Prep Time: 50 min.
This Phyllo Baked Brie, with its gooey cheese center and crispy exterior, is everything you want in an appetizer. It's delicious, impressive, and, best of all, you only need a few simple ingredients.
The elegant dish features store-bought phyllo dough, buttery Brie, fragrant green fig jam, and earthy fresh thyme. It’s even shaped as a present to make your friends and family feel extra special.
Just like my phyllo fries and phyllo roses, baked Brie is the perfect dish for dinner parties, special occasions, and the holidays. Be sure to serve it warm with your favorite chunky crackers, crostini, or my no-knead focaccia.
Ingredients You'll Need
Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details!
• Phyllo pastry - I prefer using store-bought phyllo in rectangular sheets. Allow them to come to room temperature for the best results.
• Butter - I use salted butter for extra flavor, but you can use unsalted butter or even substitute it with olive oil.
• Brie - You'll need a round Brie (200 grams) for this recipe. If you are serving over six people, you can use a larger-sized Brie.
• Fig jam - I love using green fig jam, but any fig preserves will do.
• Fresh thyme - Thyme adds an earthy flavor that pairs well with the creamy cheese. You can swap for dried thyme or rosemary.
How to Make Phyllo Baked Brie
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C / 356°F.
2. Fold one sheet of phyllo pastry sheet in half lengthwise.
3. Spread melted butter evenly over the phyllo.
4. Top with the Brie.
5. Wrap the cheese like you would a gift.
6. Top the cheese with fig jam and fresh thyme.
7. Repeat with another sheet of phyllo.
8. Shape the ribbons and the bow with phyllo pastry.
9. Brush with melted butter all over - don't forget the front, back, and sides, too.
10. Bake for 22-25 minutes.
11. Serve warm. Yum.
Tips for Success
• Spread melted butter on each layer of phyllo pastry to ensure the finished result is as crispy as possible.
• Keep the remaining phyllo pastry covered under a clean, damp kitchen towel while you are working.
• Add lots of jam so there's enough in every bite.
• Ensure the entire cheese is completely covered with phyllo.
Possible Variations
• Skip the gift wrap - If you're short on time, wrap the Brie in phyllo without the extra details, brush all the layers with melted butter, and bake.
• Swap the cheese - Try goat cheese, camembert, or feta.
• Replace the phyllo - Use puff pastry for a light, buttery texture.
• Try another preserve - I like using strawberry jam, apricot jam, hot honey, or olive tapenade.
• Top with chopped nuts - Toasted walnuts or pecans add a wonderful crunch.
• Serve with fruit - Sliced apples, pears, halved apricots, or grapes are all tasty options.
• Remove the rind before wrapping in phyllo for a smoother consistency.
FAQs
Can I make the phyllo brie recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare this a few hours in advance. Brush with melted butter all over, keep it covered, and store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Preheat the oven to 180°C / 356°F and heat for 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the pastry is crispy.
How do I serve Phyllo Baked Brie?
Serve it as part of a large cheeseboard, or enjoy it as an impressive appetizer at dinner parties and special occasions with crostini, baguette, or fresh fruit.
Other Impressive Appetizers
Ingredients
Instructions
Serves 4-6.
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C / 356°F.
2. Halve a sheet of phyllo pastry lengthwise.
3. Brush the top half of phyllo with melted butter and spread the butter between the layers, too.
4. Place the Brie in the middle of the folded phyllo sheet.
5. Wrap the first layer around the cheese as you would a gift.
6. Spoon the green fig jam on top of the cheese and sprinkle with fresh thyme.
7. Wrap the cheese in one more layer of buttered phyllo folded in half.
8. Fold the remaining sheet of phyllo twice and trim it into a 2-3 cm (1 inch) thick strip. Repeat to make the phyllo ribbons and the bow.
9. To shape the center of the bow, fold the phyllo sheet into a smaller strip - about 1.5 cm (1/2 inch) thick.
10. Arrange the ribbons and the bow, using the center piece to secure the bow (fold the ends of the strips to the back).
11. Brush with melted butter all over.
12. Bake the phyllo-wrapped Brie on a baking sheet for 22-25 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
13. Serve warm with crostini or baguette and extra jam.
