Golden Baked Brie with Caramelized Apples and Thyme
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Serves: 6–8
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
⭐ Ingredients
For the Brie
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 wheel Brie cheese (8–12 oz)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Caramelized Apples
- 1 large apple, peeled & diced (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1–2 tbsp maple syrup (or honey)
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Pinch of salt
Optional Garnishes
- Extra thyme
- Drizzle of honey or maple
- Pecans or walnuts
- Crackers or sliced baguette for serving
🎄 Instructions
1. Caramelize the Apples
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced apples and cook for 3–4 minutes, until they start to soften.
- Add maple syrup, cinnamon, thyme, and a pinch of salt.
- Cook another 3–4 minutes until glossy and caramelized.
- Remove from heat and cool slightly.
2. Prep the Brie in Puff Pastry
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lay puff pastry on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Place the Brie wheel in the center.
- Spoon the caramelized apples on top of the Brie (use most, save a spoonful for garnish).
- Fold the puff pastry up and over the Brie, sealing tightly.
- Brush with egg wash.
3. Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is deep golden and crisp.
4. Serve Warm
- Let rest 5 minutes to prevent a cheese avalanche.
- Top with remaining apples, fresh thyme, and a drizzle of honey or maple if desired.
- Serve with crackers, toasted bread, or sliced fruit.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Add nuts: Stir a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts into the apples.
- Extra savory: Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top after baking.
- Super decadent: Spread a thin layer of fig jam on the Brie before adding apples.
- Make ahead: Caramelize apples up to 2 days in advance; assemble just before baking.