Description
This Blackberry Thyme Baked Brie En Croute is an elegant appetizer featuring creamy brie cheese topped with fresh blackberries, blackberry jam, thyme, and black pepper, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry and baked to golden perfection. It’s perfect for entertaining, offering a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and herbal flavors in a beautifully braided pastry presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Cheese & Toppings
- 1/2 pound Brie cheese
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- 2-3 tablespoons blackberry jam
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This ensures the oven is hot enough to crisp the puff pastry perfectly.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry into a 12×12 inch square. Carefully cut three thin strips, about 1/4 inch wide, from three sides of the pastry and set these aside for later braiding.
- Prepare the Brie: Using a sharp knife, gently slice off the top rind of the brie cheese and discard it. On the exposed cheese, evenly spread the fresh blackberries, then drizzle the blackberry jam over them. Sprinkle fresh thyme and ground black pepper evenly on top.
- Assemble the En Croute: Lay the remaining puff pastry sheet over the brie and toppings. Brush the edges of the pastry with the egg and water mixture (egg wash) to help seal. Carefully fold the edges of the pastry under the brie and press to seal it tightly.
- Add Decorative Braid: Braid the three reserved puff pastry strips together to create a decorative topping. Place this braid on top of the wrapped brie and brush both the braid and the entire pastry surface with the egg wash to give a golden finish upon baking.
- Bake: Place the assembled brie on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the puff pastry is a deep golden brown and puffed up beautifully.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with crackers or bread crisps for a delightful appetizer experience.
Notes
- Be sure to thaw the puff pastry completely before rolling it out to prevent cracking.
- Removing the top rind allows the blackberry topping to adhere better and infuses the cheese with added flavor.
- You can substitute blackberry jam with another berry jam like raspberry or blueberry if preferred.
- For easy cutting, let the baked brie cool for about 5 minutes before slicing.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp white wines or sparkling beverages.
