If youโre on the hunt for a dish thatโs both elegant and ridiculously simple to make, then let me introduce you to Lemon Curd Herbed Baked Brie. Imagine creamy, melty Brie cheese wrapped in golden puff pastry, with a zesty, slightly sweet lemon curd tucked inside and finished with fragrant herbsโtalk about a flavor explosion! Itโs the kind of appetizer thatโll have your guests coming back for more, asking how you managed to make something so delicious and beautiful with just a few ingredients.
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Whether itโs for a cozy night in, a fancy dinner party, or holiday gathering, this baked Brie is a total crowd-pleaser. I mean, who can resist warm, gooey cheese with a hint of citrus and fresh herbs? Trust me, this dish will have you hooked.
Why Youโll Love Lemon Curd Herbed Baked Brie
This recipe isnโt just about the ingredientsโitโs about creating those special moments. From the moment the cheese starts to melt in the oven to that first bite, itโs guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. Hereโs why itโs an absolute must-try:
Elegant Yet Easy: A showstopper that looks fancy but requires minimal effort. Itโs the perfect way to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Zesty & Fresh: The lemon curd adds a burst of brightness that balances the richness of the Brie, while the fresh herbs give it an aromatic kick. Itโs the perfect combo of savory, sweet, and tangy.
Versatile: Great for any occasion. Whether youโre serving it as an appetizer at a party, a cheese board addition, or simply enjoying it with crackers or fruit, this dish is incredibly versatile.
A Touch of Sweetness: The lemon curd adds just the right amount of sweetness, making it a wonderful contrast to the creamy cheese and crisp pastry.
Customizable: Feel free to adjust the herbs to your likingโrosemary, thyme, or even basil can change the flavor profile to suit your taste.
Ingredients in Lemon Curd Herbed Baked Brie
Letโs talk ingredients. You wonโt need a ton of fancy things for this recipeโjust some simple pantry staples, plus a few fresh touches that elevate it to something extraordinary:
Brie Cheese: The star of the dish. Soft, creamy, and indulgent. You can use a round or wheel of Brie for this recipe.
Puff Pastry: Light and flaky, puff pastry wraps the Brie perfectly and turns golden brown and crispy when baked.
Lemon Curd: This sweet and tart spread brings a refreshing citrus punch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy Brie.
Fresh Herbs (Thyme, Rosemary, or Sage): These herbs add that wonderful aromatic element, bringing an earthy fragrance and a bit of freshness to balance the richness.
Egg Wash: A simple egg wash to brush over the pastry gives it a gorgeous golden finish when baked.
Honey (Optional): A drizzle of honey adds an extra touch of sweetness and a lovely glaze to finish.
Instructions
Letโs dive into the steps to create this delicious dish:
Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Youโll want a hot oven to get that pastry crispy and golden.
Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Make sure itโs big enough to wrap around the Brie with some overlap. If you need to, trim any excess dough.
Assemble the Brie: Place the Brie in the center of the puff pastry. Spoon a generous amount of lemon curd on top of the Brie, making sure to cover the surface.
Add the Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle your fresh herbs over the lemon curd. You can go heavy-handed here, depending on how herby you like your dishes!
Wrap the Brie: Gently fold the edges of the puff pastry over the Brie, creating a little package. Press the seams together to seal it.
Egg Wash: Beat the egg and brush it over the top of the pastry to ensure a beautiful golden-brown crust when baking.
Bake to Perfection: Place the wrapped Brie on a baking sheet and bake for 25โ30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and crispy. The cheese inside should be perfectly melted and gooey.
Finishing Touches: Once itโs out of the oven, let it cool for a couple of minutes. This gives the cheese time to settle so you can slice into it without it running everywhere!
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the baked Brie warm with crackers, fresh fruit, or a loaf of crusty bread. Donโt forget to drizzle with honey for that extra touch of sweetness!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: Approximately 250 (varies by ingredients used)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Lemon Curd Herbed Baked Brie
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
Crackers or Crostini: Serve with a selection of crackers or thinly sliced, toasted baguette for dipping. A good crunchy base contrasts the smooth, creamy Brie.
