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Golden Baked Brie with Caramelized Apples and Thyme Bliss Recipe

Golden Baked Brie with Caramelized Apples and Thyme Bliss Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 7 reviews

This Golden Baked Brie with Caramelized Apples and Thyme is an elegant and delicious appetizer perfect for any occasion. Creamy brie is wrapped in flaky puff pastry, topped with a warm, sweet, and spiced apple filling infused with fresh thyme, and finished with toasted walnuts and a drizzle of honey. This recipe balances savory and sweet flavors beautifully, making it a crowd-pleaser at holiday parties, dinner gatherings, or special celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Caramelized Apples

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
  • 2 cups red apple, diced (e.g. Fuji or Gala; Granny Smith for a tangy twist)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup as a vegan alternative)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or coconut sugar as a healthier option)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (vinegar can be used for similar tang)
  • 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • 0.25 teaspoon kosher salt (or sea salt)

For the Brie

  • 1 round brie (Camembert can be substituted)
  • 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 egg (for egg wash, omit for vegan-friendly)

For Garnish

  • 0.25 cup chopped walnuts (pecans or almonds as alternatives)
  • Flaky salt to taste (regular salt can be used)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the brie wrapped in puff pastry.
  2. Melt Butter and Cook Apples: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the diced red apples and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme, stirring to combine.
  3. Add Sweeteners and Spices: Stir in 1 tablespoon of honey, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon, 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg, and 0.25 teaspoon kosher salt. Mix well to coat the apples evenly.
  4. Caramelize the Apples: Reduce heat to low and cook the apple mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples soften and become caramelized and fragrant. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
  5. Prepare Puff Pastry: On a floured surface, unfold the puff pastry sheet. Place the cooled caramelized apple mixture in the center of the pastry.
  6. Assemble Brie: Place the whole round of brie on top of the apple mixture in the center of the puff pastry.
  7. Wrap the Brie: Fold the puff pastry around the brie, ensuring it is completely enclosed. Pinch the seams to seal tightly.
  8. Egg Wash: Beat the egg and brush it over the puff pastry to achieve a golden, glossy finish during baking. Omit this step if making a vegan version.
  9. Bake: Position the wrapped brie seam-side down on a baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
  10. Toast Walnuts: While the brie bakes, lightly toast 0.25 cup of chopped walnuts in a dry pan over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and slightly browned. Remove from heat.
  11. Serve: Allow the baked brie to cool for 3-5 minutes before transferring it to a serving platter. Drizzle with additional honey, sprinkle with toasted walnuts, garnish with fresh thyme leaves, and finish with a pinch of flaky salt. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • You can substitute Camembert for brie if preferred.
  • For a vegan version, use coconut oil instead of butter, maple syrup instead of honey, omit the egg wash, and ensure the puff pastry is vegan-friendly.
  • Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness if you prefer a tangier caramelized apple taste.
  • If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme can be used but use less to avoid overpowering the apples.
  • Puff pastry should be handled cold for easier folding and better puff.
  • Let the baked brie rest after baking to avoid hot cheese spillage when cutting.
  • Walnuts can be toasted ahead of time and stored in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Keywords: Baked Brie, Caramelized Apples, Puff Pastry, Thyme, Appetizer, Holiday Recipe, Cheese Board

Find it online: https://tastemadebyclara.com/golden-baked-brie-with-caramelized-apples-and-thyme-bliss-recipe/