Baked Brie with Caramelized Apples

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Introduction

For a luxurious appetizer that is both sweet and savory, this Baked Brie with Caramelized Apples is the perfect recipe. The creamy brie wrapped in flaky puff pastry, paired with the rich, buttery sweetness of caramelized apples, creates a dish that’s a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re preparing a special holiday appetizer or simply indulging in a gourmet treat at home, this recipe is easy to prepare but packed with flavor and elegance.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for You

This recipe is perfect for anyone who enjoys a blend of creamy, sweet, and savory flavors. The warm, gooey brie paired with caramelized apples and the crunch of puff pastry makes this dish irresistibly delicious. It’s an elegant appetizer for entertaining, yet easy enough to make for a cozy night in. Serve it with crackers or enjoy it on its own for a memorable dish that looks just as good as it tastes.

Ingredients

• 2 Honeycrisp apples, sliced
• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 wheel of brie (8-12 ounces)
• 2 tablespoons apple butter or fig preserves
• 1 beaten egg (for brushing)
• Coarse sugar, for sprinkling
• Fresh thyme (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure the puff pastry bakes to a golden crisp.

2. Caramelize the Apples

In a baking dish, combine the sliced Honeycrisp apples, 3 tablespoons of salted butter, and 3 tablespoons of maple syrup. Place the dish in the oven and roast for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and caramelized. The apples will develop a rich, buttery sweetness that pairs perfectly with the brie.

3. Prepare the Puff Pastry and Brie

While the apples are roasting, lay the thawed puff pastry flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the wheel of brie in the center of the pastry. Use a knife to remove a small portion of the rind from the top of the brie, leaving the bottom and sides intact. Spread 2 tablespoons of apple butter or fig preserves over the top of the brie for an extra layer of sweetness.

4. Wrap the Brie in Pastry

Fold the edges of the puff pastry up and over the brie, making sure to cover it completely. Press the seams of the pastry to seal them. Brush the entire pastry with the beaten egg to give it a beautiful golden color when baked. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top for a subtle sweet crunch.

5. Bake the Brie

Place the pastry-wrapped brie in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crisp on the outside.

6. Serve

Once the brie is baked, remove it from the oven and spoon the caramelized apples on top. Garnish with fresh thyme for a hint of herbaceous flavor. Serve the baked brie warm with crackers, or enjoy it on its own as an indulgent treat.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• Baking dish for roasting apples
• Pastry brush
• Knife for scoring the brie
• Spatula for serving

Tips and Shortcuts

• Prepping Puff Pastry: Be sure to thaw the puff pastry in the fridge ahead of time. If you’re short on time, you can thaw it on the counter for about 30 minutes, but be careful not to let it become too soft.
• Caramelize Faster: If you’re in a rush, sauté the apples in a skillet on the stove with butter and maple syrup to caramelize them faster.
• Cheese Rind: Removing a small part of the brie rind from the top helps the apple butter or fig preserves infuse into the cheese while baking.

Recipe Swaps and Variations

• Fruit Variation: You can swap Honeycrisp apples for other varieties such as Granny Smith for a more tart flavor, or use pears for a different texture and sweetness.
• Cheese Substitution: If you don’t have brie, camembert is a fantastic alternative, offering similar creamy texture and flavor.
• Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the brie before wrapping it in pastry for a delightful crunch.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the baked brie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the brie in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the pastry is crispy again.

Food and Drink Pairings

Pair this baked brie with a glass of chilled white wine such as Chardonnay or Riesling to complement the sweetness of the caramelized apples and the richness of the brie. For a non-alcoholic option, serve with sparkling water or apple cider. A simple arugula salad with a light vinaigrette would also pair beautifully as a refreshing side.

Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Filet Mignon with Shrimp and Lobster Cream Sauce recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the brie wrapped in puff pastry and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to brush the pastry with the egg wash right before baking for the best results.

Q: What if I don’t have apple butter or fig preserves?
A: No worries! You can substitute with apricot jam, cranberry sauce, or any fruit preserve you have on hand.

Q: Can I freeze the pastry-wrapped brie before baking?
A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled pastry-wrapped brie. When you’re ready to bake, you can do so directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: Do I have to use coarse sugar?
A: Coarse sugar adds a nice crunch and touch of sweetness, but you can skip it if you prefer a purely savory result.

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