Our Apricot Puff Pastry Baked Brie is an ideal year-round appetizer with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Also known as “brie en croute,” this elegant starter may look and sound fancy but is super easy to make with store-bought frozen puff pastry and apricot jam. 

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Why We Love This Recipe

Don’t get us wrong — we love regular ol’ cheese plates as much as the next gals. But there’s something absolutely magnificent about an ooey-gooey round of baked brie with apricot in puff pastry that takes this cheesy appetizer over the top. 

With layer upon layer of buttery pastry crust, oozing, melty cheese, and a delectable trio of sweet apricot preserves, herbaceous basil, and salty, crispy bacon, suffice it to say: this ain’t your mama’s cheese course.

Aside from being wildly popular with people of all ages, this recipe for sweet and savory baked brie in puff pastry is also:

• Quick & Easy – You’ll only need 10 minutes of active time in the kitchen to get this gorgeous appetizer in the oven. 
• Made With Only 6 Ingredients – Short grocery lists are one of our love languages. 💛💛💛
• Elegant & Refined – Brie en croute with jam doesn’t just sound fancy. It looks and tastes like something you’d get at a high-end restaurant, too.
• Versatile – Feel free to swap in different flavors of preserves, use different crunchy bits, or make it gluten-free and/or vegetarian. Read on below to learn how!

Ingredients & Substitutions

As promised, you only need 6 simple ingredients to make this apricot baked brie cheese appetizer. Here’s what to grab:

• Frozen Puff Pastry – These ingenious sheets are always in our freezer, ready to make delicious desserts and appetizers at the drop of a hat. Pepperidge Farms and DuFour are the two easiest-to-find brands nationwide.
• Round of Brie – While you *can* use a wedge of brie, the shape looks much nicer using a round. Feel free to swap in creamy camembert if you prefer.
• Bacon – Salty, smoky bacon is a lovely foil for the sweetness of the peach jam. Feel free to use regular or thick-cut bacon.
• Fresh Basil – Peach and basil are a stellar pairing. In fact, try swapping in fresh summer peaches for tomatoes in your next caprese salad — you’ll be amazed at how well they play together. 
• Apricot Preserves – We like to can several mason jars of apricot jam during the summer so we have a little taste of sunshine all year round. Feel free to swap in your favorite store-bought brand (e.g. Bonne Maman).
• Egg – A simple egg wash adds a lovely golden sheen to the baked brie en croute.

How To Make Puff Pastry Baked Brie With Apricot Jam

This yummy brie and jam puff pastry comes together in a snap. Here’s how:

Step 1: Prep. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lay out a sheet of defrosted puff pastry.

Step 2: Layer. Place a round of cheese in the middle, leaving the rind on. Evenly top with apricot preserves, bacon, and basil.

Step 3: Wrap. Bring up the edges of the pastry and work your way around making tucks in the dough. Press to make sure the edges are well-sealed.

Step 4: Egg Wash. Brush with beaten egg over top and sides.

Step 5: Bake. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Optional Variations

While we love this baked brie with apricot in puffed pastry just the way it’s written, feel free to put your own spin on it by trying any of the following variations:

• Vegetarian – Feel free to either omit the bacon, or swap in your favorite vegetarian/vegan bacon bits.
• Gluten-Free – The popularity of living a gluten-free lifestyle has exploded in the last decade or so. We’ve noticed that these days, most well-stocked grocery stores will carry at least one brand of gluten-free puff pastry. Simply swap it in for a celiac-friendly treat!
• Egg-Free – If eggs are a no-no, use a few tablespoons of heavy cream or melted butter to brush your pastry with.
• Different Preserves & Other Add-Ins – Perhaps the best part of this baked brie with jam recipe is that there are TONS of flavor combinations you can try. Aside from this decidedly Southern combination of apricot, bacon, and basil, you can try:
  • Swap in peach for apricot!
  • Cranberry sauce, dried cranberries, & nuts
  • Fig jam & honey
  • Stewed apples or pears with cinnamon
  • Caramelized onions & bacon

Expert Tips

When making baked brie with jam, here are some expert tips to consider:

• Choose the Right Brie: Select a high-quality brie cheese for the best results. Look for a ripe and creamy brie with a firm texture. The flavor and creaminess of the cheese will greatly contribute to the overall taste of the dish.
• Score the Brie: Score the top rind of the brie cheese with a knife in a crosshatch pattern. This helps the cheese melt more evenly and allows the jam to penetrate into the cheese, enhancing the flavor.
• Use Good-Quality Jam: Opt for a high-quality jam or preserve to pair with the brie. Choose a flavor that complements the richness of the cheese, such as fig, raspberry, or apricot. The sweetness and fruity notes of the jam will create a delightful contrast with the creamy brie.
• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to around 350°F (175°C) before baking the brie. This ensures that the cheese melts evenly and reaches the desired gooey consistency.
• Bake Time and Temperature: Bake the brie until it is heated through and starts to ooze but still holds its shape. The exact time will depend on the size and thickness of the cheese, but it usually takes around 15-20 minutes. Be careful not to overbake it, as the brie can become too runny and lose its structure.
• Accompaniments: Serve baked brie with jam alongside complementary accompaniments. Sliced baguette, crackers, or breadsticks make great options for dipping into the warm, gooey cheese. You can also add some fresh fruits, nuts, or even a drizzle of honey to add additional flavors and textures.

Remember, experimentation is part of the fun when it comes to baked brie with jam. Feel free to try different flavor combinations, such as adding herbs or spices to the jam, or incorporating nuts or caramelized onions as toppings. Enjoy the process and savor the deliciousness of this delightful appetizer or snack.

FAQs

More Easy Appetizer Recipes

• Irresistible Pecan Bacon Cheeseball
• Roasted Tomatoes & Burrata Appetizer
• Exploring the Art of Smoked Salmon Dip
• The Ultimate Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

If y’all tried this sumptuous recipe for Baked Brie with Apricot Jam, Bacon, and Basil, holler and let us know how it turned out for you by giving us a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and commenting below. You can also always feel free to tag us (@creamcheeseandlemonsqueeze) in your social media posts so we can cheer you on.

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