Description
Brie en Croûte with Lemon Curd and Fresh Herbs is an elegant and delicious appetizer perfect for any special occasion. The creamy, melty brie is wrapped in puff pastry and baked until golden brown, then topped with a sweet and tangy lemon curd and fresh herbs. It’s a beautiful combination of flavors and textures that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Brie en Croûte:
- 1 wheel of brie cheese (8–10 oz), preferably with a smooth, creamy texture
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)
For the Lemon Curd:
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Fresh Herbs:
- Fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil (choose your favorite, finely chopped)
Instructions
- Make the lemon curd:
In a small saucepan, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, granulated sugar, and egg yolks over medium heat. Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and reaches a custard-like consistency (about 5-7 minutes). Once thickened, remove from heat and whisk in the cubed butter and salt until smooth. Allow the curd to cool. - Prepare the brie:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Place the brie in the center of the pastry. If desired, you can trim the edges of the brie to make it more uniform in shape. - Wrap the brie in puff pastry:
Fold the edges of the puff pastry up over the brie, pressing gently to seal. Ensure that the brie is completely encased in the pastry. If there is excess pastry, trim it off, leaving enough to cover the cheese. Brush the top of the pastry with the beaten egg to give it a golden finish when baked. - Bake the brie:
Place the wrapped brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crisp. You can check for doneness by pressing gently on the pastry to see if it’s firm, indicating that the brie has melted inside. - Serve:
Allow the brie to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Slice open the top of the pastry to reveal the melty cheese inside. Spoon some of the lemon curd over the brie, then sprinkle with finely chopped fresh herbs. Garnish with sprigs of fresh thyme for a finishing touch. - Enjoy:
Serve immediately with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh fruit. This dish is perfect as an appetizer for holiday gatherings, parties, or elegant dinner parties.
Notes
- Herb variations: While fresh thyme and rosemary are common choices, you can also experiment with fresh basil or even tarragon to customize the flavor profile of your brie en croûte.
- Make-ahead: The lemon curd can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the brie en croûte in advance, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
- Cheese options: You can use a different soft cheese like camembert or goat cheese if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of the recipe)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg