Prosciutto Baked Brie in Pastry Recipe
If you’re looking for a showstopper appetizer that’s both elegant and oh-so-easy, you’ve got to try my Prosciutto Baked Brie in Pastry Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of melty, creamy brie, salty prosciutto, and flaky golden pastry, all hugging together with sweet fig preserves and honey. Seriously, every time I bring this to a gathering, it disappears within minutes. Plus, it’s super simple to pull off, even if you’re not the most confident baker. Stick with me here—I’ll walk you through everything you need to make this fan-freaking-tastic dish a breeze.
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Flavor Balance: The salty prosciutto meets sweet fig preserves and honey, harmonizing beautifully with creamy brie.
- Flaky Puff Pastry Shield: Puff pastry creates an irresistible golden crust that keeps the cheese melty but contained.
- Simple & Quick Assembly: Few ingredients, minimal prep, and big impact—great for last-minute entertaining.
- Elegant Presentation: Wrap everything neatly, bake, and you have a gorgeous appetizer that’ll wow any crowd.
Ingredients & Why They Work
When it comes to the Prosciutto Baked Brie in Pastry Recipe, each ingredient plays a star role, balancing textures and flavors. The creamy, rich brie melts to perfection inside a flaky puff pastry, while prosciutto adds savory depth. Sweet fig preserves and honey bring in a touch of sweetness that’s miles ahead of plain cheese. I always say grabbing quality ingredients here is worth it because they really shine once baked.
- Brie cheese: Choose a wheel between 8-12 ounces for an ideal size; softer brie melts best, but avoid anything too runny.
- Honey: Adds luscious sweetness that complements salty prosciutto; I like a wildflower honey for its floral notes.
- Fig preserves: Offers a fruity punch with texture; if you can, find preserves with whole fig bits for extra interest.
- Black pepper: Just a sprinkle enhances flavor without overpowering the delicate cheese.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Fresh herbs add brightness and an herbal lift; dried won’t have the same punch here.
- Frozen puff pastry: Thaw completely before using for easy folding; brands with butter in the ingredient list yield best flakiness.
- Prosciutto slices: Thinly sliced prosciutto wraps around the brie to bring savory saltiness and keep everything together nicely.
- Egg: Beaten and brushed on pastry for that gorgeous, glossy, golden finish.
- Coarse sugar: A light sprinkle adds subtle crunch and a touch of sparkle on top.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love recipes that let you play around to fit your mood or what’s in your pantry. With this Prosciutto Baked Brie in Pastry Recipe, feel free to adjust the sweetness or herbs, or even try different cured meats. I’ve switched out thyme for rosemary on occasion, and it made a lovely earthy change. You do you—make it your own.
- Swap the Fig Preserves: I once used apricot jam, which gave it a lighter fruity tang that my family adored.
- Make it Spicy: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes inside can wake things up if you want a bit of heat.
- Use a Different Meat: Sometimes prosciutto’s hard to find, so I’ve used thinly sliced serrano or even pancetta as tasty alternatives.
- Try Vegan Brie: For plant-based friends, vegan brie works—just watch the baking times as textures differ.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Prosciutto Baked Brie in Pastry Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pastry Base
First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F. This high temperature is key to getting that puff pastry golden and flaky while letting the brie inside melt beautifully. While the oven warms, unroll your thawed puff pastry sheet on a parchment-lined baking tray. This pastry forms the delicious, buttery shell, so be sure it’s completely thawed—cold dough can crack when folded.
Step 2: Score the Brie and Add Sweetness + Herbs
Place your wheel of brie in the pastry center. Using a sharp knife, gently score the top of the brie in a crosshatch pattern—this doesn’t cut through, it just lets flavors sink in better. Spread the fig preserves evenly on top, then drizzle with honey. This combo adds sweetness that contrasts so well with the salty prosciutto. Finish with a good sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves and freshly cracked black pepper for brightness.
Step 3: Wrap with Prosciutto, Then Fold the Pastry
Now for the fun part—wrap 4 to 8 slices of thin prosciutto around the brie. Don’t be shy; this layer adds that incredible salty depth you’ll be dreaming about. Once wrapped, fold the puff pastry corners up and around the cheese, sealing it gently but snugly. Brush the entire pastry surface with beaten egg to ensure a golden, shiny crust, and sprinkle a bit of coarse sugar on top for a subtle caramelized crunch.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden, Then Serve Warm
Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You want the puff pastry to be a deep golden brown but avoid overbaking or your pastry might get too hard. When you see that beautiful color, take it out and let it rest for 5 minutes—you don’t want molten cheese dripping everywhere, but you want it melty and luscious.
Slice into it and serve immediately with sliced baguette or your favorite crackers. If you’ve never tried the magic of baked brie wrapped in prosciutto and pastry, get ready to have your mind blown!
Pro Tips for Making Prosciutto Baked Brie in Pastry Recipe
- Don’t Overfill the Cheese: Keeping the brie whole but scored helps it melt without oozing out too much and making a mess.
- Use Cold But Thawed Pastry: Pastry should be cold so it stays flaky, but fully thawed to fold easily without cracking.
- Egg Wash is Essential: It creates that gorgeous golden sheen that makes this recipe party-ready and irresistible.
- Rest Before Cutting: Letting it rest for at least 5 minutes prevents burnt fingers and keeps the cheese nice and gooey for dipping.
How to Serve Prosciutto Baked Brie in Pastry Recipe
Garnishes
I typically keep garnishes simple so the brie remains the star. A handful of fresh thyme sprigs or even a few crushed walnuts add texture and color. A drizzle of honey on top right before serving gives it that extra pop of sweet gloss I adore. For a festive touch, a scattering of pomegranate seeds looks incredible and adds a juicy burst.
Side Dishes
I love pairing this with rustic, crusty bread or an assortment of crackers for dipping into that rich cheese. For a bit of crunch and freshness, a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette helps balance the richness. If I’m feeling indulgent, roasted nuts or marinated olives make great companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Once, for a holiday party, I baked several smaller rounds of brie and placed each wrapped in prosciutto and pastry on a bed of fresh rosemary and cranberries on a wooden board. It looked gorgeous and guests loved having their own little individual bites. You can also slice baked brie into wedges and serve alongside fig jam and slices of apple for more variety and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Prosciutto Baked Brie in Pastry stores well in the fridge, tightly wrapped in foil or plastic wrap to keep pastry from drying out. It’s best eaten within 2 days for max freshness, but honestly, I rarely have leftovers because it’s so good!
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, I recommend freezing before baking. Wrap the assembled brie tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and bake straight from frozen—adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Freezing after baking tends to make the pastry soggy, so it’s less ideal.
Reheating
When reheating, place your leftover piece on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the pastry crisps back up. Avoid microwaving—it’ll make the pastry chewy and the cheese could run everywhere.
FAQs
-
Can I use cream cheese instead of brie for this Prosciutto Baked Brie in Pastry Recipe?
While cream cheese is softer and won’t melt quite like brie, you can use it if you prefer a milder flavor and creamier texture. Just keep in mind it won’t have the same oozy melt and richness that brie delivers, which is the heart of this recipe’s appeal.
-
What’s the best way to thaw puff pastry before making Prosciutto Baked Brie in Pastry Recipe?
Thaw puff pastry slowly overnight in the fridge for best results. If you’re short on time, leave it on the counter for about 30-40 minutes until it’s soft and pliable but still cold. This prevents cracking and helps achieve that flaky crust.
-
Can I prepare Prosciutto Baked Brie in Pastry Recipe ahead of time and bake later?
Absolutely! Assemble the wrapped brie up to the point of brushing with egg wash, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Brush with egg and bake just before your guests arrive for the freshest golden crust and melty cheese.
-
What should I serve with Prosciutto Baked Brie in Pastry Recipe?
Serve with crusty bread, crackers, fresh fruit like apple or grapes, and a light salad to balance out the richness. A crisp white wine or sparkling water pairs wonderfully too.
-
How do I avoid the pastry getting soggy under the brie?
Wrapping the brie first in prosciutto helps create a barrier that keeps moisture away from the pastry, keeping it flaky. Also, make sure to bake immediately after assembling to prevent sogginess from developing.
Final Thoughts
This Prosciutto Baked Brie in Pastry Recipe is one of those dishes I always keep in my back pocket for parties and special occasions—it’s comfort food, indulgent appetizer, and beautiful centerpiece all in one. I hope you love making it as much as I do, and that it brings smiles and happy tummies to your table. Give it a go, and trust me, you’ll be the hostess with the mostest!
Print
Prosciutto Baked Brie in Pastry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Description
Prosciutto Wrapped Baked Brie in Pastry is a delicious appetizer featuring a wheel of creamy brie cheese topped with fig preserves, honey, fresh thyme, and black pepper, wrapped in thin slices of prosciutto and encased in flaky puff pastry. Baked to golden perfection, this elegant dish pairs wonderfully with bread or crackers for an impressive party treat.
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 your oven to 425° F to prepare for baking the brie wrapped in pastry.
- Prepare the Brie and Pastry: Lay the thawed puff pastry flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the brie wheel in the center of the pastry and score the top of the brie in a crosshatch pattern.
- Add Toppings: Spread the fig preserves evenly over the top of the brie, then drizzle with honey. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves and black pepper on top for added flavor.
- Wrap with Prosciutto and Pastry: Wrap the prosciutto slices around the brie to cover it completely. Then fold the corners of the puff pastry over the brie securely.
- Brush and Sprinkle: Brush the surface of the pastry with beaten egg to help it brown nicely during baking. Lightly sprinkle the pastry with coarse sugar for a subtle sweet crunch.
- Bake: Bake the wrapped brie in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the puff pastry turns deep golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with your favorite bread or crackers for dipping and enjoy this rich, savory appetizer.
Notes
- Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed before using to prevent tearing.
- Adjust the amount of honey and fig preserves based on your preferred sweetness level.
- Use a sharp knife to score the brie to allow flavors to penetrate better.
- Be careful not to overbake; the pastry should be golden but not burnt.
- This appetizer is best served warm for melty cheese and flaky pastry.
- Substitute prosciutto with thin slices of pancetta or bacon if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg