Brie en Croute

Brie en Croute Recipe - A Delicious French Dish

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 35-40 minutes | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Brie en Croute is a delicious and elegant dish that combines the creamy goodness of brie cheese with the flaky goodness of puff pastry. This dish is perfect for entertaining guests or for a special occasion.

History

Brie en Croute has its origins in French cuisine, where brie cheese is a popular and beloved ingredient. The combination of brie cheese and puff pastry creates a rich and decadent dish that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

2 x 4.5 oz (128 g) of herbed cheese (such as rondele or boursin)
2 tbsp of whipping cream
2 lb (907 g) wheel of brie cheese
1 lb (454 g) of frozen puff pastry
1 egg, beaten with 1 tsp of water
1 egg for wash

How to prepare

Mix the cream with the herbed cheese and spread it on top of the brie.
Roll out both sheets of puff pastry to 14" squares.
Place the brie in the center of the first square and cut a circle 2" larger than the brie.
Brush the pastry with the egg wash, then center the bottom of the brie on the pastry.
Make diagonal cuts in the edge of the pastry, brush with the egg wash if it becomes dry, and fold it against the side of the brie.
Diagonal slits will help the pastry fit better. Cut a second round of pastry from the other 14" square, egg wash it, and place it on top of the brie in the center.
Make more diagonal slits to fit.
Use the egg wash if necessary and firmly press the pastry dough to the sides of the brie.
With a sharp knife, trim the excess.
Take the scraps of pastry and make decorations, etc.
You may cover this and refrigerate overnight, or at this point, freeze it for up to 2 weeks before serving. Bring it to room temperature.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
Place it on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the pastry is golden.
Let it rest at room temperature for 2 hours before serving, or the cheese will be too soft to cut.
Serve this by cutting it into small wedges.

Variations

Add a layer of fig jam or caramelized onions before wrapping the brie in puff pastry for a sweet and savory twist.
Top the brie en croute with sliced almonds or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to let the brie come to room temperature before wrapping it in puff pastry. This will ensure that the cheese melts evenly and the pastry cooks properly.

- Be sure to seal the edges of the puff pastry tightly to prevent any cheese from leaking out during baking.

- Decorate the top of the brie en croute with any leftover pastry scraps to add a decorative touch to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Brie en Croute can be served as an appetizer or as a main course. It pairs well with a side salad or fresh fruit.

Cooking Techniques

Brie en Croute is baked in the oven until the puff pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of herbed cheese in place of the rondele or boursin cheese. You can also use a different type of cheese in place of the brie.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the brie en croute up to 2 weeks in advance and freeze it before baking. Simply bring it to room temperature before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the brie en croute on a platter with crackers, bread, and fresh fruit for a beautiful and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Brie en Croute pairs well with a crisp white wine or champagne.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of brie en croute in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Brie en Croute contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Brie en Croute contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Brie en Croute contains approximately 30 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Brie en Croute contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Brie en Croute is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

Brie en Croute contains dairy and gluten.

Summary

Brie en Croute is a rich and decadent dish that is high in fat and calories. It is best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

Brie en Croute is a delicious and decadent dish that is perfect for entertaining or for a special occasion. With its creamy brie cheese and flaky puff pastry, this dish is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was hooked. It was during a trip to France with my husband many years ago. We were strolling through a bustling market in Paris, when a vendor caught my eye with a display of beautiful cheeses. Among them was a wheel of brie, wrapped in golden puff pastry and baked to perfection.

I couldn't resist buying a slice to try, and as soon as I took my first bite, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself. The rich and creamy brie paired perfectly with the flaky, buttery pastry. It was a match made in culinary heaven.

I struck up a conversation with the vendor, who was kind enough to share his recipe with me. He explained that the key to a successful brie en croute was using high-quality brie and handling the pastry with care. He also suggested adding a touch of sweetness to balance out the richness of the cheese.

I returned home with the recipe in hand, eager to recreate the delicious dish for my family and friends. I gathered all the ingredients and set to work in my kitchen, rolling out the puff pastry and carefully wrapping the brie in its buttery embrace.

As the brie en croute baked in the oven, the scent of warm cheese and pastry filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. When it emerged golden brown and bubbling, I couldn't wait to dig in.

The first bite brought back memories of that bustling market in Paris, but this time I had the satisfaction of knowing that I had created something just as delicious in my own kitchen. My family and friends raved about the dish, and from that moment on, brie en croute became a staple at our gatherings.

Over the years, I have experimented with different variations of the recipe, adding ingredients like caramelized onions, fig jam, and toasted nuts to create new flavor profiles. Each time I make brie en croute, I am transported back to that market in Paris, where my love affair with this decadent dish began.

I have shared the recipe with many friends and family members, who have all fallen in love with the combination of creamy brie and flaky pastry. It has become a signature dish of mine, requested at every dinner party and holiday gathering.

As I look back on my culinary journey, I am grateful for the chance encounter with that vendor in Paris that sparked my passion for brie en croute. It has become more than just a recipe to me – it is a reminder of the joy that cooking and sharing food can bring.

And so, I continue to whip up batches of brie en croute, each one as delicious as the last. With each bite, I am reminded of the vibrant flavors and warm memories that this dish holds. It is a recipe that has brought me closer to my loved ones, and for that, I am forever grateful.