Fresh Fruit: Sliced apples, pears, or grapes are the perfect balance to the richness of the cheese and the tang of the lemon curd.
Nuts: A handful of roasted walnuts, pecans, or almonds adds some extra texture and flavor that complements the cheese.
Honey: Drizzle some honey over the top after baking for a touch of sweetness and shine.
A Green Salad: Pair it with a light green salad for a bit of freshness and to balance out the richness of the Brie.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: You can assemble the baked Brie ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until youโre ready to bake. Just make sure to brush the pastry with the egg wash just before baking.
Herb Substitutions: If you donโt have rosemary or thyme, feel free to swap with other herbs like oregano or even a little fresh basil for a different twist.
Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked Brie wrapped in puff pastry for up to 1 month. Just bake it straight from the freezerโadd a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Lemon Curd Substitutes: If youโre not a fan of lemon curd, feel free to use orange marmalade or fig jam for a slightly different, but equally delicious, flavor.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use pre-made lemon curd?
A1: Absolutely! Store-bought lemon curd works perfectly here. Itโs a great shortcut when you want something quick and easy.
Q2: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A2: Sure! While Brie is traditional, you can swap it for Camembert or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can assemble it ahead and refrigerate it until youโre ready to bake. Just donโt brush the pastry with the egg wash until youโre about to bake.
Q4: What can I serve with it?
A4: Serve with crackers, crostini, fresh fruit, or a simple salad to balance the richness of the cheese.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 350ยฐF until warm.
Q6: Can I freeze this dish?
A6: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked Brie wrapped in pastry. Bake it straight from the freezer for a delightful, fresh dish anytime!
Q7: Can I use a different pastry?
A7: Yes! You can use phyllo dough for a lighter, crispier option, or even a savory pie crust if thatโs what you have on hand.
Q8: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A8: Definitely! This dish is already vegetarian. Just keep it meat-free and enjoy the goodness.
Q9: Can I skip the herbs?
A9: While the herbs add wonderful flavor, you can skip them if you prefer a simpler dish. The lemon curd and Brie are delicious on their own!
Q10: How do I know when the Brie is fully melted?
A10: When the puff pastry is golden and crispy, and you gently press the Brie, it should feel soft and squishy insideโperfectly melted!
Conclusion
This Lemon Curd Herbed Baked Brie is guaranteed to steal the spotlight at any gathering. With its crispy, golden puff pastry and gooey, melty cheese filling, itโs the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and herbaceous. Plus, itโs so easy to make, youโll wonder why you didnโt try it sooner. Go ahead, impress your friends, family, or yourselfโthis dish is worth every bite!
PrintLemon Curd Herbed Baked Brie
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon Curd Herbed Baked Brie is a savory-sweet appetizer featuring a creamy brie wheel wrapped in puff pastry, topped with tangy lemon curd, fresh rosemary, and thyme, then baked to golden perfection. Itโs the perfect balance of flavors for a crowd-pleasing dish!
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 8 ounce brie wheel
- 2 tablespoons homemade or store bought lemon curd
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, roughly minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme lemon leaves (regular fresh thyme also works!)
- Egg wash (1 egg yolk whisked together with 1 tablespoon water)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375ยบF (190ยบC).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Place the brie wheel in the center of the pastry.
- Spread the lemon curd evenly over the top of the brie wheel.
- Sprinkle the fresh rosemary and thyme over the lemon curd.
- Carefully fold the edges of the puff pastry over the brie, sealing it completely.
- Brush the outside of the pastry with the egg wash to give it a golden finish while baking.
- Place the wrapped brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed.
- Allow it to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with crackers or sliced baguette.
Notes
- For a more intense flavor, you can add a drizzle of honey over the top after baking.
- If you prefer, you can substitute the lemon curd with fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot for a different twist.
- Ensure the brie is soft enough to melt but not overly runny when baked.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg