If you want to wow your guests with a showstopping appetizer—and treat your own tastebuds to something unforgettable—look no further than Blackberry Thyme Baked Brie En Croute. This golden parcel of creamy Brie wrapped in buttery puff pastry, with a burst of juicy blackberries and lively thyme, takes just minutes to assemble yet looks and tastes elegantly gourmet. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, book club, or just planning a night in, Blackberry Thyme Baked Brie En Croute brings the magic of sweet, savory, and herbal notes together in every gooey, crisp bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy of this stunning dish! Each one is fuss-free but plays a starring role—whether it’s adding creamy texture, a pop of sweetness, or an herbal note that makes Blackberry Thyme Baked Brie En Croute utterly irresistible.
- Puff pastry (1 sheet, thawed): The secret to that irresistible golden, flaky crust—store-bought makes this recipe beautifully simple.
- Brie cheese (1 wheel, 8 ounces): Delicately rich and melty—choose a quality Brie for the creamiest, most luscious inside.
- Blackberry preserves (1/4 cup): A fruity, jammy layer that turns molten in the oven and contrasts brilliantly with the cheese.
- Fresh blackberries (1/4 cup, halved if large): These burst with juicy sweetness and look stunning when you cut into the brie.
- Fresh thyme leaves (1 teaspoon): Adds a bright, aromatic twist that ties every flavor together—absolutely worth picking up fresh.
- Egg (1, beaten, for egg wash): Brushing the pastry with egg delivers that signature bakery-style golden gloss.
- Flour for dusting: A light dusting helps roll out the pastry with ease and keeps it from sticking.
- Optional crackers or baguette slices for serving: The crispy or chewy “vehicle” for scooping up every last bit of molten brie and jam.
How to Make Blackberry Thyme Baked Brie En Croute
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Surface
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C)—you need that blast of heat for perfectly puffed pastry. While it heats, lightly dust a clean surface with flour and gently roll out the sheet of puff pastry just enough to smooth out any creases or folds. This ensures you’ll get an even, golden crust that envelops the Brie beautifully.
Step 2: Center the Brie
Place your Brie wheel smack in the center of the rolled-out pastry. There’s no need to trim or scoop out the rind; not only is it edible, but it actually helps contain the gooey cheese while baking. Let the Brie sit at room temperature as you prep the rest of your fillings—this will help it warm through evenly in the oven.
Step 3: Layer on Blackberry and Thyme Flavors
Now the fun begins! Slather the top of the Brie with blackberry preserves, spreading right to the edges for plenty of flavor in every bite. Sprinkle on your fresh blackberries and dust the surface with fresh thyme leaves. The combination of jam, plump fruit, and aromatic herbs is what sets Blackberry Thyme Baked Brie En Croute apart from the ordinary.
Step 4: Wrap and Seal
Gently fold the puff pastry up over the brie, gathering the edges at the top and pinching them to seal the cheese inside. Trim any extra pastry—don’t toss the scraps! Use them to make decorative shapes atop your brie (think leaves, twists, or little hearts) for a whimsical touch that gives your Blackberry Thyme Baked Brie En Croute an extra layer of charm.
Step 5: Finish and Bake
Transfer the wrapped Brie (seam side down) onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Whisk your egg and use a pastry brush to give the entire pastry surface a generous egg wash—this is where that beautiful bakery sheen comes from. Slide it into your oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the shell is golden brown and puffed. You’ll smell the glorious aroma even before you peek.
Step 6: Rest, Serve, and Enjoy
Once you pull the Blackberry Thyme Baked Brie En Croute from the oven, give it at least 10 minutes to rest. This resting time is key—it allows the cheese to set just enough so you get that dramatic, gooey reveal when you slice in, instead of a cheese flood. Serve warm with crackers or sliced baguette for maximum dipping and swooping.
How to Serve Blackberry Thyme Baked Brie En Croute
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra fresh thyme leaves or dot some fresh blackberries around the platter for a truly inviting presentation. A drizzle of honey just before serving can add a hint of the unexpected, and edible flowers or a twist of lemon zest makes everything look like a work of art.
Side Dishes
Serve your Blackberry Thyme Baked Brie En Croute with an assortment of crackers, toasted baguette slices, or even crisp sliced apples and pears. A handful of lightly dressed arugula or some roasted nuts offer a fresh and crunchy contrast that balances the richness of the brie.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra-special occasion, try placing the baked brie on a rustic wooden board and surround it with little bowls of nuts, dried fruits, and charcuterie for a truly lavish cheese board centerpiece. Or, cut your baked brie into wedges and tuck them onto individual appetizer plates for a chic party starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you miraculously have any Blackberry Thyme Baked Brie En Croute left over, simply wrap the cooled leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It will keep for up to 3 days—just remember the pastry may lose some crispness, but the flavors stay dreamy.
Freezing
This appetizer can be assembled (but not baked) up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the fridge. While you technically can freeze the fully assembled, unbaked Brie En Croute, the texture of the pastry may not be quite as light and crispy after defrosting. If you choose to freeze, wrap well and thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating
To revive leftover Blackberry Thyme Baked Brie En Croute, place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet and warm in a 325°F (160°C) oven until heated through (about 10–12 minutes). This helps crisp the pastry back up and remelts the cheese without making things soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different fruit preserve?
Absolutely! While the blackberry and thyme combo is my favorite, fig or raspberry jam both work beautifully and pair just as well with Brie. Feel free to swap in your own favorite preserve for a personal touch.
Do I need to remove the rind from the Brie?
Nope—the rind on Brie cheese is completely edible and actually helps the cheese hold its shape while baking. It also adds a subtle earthy flavor that complements the sweetness of the preserves.
Can Blackberry Thyme Baked Brie En Croute be made ahead?
Yes! Assemble the entire brie en croute, cover it, and pop it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When guests arrive, just bake as directed and serve warm for an effortless appetizer.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, Blackberry Thyme Baked Brie En Croute is vegetarian (though if you’re serving strict vegetarians, be sure to double-check that your Brie is made with vegetarian-friendly rennet).
What should I do with leftover pastry scraps?
Don’t toss them—cut leftover puff pastry into fun shapes or strips, brush with egg wash, and bake alongside the brie for a few minutes. They make adorable, flaky dippers or garnish!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about breaking open a Blackberry Thyme Baked Brie En Croute—the way the cheese flows, the sweet berries mingle with herbs, and the pastry shatters at the touch of your knife. Invite your loved ones to gather round and share, and let this simple showstopper become your next delicious tradition!
Print
Blackberry Thyme Baked Brie En Croute Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect blend of savory and sweet with this Blackberry Thyme Baked Brie En Croute. This appetizer features a wheel of Brie cheese enveloped in flaky puff pastry, topped with blackberry preserves, fresh blackberries, and thyme, creating a delightful treat for any gathering.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Brie Filling:
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese (8 ounces)
- 1/4 cup blackberry preserves
- 1/4 cup fresh blackberries (halved if large)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Additional:
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Flour for dusting
- Optional crackers or baguette slices for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare pastry: Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface. Place Brie in the center, top with blackberry preserves, blackberries, and thyme.
- Wrap Brie: Fold pastry over Brie, seal edges, trim excess, and decorate with pastry trimmings. Brush with beaten egg.
- Bake: Bake on a lined sheet for 20–25 minutes until golden.
- Rest and serve: Let cool for 10 minutes before serving warm with crackers or bread.
Notes
- Substitute with fig or raspberry jam if preferred.
- Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- Brie rind is edible.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 wheel
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
