Prosciutto Baked Brie Pastry Recipe
If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that feels fancy but is ridiculously easy to make, you’re going to love this Prosciutto Baked Brie Pastry Recipe. Imagine warm, gooey brie wrapped in salty prosciutto and flaky puff pastry with a touch of sweet fig preserves and honey – it’s basically flavor magic wrapped in golden crust. I’ve served this at so many gatherings and it never disappoints; your guests will be asking for the recipe, guaranteed!
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect balance of flavors: The creamy brie, salty prosciutto, and sweet fig and honey create layers of deliciousness in every bite.
- Effortless elegance: Uses store-bought puff pastry and simple ingredients for an impressive, delicious dish without stress.
- Versatility: A crowd-pleaser suitable for casual get-togethers or fancy holiday parties.
- Fail-proof technique: Step-by-step instructions ensure your pastry comes out perfectly golden and your brie melts just right every time.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The ingredients in this Prosciutto Baked Brie Pastry Recipe are simple but thoughtfully put together so that every element complements the others perfectly — creamy cheese, sweet preserves, salty prosciutto, aromatic herbs, and buttery flaky pastry. When you shop, look for good-quality brie and thinly sliced prosciutto for the best results.
- Brie cheese: Soft and creamy with a mild flavor that melts beautifully inside the pastry.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and a glossy finish that balances the savory.
- Fig preserves: Brings fruity depth and a bit of tartness to brighten the brie.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle spicy kick that cuts through the richness.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Herbal freshness that adds complexity without overpowering.
- Frozen puff pastry: Convenient and flaky, it crisps up beautifully when baked.
- Thin prosciutto slices: Salty and delicate, wraps the brie for added flavor and texture.
- Beaten egg: Used to brush the pastry for a golden, shiny crust.
- Coarse sugar: Sprinkled lightly for a tiny crunch and subtle sweetness on top.
Make It Your Way
I’m all about making recipes your own, and this Prosciutto Baked Brie Pastry Recipe easily lends itself to fun tweaks. Whether you want to add a different jam or swap out herbs, these little changes make it feel fresh every time you make it.
- Variation: I’ve tried swapping the fig preserves with apricot jam or cranberry sauce – both give a lovely fruity twist that pairs wonderfully with the prosciutto.
- Herbs: If thyme isn’t your thing, rosemary or sage are excellent alternatives that bring a different herbal note to the dish.
- Nutty crunch: Add some chopped toasted walnuts or pecans on top before baking for an unexpected but amazing texture element.
- Dietary tweaks: You can make this vegetarian by just removing the prosciutto and adding extra herbs or nuts for savory depth.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Prosciutto Baked Brie Pastry Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by thawing your puff pastry completely but keep it chilled so it’s easier to work with and holds the shape better. While it’s thawing, gather your brie, honey, fig preserves, fresh thyme, and prosciutto. Having everything at hand will make assembly smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Place the puff pastry flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Put the wheel of brie in the center and gently score the top in a crosshatch pattern—this lets the fig preserves and honey soak in and helps the cheese melt evenly. Spread the fig preserves over the top, then drizzle with honey, sprinkle on fresh thyme leaves and a few grinds of black pepper.
Step 3: Wrap It Up
Carefully wrap slices of prosciutto around the brie, overlapping slightly to form a snug layer of savory goodness. Next, fold the corners of the puff pastry over the wrapped brie—don’t worry if it’s not perfectly neat; rustic is charming here. Brush the whole exterior with beaten egg to get a golden and glossy finish, then sprinkle lightly with coarse sugar for a hint of crunch and sweetness.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Pop the wrapped brie into your preheated oven at 425° F and bake for about 20-25 minutes until the pastry turns a deep golden brown and is puffed up. Keep an eye on it near the end—every oven’s a little different, but you want that perfect crispy exterior without burning. Once it’s out, let it rest for just a few minutes before slicing in.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Keep Pastry Cold: I learned the hard way that letting the puff pastry get too warm makes it sticky and hard to shape—work quickly and keep your kitchen cool.
- Don’t Overfill the Brie: A thin layer of preserves and honey is enough; too much can make the pastry soggy before it’s baked.
- Use Parchment Paper: It’s my go-to for easy cleanup and prevents the pastry from sticking to the baking sheet.
