There are cheese appetizers, and then there’s Blackberry Thyme Baked Brie En Croute—a show-stopping centerpiece that’s as effortless to create as it is jaw-droppingly delicious. Imagine warm, gooey Brie enveloped by golden, flaky pastry, with a jammy blackberry and thyme filling that bridges the gap between sweet, savory, and herby with every bite. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, cozy dinner party, or just craving some indulgence on a night in, this elegant French-inspired appetizer will be adored by everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of ingredients for Blackberry Thyme Baked Brie En Croute, but each one is thoughtfully chosen to create layers of flavor, texture, and color. Let’s break down what makes each element essential to this appetizer’s magic.
- Brie cheese (8-ounce wheel): The rich, creamy star at the heart of the dish, Brie becomes irresistibly melty as it bakes inside the pastry.
- Puff pastry (1 sheet, thawed): This creates that crisp, buttery shell—make sure it’s well-thawed so it can be rolled and folded easily around the cheese.
- Blackberry preserves (⅓ cup): Delivers juicy sweetness and vibrant color that pairs beautifully with Brie’s earthiness.
- Fresh thyme leaves (1 teaspoon, plus more for garnish): A subtle herbal pop that brightens up all the rich flavors.
- Egg (1, beaten): Used to brush the pastry, giving it a gorgeously glossy, golden finish.
- Water (1 tablespoon): Mixes with the egg wash for an even coat and shine.
- Fresh blackberries and crackers (optional, for serving): Extra berries and crisp crackers offer perfect vehicles for savoring all that molten cheesy goodness.
How to Make Blackberry Thyme Baked Brie En Croute
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Station
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little step makes all the difference, ensuring easy cleanup and preventing any precious Brie from sticking.
Step 2: Roll Out the Pastry
Lightly dust your work surface with a bit of flour, then roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet. You want it just large enough to wrap all the way around the cheese, but you don’t need to get fussy—imperfections add character!
Step 3: Assemble the Cheese and Filling
Place the Brie wheel right in the center of the pastry. Spoon the luscious blackberry preserves evenly over the top, then sprinkle with the fresh thyme leaves. The preserves melt into the cheese as it bakes, while the thyme infuses everything with subtle aromatics.
Step 4: Wrap Up the Brie
Gather the corners of the pastry and fold them up over the Brie, fully enclosing it like a present. Press gently at the seams to seal, and trim away any extra dough if it seems too bulky. Flip your bundle over so the seam is underneath—this keeps things tidy and helps the pastry stay put while baking.
Step 5: Add the Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and a tablespoon of water. Brush this all over the pastry so it bakes up golden and shiny—this is your secret to bakery-window perfection!
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer the wrapped Brie to your prepared baking sheet. Slide it into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and deeply golden. The aroma is truly irresistible, so use your nose as well as your timer!
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let your Blackberry Thyme Baked Brie En Croute rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting in—this helps keep the molten cheese from spilling everywhere (if you can wait that long!). Garnish with more fresh thyme and perhaps a few whole blackberries for bonus flair. Serve warm, with crackers, slices of baguette, or more blackberries on the side.
How to Serve Blackberry Thyme Baked Brie En Croute
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh thyme leaves and a handful of glossy blackberries turn your Blackberry Thyme Baked Brie En Croute into a work of art. For a delicate touch, try a drizzle of honey or a few edible flowers—the presentation is as inviting as the flavors.
Side Dishes
Serve this beauty with an array of crackers, toasted baguette slices, or even crisp apple wedges. The contrast of textures—a crunchy base with that soft, molten cheese and sweet-tangy filling—makes every bite a little adventure. A simple green salad on the side adds freshness and rounds out the appetizer course beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your gathering with an abundant cheese board: nestle the baked brie among cured meats, nuts, and colorful fruit for a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Or, for a more elegant touch, slice into wedges and serve on individual plates with a dollop of extra preserves and a sprig of thyme on each. However you present it, Blackberry Thyme Baked Brie En Croute steals the spotlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap the cooled brie in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. While the pastry loses a bit of its crispness, the flavors meld beautifully overnight—perfect for a gourmet snack or picnic!
Freezing
You can freeze Blackberry Thyme Baked Brie En Croute before you bake it: assemble through the wrapping step, then freeze tightly wrapped for up to two weeks. When ready to serve, bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to ensure the pastry is fully puffed and golden.
Reheating
To reheat, place the baked brie in a 350°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and the pastry has crisped back up. Avoid microwaving—while tempting, it softens the crust and can make the cheese a bit rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use a different jam or preserve for the filling?
Absolutely! While blackberry is beautifully tart and jewel-toned, you can swap in fig, raspberry, or even apricot preserves for a fresh twist. The important thing is balancing the sweetness with the brie’s richness.
Does the rind on Brie need to be removed?
Nope, keep the rind intact! It’s totally edible and helps the cheese hold its shape as it bakes. Plus, it adds a subtle earthiness to each bite of your Blackberry Thyme Baked Brie En Croute.
My pastry split or leaked a little—what happened?
It’s usually a sign that the dough wasn’t fully sealed, or it was stretched too thin. Don’t worry, though—any escaping cheese just gets crispy and caramelized on the pan. Embrace the rustic look!
Can I make Blackberry Thyme Baked Brie En Croute in advance?
Yes! You can assemble and refrigerate the entire wrapped Brie up to a day ahead. When you’re ready, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed—no need to bring it to room temperature first.
What if I can’t find puff pastry?
If puff pastry is unavailable, crescent roll dough can work in a pinch—it bakes up a bit softer but still delivers a lovely, golden crust. Roll it out as evenly as possible before wrapping your Brie.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistible about gathering friends and family around a bubbling, beautifully golden Blackberry Thyme Baked Brie En Croute. It’s a recipe that delivers maximum wow with minimum fuss, and every time I serve it, there’s not a single crumb left behind. If you’re looking for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, this swoon-worthy appetizer is simply a must-try!
Print
Blackberry Thyme Baked Brie En Croute Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of melted Brie cheese, sweet blackberry preserves, and aromatic thyme, all wrapped in a buttery puff pastry. This Blackberry Thyme Baked Brie En Croute is a show-stopping appetizer perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Baked Brie En Croute:
- 1 (8-ounce) wheel of Brie cheese
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- ⅓ cup blackberry preserves
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus more for garnish)
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Serving Suggestions:
- Fresh blackberries
- Crackers for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry: on a floured surface and place the Brie in the center. Top with blackberry preserves and thyme.
- Fold and seal: the pastry over the Brie, trim excess, and flip so the seam is down.
- Brush with egg wash: made with egg and water.
- Bake: for 20–25 minutes until golden. Rest before serving with garnishes.
Notes
- You can prepare this dish a day ahead by refrigerating the wrapped Brie before baking.
- For a sweeter twist, add honey or fresh berries inside before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wedge
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
