Name: Golden Baked Brie with Caramelized Apples and Thyme
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 2 large eggs; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 3/4 cup fresh strawberries, sliced; 3/4 cup fresh blueberries; Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

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Golden Baked Brie with Caramelized Apples and Thyme is one of my favorite appetizers when I want something warm, gooey, and elegant with very little effort. The creamy, melty brie wrapped in golden pastry pairs perfectly with the sweet caramelized apples and a touch of earthy thyme. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy enough for holidays or dinner parties, but it’s simple enough to make anytime.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this baked brie because it’s the perfect mix of savory and sweet, with soft cheese, flaky pastry, and a rich apple topping that makes every bite feel special. It looks impressive on a table, but it’s incredibly easy to pull together with just a few ingredients. Whether I’m serving it as a holiday starter, wine night snack, or a cozy treat, it always gets devoured fast.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Brie wheel (8–12 oz)
Puff pastry sheet, thawed
Apple, thinly sliced
Butter
Brown sugar or maple syrup
Fresh thyme leaves
Egg (for egg wash)
All-purpose flour (for dusting the surface)

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a skillet, I melt butter over medium heat and sauté the apple slices until they’re soft and golden, about 5–7 minutes.
I stir in brown sugar (or maple syrup) and thyme, letting it cook for another couple of minutes until everything is caramelized and fragrant. Then I let the mixture cool slightly.
On a lightly floured surface, I roll out the puff pastry just enough to fully wrap the brie.
I place the brie wheel in the center of the pastry, top it with the caramelized apples, and gently fold the pastry around it, sealing the edges.
I brush the wrapped brie with a beaten egg to help it bake up golden and glossy.
I transfer it to the baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
I let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so the cheese doesn’t spill out too quickly when sliced.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6–8 as an appetizer. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 20–25 minutes to bake, so it’s ready in around 40 minutes total.

Variations

Sometimes I add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the apple mixture for a bit of crunch. I’ve also used pears instead of apples for a more delicate flavor. If I want extra sweetness, I drizzle honey or fig jam over the apples before wrapping. And when I’m in a hurry, I skip the pastry and just bake the brie topped with the apples in a small dish.

Storage/Reheating

If there are leftovers (which is rare), I store them in the fridge, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm the brie in a 300°F oven until heated through—about 10–15 minutes. The pastry will soften, but it still tastes amazing.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. I assemble it, wrap it, and keep it in the fridge for a few hours before baking. I just wait to do the egg wash until right before it goes into the oven.

Do I need to peel the apples?

I usually don’t. The peel adds color and texture, but I do slice them thinly so they cook down easily.

Can I use crescent dough instead of puff pastry?

Yes, I’ve used crescent roll dough in a pinch. It’s a bit softer and less flaky, but still works well.

What kind of brie should I use?

I go for a double-cream wheel between 8 and 12 ounces. It melts beautifully and fits well inside the pastry.

What should I serve with baked brie?

I usually serve it with crackers, sliced baguette, or apple slices. It’s also great with a glass of wine or sparkling cider.

Conclusion

Golden Baked Brie with Caramelized Apples and Thyme is one of those dishes that feels indulgent and cozy all at once. I love how it brings together creamy cheese, buttery pastry, and sweet apples in one irresistible bite. Whether I’m entertaining guests or just treating myself, this baked brie never fails to steal the show.