- Rest Before Serving: Give it 5 minutes out of the oven so the cheese isn’t lava-hot but perfectly melty.
How to Serve Prosciutto Baked Brie Pastry Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep garnishes simple – fresh thyme sprigs sprinkled on top right after baking add a beautiful, fresh aroma. Sometimes I like a drizzle of extra honey or a few cracked black peppercorns for a delicate finish. For extra pizzazz, chopped toasted nuts give a lovely crunch.
Side Dishes
This baked brie is fantastic alongside crusty baguette slices or an assortment of crackers. I also love serving it with fresh fruit like sliced apples, pears, or grapes because their subtle sweetness complements the savory and sweet flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I sometimes place the baked brie on a wooden cheese board surrounded by clusters of fresh herbs and fruit. Another fun presentation is to slice the pastry-open after baking and serve it in small wedges on individual plates for a more elegant appetizer spread. This recipe also makes a fabulous centerpiece for holiday brunches or New Year’s Eve gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), wrap the baked brie tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. I find it keeps well for up to 2 days, though it’s best enjoyed warm and fresh for maximum gooeyness.
Freezing
I’ve successfully frozen the assembled but unbaked wrapped brie. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and store it in the freezer for up to a month. When you want to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed – this is perfect for prepping ahead of time!
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, place the wrapped brie on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through and the pastry is crisp again. This prevents sogginess and revives that perfect melty texture without drying it out.
FAQs
-
Can I make the Prosciutto Baked Brie Pastry Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the wrapped brie ahead of time, then refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to bake. If refrigerated, bake fresh the same day or the next; if frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
-
What can I substitute if I don’t have fig preserves?
Apricot jam, raspberry preserves, or cranberry sauce are excellent substitutions for fig preserves and will still give you that sweet, fruity contrast that pairs beautifully with the brie and prosciutto.
-
Can I use goat cheese or another cheese instead of brie?
While brie is ideal because it melts beautifully, you can experiment with camembert or a soft triple-cream cheese. Goat cheese won’t melt the same way but can be used for a different texture and flavor if you prefer.
-
How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?
Make sure to use only a thin layer of jam and honey and work with chilled pastry. Wrapping the prosciutto tightly around the brie before enclosing in pastry also creates a barrier that helps prevent sogginess.
Final Thoughts
This Prosciutto Baked Brie Pastry Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels so special but comes together effortlessly, making it my go-to whenever I want to impress without the fuss. I hope you find joy in baking it as much as I do sharing it with friends around the table. It’s a warm, comforting crowd-pleaser that turns any occasion into a celebration — so don’t wait to try it yourself. Trust me, once you’ve made it, it’ll become a beloved classic in your recipe repertoire!
Print
Prosciutto Baked Brie Pastry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful appetizer featuring a wheel of creamy brie cheese wrapped in savory prosciutto and flaky puff pastry, baked until golden brown and accented with sweet fig preserves, honey, fresh thyme, and a hint of black pepper. Perfect for entertaining and serving with crackers or bread.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (8-12 ounce) wheel of brie cheese
- 1-2 tablespoons honey
- 1-2 tablespoons fig preserves
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4-8 slices thin prosciutto
- 1 egg, beaten
- Coarse sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425° F to prepare for baking the wrapped brie.
- Assemble Brie: Lay the thawed puff pastry flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the brie wheel in the center and score the top in a crosshatch pattern to allow flavors to penetrate.
- Add Flavorings: Spread fig preserves over the top of the brie, then drizzle with honey. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and black pepper to enhance the taste.
- Wrap Brie: Wrap the prosciutto slices around the brie wheel evenly. Fold the corners of the puff pastry over the brie to completely encase it.
- Prepare for Baking: Brush the entire puff pastry surface with beaten egg to promote browning, then lightly sprinkle with coarse sugar for a subtle crunch and sweetness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the pastry is deep golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let rest briefly before serving with your favorite bread or crackers. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Thaw puff pastry completely for easier handling and better results.
- Scoring the brie allows the preserves and honey to infuse the cheese more effectively.
- Adjust the amount of honey and fig preserves based on sweetness preference.
- Use coarse sugar sparingly to avoid overpowering sweetness and to add subtle texture.
- Serve immediately for the best melty texture, but warm leftovers can be gently reheated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
