puff pastry with apricot preserves for fruity sweetness makes for a show-stopping appetizer guaranteed to please a crowd.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Ingredients
1/2 package frozen puff pastry, thawed for 20 minutes
1/4 cup apricot preserves
1 (13-16 ounce) brie wheel
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Carefully unfold the thawed sheet of puff pastry dough on a clean, dry surface and gently roll out a bit. It's already thin, so you won't need to roll much - just enough to fix the creases that usually form where the dough has been folded and stretch the edges a bit. If desired, cut out a small shape from one of the corners of the dough to decorate the top of the baked brie later.
Measure the apricot preserves and spoon them directly into the center of the puff pastry dough, then gently lay the wheel of brie on top of the preserves. There is no need to remove the outer white rind of the brie unless you feel like it. I kind of prefer having the rind so I always leave it.
Combine the egg and water in a small bowl and whisk with a fork to create an egg wash. Using the egg wash and a pastry brush or just your fingers, brush the edges of the exposed puff pastry, then fold it up around the exposed brie, starting from one corner and working your way around, to create a nicely wrapped little package.
Flip the wrapped wheel of brie over and lay it seam side down on the parchment lined baking sheet. Top with the decorate piece of puff pastry, if desired, and brush lightly with remaining egg wash.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the puff pastry is golden brown. Remove from oven and let rest for 30 minutes before serving with pears, grapes, apples, crackers or a sliced baguette.