Christmas Baked Brie Recipe

There's something quietly magical about pulling a golden, puffed pastry parcel from the oven.

It feels both incredibly fancy and wonderfully simple, a little secret you get to share.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

• A Wheel of Brie (16 ounces): The star of the show, it transforms into a warm, molten center.
• Puff Pastry (one sheet): Your edible wrapping paper, it bakes up into countless flaky, buttery layers.
• Brown Sugar: It melts into a sweet, caramel-like glaze that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
• Pecans, chopped: They add a delightful crunch and a toasty, earthy flavor.
• A Pinch of Black Pepper: This is the secret weapon, a tiny kick that makes all the other flavors pop.
• One Egg, beaten: A simple egg wash gives the pastry its beautiful, professional-looking golden shine.

How to make Baked Brie Recipe?

Step 1- PREP YOUR STATION

Let your puff pastry sit on the counter for a few minutes, just until it's pliable enough to roll.

Unfold it on a lightly floured surface and give it a few gentle rolls with a rolling pin to smooth out the creases.

Step 2- CENTER THE CHEESE

Place your wheel of brie right in the middle of the pastry sheet.

There's no need to remove the rind; it's completely edible and helps hold the molten cheese together.

Step 3- PILE ON THE GOOD STUFF

Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top of the brie wheel, followed by the chopped pecans.

Now, for that sneaky pinch of black pepper—trust me, it makes a world of difference.

Step 4- WRAP IT LIKE A GIFT

Gently gather the pastry edges up and over the brie, pleating and folding as you go.

You’re basically creating a little cozy blanket for the cheese, so make sure it’s snug.

Step 5- THE GOLDEN TOUCH

Flip the entire bundle over so the seam side is down on a baking sheet.

Brush the beaten egg all over the pastry surface; this is what gives you that gorgeous, bakery-worthy color.

Step 6- BAKE TO PERFECTION

Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for about 25 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when the pastry is a deep, golden brown and you can feel the liquid cheese sloshing inside when you give it a gentle nudge.

The Art of the Flavor Swap

This recipe is a wonderful canvas for your own culinary whims.

Swap the pecans for walnuts or toasted hazelnuts, or mix in a handful of dried cranberries for a tart surprise.

Tips

• For a stunning savory version, skip the sugar and nuts and spread a layer of caramelized onion jam over the brie before wrapping.
• If your pastry tears a little while wrapping, don't panic. Just patch it with a small scrap of dough—it will bake together seamlessly.
• Let the baked brie rest for about 10 minutes after it comes out of the oven. This allows the cheese to set slightly, so it doesn't immediately flood your serving plate.

Creating the Perfect Spread

Baked brie is a social food, meant for gathering and sharing.

Arrange a platter with crisp apple slices, juicy red grapes, and an assortment of crackers and toasted baguette slices.

Your Baked Brie Questions, Answered

Can you make it ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble it completely, then keep it wrapped in the fridge for up to a day before baking.

What about leftovers? Gently reheat slices in a 350°F oven to restore the pastry's crispness and the cheese's glorious melt.