This Halloween Baked Brie is a fun and cheesy treat! It’s made with creamy brie cheese wrapped in flaky pastry and topped with sweet jam or nuts for a special twist.
It’s perfect for sharing with friends at a spooky gathering, and the ooey-gooey middle is just plain dreamy. I love serving it warm with crackers—everyone goes back for more!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Brie Cheese: This recipe shines with a soft and creamy brie. If you can’t find brie, camembert works perfectly as a substitute. Both have a similar texture and flavor profile!
Puff Pastry: I love using store-bought puff pastry for its flaky layers, but you could also use phyllo dough for a lighter, crispier texture. Just be sure to layer the phyllo and brush with butter for best results.
Fruit Jam: Raspberry or cherry jam adds a nice sweetness, but you can use apricot, fig, or even a savory jam like onion for a twist. Get creative based on your taste!
Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary adds a lovely aroma. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs can work too. Just use less since they’re more potent!
Serving Options: I like serving with toasted baguette slices, but crackers or soft bread like focaccia can be delicious as well. For a crunch, add fresh fruits like grapes and apple slices!
How Do You Get Perfectly Flaky Puff Pastry?
To achieve that deliciously flaky puff pastry, it’s key to handle it gently. Here’s how:
- Thaw your puff pastry in the fridge to keep it cool. Warm pastry can get mushy and lose that flaky texture.
- Roll it out just enough to fit your brie. Over-rolling will flatten those layers.
- Be careful when folding the pastry around the brie. You want to keep the layers intact for a fluffy result.
- Egg wash is crucial for that golden color. Brush it on gently to avoid deflating the puff.
Following these tips will help you create a stunning baked brie that’s a hit at any Halloween gathering!
How to Make Halloween Baked Brie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 round (8 oz) wheel of brie cheese
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 1/4 cup fruit jam (such as raspberry or cherry) for the “eyes” and “mouth”
- Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish
- 1 small egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Assorted toasted baguette slices or crackers for serving
- Optional: fresh grapes and apple slices for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Halloween treat takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes to bake, so you’ll need around 35 minutes in total. Perfect for a party or gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your baked brie comes out nice and warm!
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. You want it to be just big enough to wrap around the brie comfortably.
3. Add the Brie:
Place the entire wheel of brie right in the center of the puff pastry. This cheese is going to be the star of the show!
4. Create the Jack-O’-Lantern Face:
Using a sharp knife, carefully make cuts in the top of the puff pastry to create your jack-o’-lantern design with two eyes, a nose, and a mouth.
5. Add the Jam:
Spoon the fruit jam into the cut-out areas to give your jack-o’-lantern some personality. You can use as much or as little as you like!
6. Wrap the Brie:
Gently fold the puff pastry up and around the brie, pressing it lightly to seal, but make sure the face remains visible.
7. Apply the Egg Wash:
Brush the top of the pastry with the beaten egg. This will give it a wonderful golden color when it’s baked.
8. Bake It:
Place your wrapped brie on a baking sheet or in a cast-iron skillet. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary around the edges.
10. Enjoy!
Serve the warm baked brie with toasted baguette slices, crackers, and optional fresh grapes and apple slices for a delightful, festive Halloween treat!
Enjoy this spooky, melty, and festive Halloween appetizer!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While brie is a classic choice for its creaminess, you can also use camembert or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor. Just make sure the cheese you choose melts well!
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can assemble the brie in puff pastry a few hours ahead of time and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just brush it with the egg wash right before baking for the best results!
What Should I Do If My Puff Pastry Is Too Sticky?
If your puff pastry feels sticky while rolling out, sprinkle a little extra flour on your work surface and on the pastry itself. This will help you roll it out without losing its flaky texture.
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftover baked brie, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at a low temperature to warm it up again without compromising the texture.
