This Halloween Baked Brie is a fun and spooky treat! With a creamy, melted cheese center wrapped in flaky puff pastry, it’s perfect for sharing at parties.
You can sprinkle it with festive toppings like cranberry sauce or nuts for extra flavor. I love serving it with crackers and fruit—it makes the dish look extra special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brie Cheese: This is the star of the show! Its creamy texture melts beautifully. If you’re looking for a different flavor, Camembert is a great substitute, as it offers a similar taste and melt.
Puff Pastry: The flaky layers make this dish stand out. If puff pastry is hard to find, you can use crescent roll dough, but keep an eye on baking time since it cooks faster.
Cranberry Sauce or Raspberry Jam: This adds a sweet and tangy touch. You could replace it with a different jam, like apricot or fig, if those fit your taste better or what you have on hand.
Egg Wash: Using an egg wash helps achieve that golden crust. If you prefer a vegan option, brush with plant-based milk or aquafaba for color.
How Do You Get Perfectly Melted Brie in Puff Pastry?
Getting the cheese just right can be tricky, but with these steps, you’ll succeed:
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents the puff pastry from browning too quickly.
- Use room-temperature Brie for easier melting and a smoother result.
- Check the baking time closely; 20-25 minutes is standard, but every oven is different. Look for golden and puffed pastry, then do a poke test—if it feels soft and gooey inside, it’s ready!
Letting it cool for just a few minutes helps it set slightly, so it’s easier to serve. Enjoy your delicious Halloween treat!
How to Make Halloween Baked Brie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese (about 8 ounces)
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce or raspberry jam (for the “eyes”)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Crackers and/or sliced baguette, for serving
- Grapes, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, totaling around 40-45 minutes. Plus, you’ll want to let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. It’s quick and super tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your Baked Brie will cook evenly and the pastry will puff up beautifully.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet gently. You want it big enough to wrap around your Brie without any tear. Just give it a little stretch!
3. Place the Brie:
Put the wheel of Brie right in the center of your pastry. This will be the star of your dish!
4. Cut Out the Eyes:
Using a sharp knife, cut two triangular shapes into the top rind of the Brie. These will be the “eyes,” so make them about 1 to 1.5 inches wide.
5. Add the Cranberry Sauce:
Take your cranberry sauce or raspberry jam and spoon a little bit into each of the eye cuts you just made. This adds a fun and sweet touch!
6. Make the Mouth:
Cut a small horizontal slit for the “mouth” on the lower half of the Brie. This cut should be just big enough for the gooey cheese to peek out when it melts.
7. Wrap It Up:
Gently wrap the puff pastry around the Brie, pressing the edges to seal it. Make sure to leave the “eyes” and “mouth” exposed! You can also create small cuts around the edges to look like fangs if you’re feeling creative.
8. Egg Wash:
Beat the egg in a small bowl and use a brush to apply it evenly over the surface of the pastry. This will give it a beautiful golden color when baked.
9. Bake It:
Place your wrapped Brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop it into the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed, and the cheese is melty inside.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take it out and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This helps the cheese set slightly before serving.
11. Plating:
Serve your spooky Baked Brie on a platter with crackers, sliced baguette, grapes, and add fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for a festive touch.
Enjoy this fun, creamy, and flaky Halloween Baked Brie as the perfect centerpiece for your snack table! Happy Halloween!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Brie is traditional, you can also use Camembert for a similar flavor and melt. For a stronger cheese taste, consider using a young gouda or even a cream cheese mixture for a different twist.
What Can I Substitute for Puff Pastry?
If you can’t find puff pastry, crescent roll dough works well, although it may bake a bit faster. Just watch it closely to avoid over-browning. You can also use phyllo dough, but you’ll need to layer and butter it for the right texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, to keep the pastry crisp.
Can This Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the Baked Brie up to the point of wrapping it in pastry. Keep it covered in the fridge, then just bake it right before serving. This keeps the pastry fresh and puffy!
