What’s better than regular brie cheese? Brie wrapped in flaky phyllo dough and baked until golden! This baked brie in phyllo dough is a cozy, irresistible appetizer where warm melted cheese oozes out from crispy layers—perfect for spreading on crackers or bread. It’s a favorite party dish that disappears fast, so you might want to make extra!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 wheel of French brie (12 oz)

•  4 thawed sheets of phyllo dough

• 4 tablespoons butter, melted

• 1/3 cup of your favorite preserves

• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped nuts (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400ºF. Make sure phyllo dough is thawed and butter is melted.

2. Place one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface and brush lightly with melted butter. Layer a second sheet on top and brush with butter. Repeat with a third sheet, buttering again. Place a fourth sheet on top but do not butter this one. Work quickly to keep phyllo pliable.

3. Remove brie wrapping and place the wheel in the center of the phyllo sheets. Spread preserves evenly over the top of the brie.

4. Fold the phyllo sheets over the brie one at a time, brushing the folds with butter to help seal and create a golden crust. Handle gently to avoid tearing.

5. Transfer the wrapped brie to a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until the phyllo is golden and crisp.

6. Let the brie rest for 3-5 minutes after baking. Optionally drizzle with honey and sprinkle with chopped nuts before serving. Serve warm with crackers or baguette slices.

Nutrients

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1200-1400 kcal

• Protein: 20-25 g

• Fat: 90-100 g

• Carbohydrates: 80-90 g

The Appeal of Brie Cheese

Brie is a soft French cheese known for its creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor with earthy undertones. When served at room temperature or slightly warmed, it becomes soft enough to spread easily, making it ideal for pairing with crackers, bread, or fruit preserves. However, baking brie wrapped in phyllo dough transforms this already delightful cheese into an indulgent appetizer with an exciting contrast between the melted interior and the crisp, golden exterior.

The cheese’s natural creaminess is intensified by the baking process, melting it to a luscious consistency that flows perfectly when sliced. This melt-in-your-mouth quality makes baked brie an exceptional choice for sharing and spreading, enhancing the social and convivial aspect of any meal or celebration.

Why Phyllo Dough Works Perfectly

Phyllo dough is an ideal pastry to encase baked brie because of its thin, delicate layers that become crisp and flaky when baked. Unlike heavier doughs, phyllo’s light texture does not overpower the subtle flavor of the brie. Instead, it adds a beautifully crunchy contrast that complements the creamy cheese inside.

The butter brushed between each layer of phyllo dough is crucial for both flavor and texture. It ensures the layers separate during baking, resulting in a golden, crispy crust. This delicate balance of buttery crispness and warm cheese filling is what makes this appetizer so addictive and visually stunning when served.

Flavor Enhancements: Preserves, Honey, and Nuts

While baked brie on its own is delicious, adding preserves, honey, and nuts elevates the flavor profile and adds complexity to the dish. Fruit preserves, such as apricot, raspberry, or fig, introduce a sweet and slightly tangy contrast that pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy cheese. This sweet-savory combination is a classic pairing that delights the palate.

Drizzling honey over the baked brie adds a floral sweetness that complements both the cheese and the preserves. Freshly chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, add an extra layer of texture and a subtle nuttiness, providing a nice crunch against the smooth cheese and crisp phyllo.

These optional additions allow for customization depending on your taste preferences or the season, making this appetizer versatile and adaptable to various occasions.

Occasions and Serving Suggestions

Baked Brie in phyllo dough is a fantastic appetizer for entertaining because it requires minimal hands-on time but delivers maximum impact. It’s perfect for holiday parties, dinner gatherings, bridal showers, or even a casual game night with friends. Its beautiful golden crust and oozing cheese center make it a centerpiece-worthy dish that guests will be excited to try.

Serving baked brie warm is essential to fully enjoy its creamy texture and melty goodness. It pairs exceptionally well with an assortment of crackers, baguette slices, or even fresh apple and pear slices, which add a crisp, refreshing contrast. A glass of sparkling wine, Chardonnay, or a light Pinot Noir complements the richness of the cheese and the sweetness of the preserves beautifully.

Tips for Perfect Baked Brie

Handling phyllo dough can be intimidating because it dries out quickly and tears easily. To prevent this, keep the dough covered with a damp cloth while assembling the appetizer and work quickly to maintain its pliability. Brushing each layer generously with melted butter not only helps with browning but also acts as glue to keep the layers together and prevent tearing.

When wrapping the brie, be gentle and fold the phyllo carefully to avoid breaks. Placing the wrapped cheese on parchment paper on your baking sheet helps prevent sticking and makes transfer easier. Baking at the right temperature ensures that the phyllo becomes golden and crispy while the cheese melts perfectly inside.

Allowing the baked brie to rest briefly after baking is important. This resting period lets the cheese set slightly, making it easier to cut and preventing the filling from spilling out too quickly.

Nutritional Considerations

Baked Brie in phyllo dough is undeniably rich and indulgent, with a high fat content coming primarily from the cheese and butter. While this appetizer is a treat best enjoyed in moderation, it also offers nutritional benefits such as protein from the cheese and some healthy fats from the butter and nuts if added.

The carbohydrate content comes mainly from the phyllo dough and any added preserves, contributing to its satisfying texture and sweet notes. Because it’s a dense, flavorful dish, small portions go a long way, making it a great option for a starter or shared appetizer rather than a main course.

Conclusion

Baked Brie wrapped in flaky phyllo dough is a show-stopping appetizer that combines the creamy richness of melted cheese with the irresistible crunch of buttery pastry. Enhanced with sweet preserves, honey, and nuts, this dish offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that delight the senses. It’s easy to prepare yet sophisticated enough to impress guests at any gathering.

This appetizer’s versatility allows it to suit many occasions, from festive celebrations to casual get-togethers, while its warm, gooey center encourages sharing and conviviality. Though indulgent, it’s a treat worth savoring in moderation and can be paired beautifully with breads, fruits, and wines for a complete tasting experience.

Adding this recipe to your website will inspire readers to try an elegant, comforting dish that is both simple to make and sure to become a favorite at parties. It’s a classic example of how a few quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation can transform a humble wheel of brie into a gourmet delight.