Prosciutto Wrapped Brie Pastry

This prosciutto wrapped baked brie in pastry transforms a simple wheel of cheese into an impressive centerpiece that's surprisingly easy to prepare. The combination of flaky pastry, salty prosciutto, and warm melty cheese creates an irresistible appetizer perfect for entertaining or special occasions.

I first made this baked brie for a holiday gathering when I needed something spectacular but was short on time. The moment I pulled it from the oven, everyone gathered around commenting on how beautiful it looked before fighting over the first slice.

Ingredients

• 8-12 ounce wheel of brie cheese: the star of the show, look for a wheel with firm edges that give slightly when pressed
• 1-2 tablespoons honey: adds natural sweetness, choose a good quality local honey for best flavor
• 1-2 tablespoons fig preserves: provides fruity depth, the tiny seeds create wonderful texture against the creamy cheese
• Black pepper: freshly cracked adds a subtle heat that balances the sweetness
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves: provides an earthy aroma, strip leaves from woody stems just before using
• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry: thawed creates the golden flaky exterior, all-butter varieties yield the richest flavor
• 4-8 slices thin prosciutto: adds a salty complexity and helps contain the melting cheese, look for paper-thin slices
• 1 egg: beaten creates that beautiful golden finish on the pastry
• Coarse sugar: for sprinkling adds sparkle and a subtle crunch to the exterior

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven:

Heat your oven to 425°F. This higher temperature ensures a crisp pastry exterior while allowing the cheese inside to melt perfectly. Position a rack in the middle of the oven for even heat distribution.

Create Your Base:

Lay the thawed puff pastry flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Ensure the pastry has thawed completely but remains cool to the touch for easiest handling. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.

Prepare the Brie:

Place your wheel of brie in the center of the pastry. Using a sharp knife, cut the top of the brie in a crosshatch pattern about 1/4 inch deep. This allows the honey and preserves to penetrate the cheese as it bakes, infusing flavor throughout.

Add the Flavor Elements:

Spread fig preserves evenly over the crosshatched top of the brie. Drizzle honey in a spiral pattern over the preserves. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and add a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper. These layers create a complex flavor profile that elevates the cheese.

Wrap with Prosciutto:

Carefully wrap prosciutto slices around the cheese, slightly overlapping each piece. The prosciutto adds saltiness while helping to contain the melting cheese during baking. Press gently to adhere to the cheese surface.

Enclose in Pastry:

Fold the corners of the puff pastry over the prosciutto-wrapped brie, overlapping slightly where needed. Press gently at the seams to seal. Leave no openings where cheese might escape during baking.

Finish the Exterior:

Brush the entire pastry surface with beaten egg using a pastry brush. This creates a golden sheen during baking. Sprinkle coarse sugar evenly over the top for a slight crunch and beautiful sparkle.

Bake to Perfection:

Bake for 20-25 minutes, watching carefully after the 15-minute mark. The pastry should achieve a deep golden brown color all over. Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the cheese set slightly.

The fig preserves are truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered this combination at a French bistro years ago and have been recreating it at home ever since. Something magical happens when the preserves melt into the cheese during baking, creating pockets of sweet fruity goodness that complement the savory elements perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

This baked brie begs to be the centerpiece of a thoughtful spread. Arrange a variety of vehicles for the molten cheese around your serving platter. Sliced baguette provides a sturdy base while water crackers offer a neutral backdrop that lets the cheese flavors shine. For textural contrast, include crisp apple or pear slices. The slight acidity of the fruit cuts through the richness of the cheese beautifully.

For a more substantial spread, add clusters of grapes, a handful of toasted walnuts, and perhaps some dried apricots. The combination of temperatures and textures creates an experience that feels both casual and special at once. A chilled glass of sparkling wine or a light crisp white complements this dish perfectly.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can assemble this baked brie up to 24 hours in advance, making it perfect for entertaining. Prepare everything through the egg wash step, then wrap tightly with plastic and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 20 minutes before baking to take the chill off, apply the egg wash and sugar, then bake as directed. You may need to add 2-3 minutes to the baking time if starting from a cooler temperature.

Variations to Try

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. While fig preserves work wonderfully, you can experiment with other fruit preserves based on what you have available. Raspberry jam provides a tartness that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese. Apricot preserves offer a subtle sweetness that many guests find irresistible. You might even try cranberry sauce during holiday seasons for a festive twist.

For the herbs, rosemary can substitute for thyme, providing a more pronounced aromatic quality. If prosciutto is unavailable, thinly sliced serrano ham works beautifully. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the prosciutto and add an extra sprinkle of flaky sea salt to compensate for the missing saltiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute the fig preserves?

Yes, you can use other sweet spreads like apricot jam, cranberry sauce, or even maple syrup to complement the savory brie and prosciutto.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it's best served fresh, you can assemble the pastry a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. Bake it just before serving for the best taste and texture.

→ Do I need to remove the rind from the brie?

No, the rind is edible and adds to the flavor. It also helps the brie maintain its shape during baking.

→ What can I serve this dish with?

This dish pairs well with crusty bread, crackers, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it alongside fresh fruits like apples, pears, or grapes.

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Brie is ideal for this dish due to its creamy texture, but you can experiment with Camembert or another soft, melting cheese if preferred.