3-Ingredient Brie and Jam Puff Pastry Bites

I love an easy appetizer, and this baked brie and jam wrapped in puff pastry — also known as brie en croûte — is one of my favorites. With just a wheel of brie, a sheet of frozen puff pastry, and your favorite preserves, you can create a melty, creamy, sweet-and-savory appetizer that’s flaky and impressive with minimal effort. It’s a crowd-pleaser and comes together in minutes, making it perfect for dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or casual entertaining.

If it’s been a while since you made a puff pastry appetizer, this is a great reintroduction. Brie en croûte is simply a wheel of brie wrapped in flaky pastry and baked until golden brown. Traditionally you might make the pastry from scratch, but using store-bought puff pastry keeps things quick and stress-free while still delivering that irresistible buttery flakiness.

One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Spread fig jam, raspberry preserves, apricot, or even red pepper jelly on top of the cheese before wrapping. For a savory twist, swap the jam for caramelized onions or olive tapenade, or add a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of toasted walnuts or pecans. Small additions like fresh thyme or a few cracked peppercorns can elevate the flavor without adding work.

3 things you’ll need

To make baked brie en croûte you only need three main ingredients: a quality wheel of brie cheese (or a triple crème for an extra-rich result), a sheet of puff pastry from the freezer aisle, and a jar of jam or preserves. I like fig jam for its deep, complex sweetness, but fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot work beautifully. For a spicy contrast, try pepper jelly or a red pepper preserve.

Optional: an egg for an egg wash will give the pastry a glossy, golden finish, but it’s not required for flavor.

Make this recipe

Tip: seal the pastry edges tightly so the filling doesn’t leak. If the pastry is warm and not sticking, moisten the edges with a bit of water or egg wash to help seal them.

Baked Brie and Jam in Puff Pastry — Quick Recipe Details

Yield: 8 servings • Prep time: 5 minutes • Cook time: 35–40 minutes • Total time: about 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry (preferably all-butter, about 9 oz / 250 g)
• All-purpose flour for dusting, if needed
• 1 (8 oz / 226 g) wheel of brie cheese
• 1/2 cup jam or preserves of choice (about 160 g)
• 1 egg (optional, for egg wash)

Equipment

• Rolling pin
• Sheet pan lined with parchment paper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll the puff pastry into an 11×11-inch square. The goal is to have enough pastry to wrap the brie fully.
3. Place the wheel of brie in the center of the pastry. Spoon the preserves onto the top of the brie and spread gently.
4. Fold the pastry corners up and over the brie, pinching and pressing the seams to seal. Aim for a neat shape but don’t worry about perfection — a rustic look is fine. If the pastry becomes too soft, chill the wrapped brie in the refrigerator for 10–30 minutes to firm it up; cold pastry bakes into flakier layers.
5. If using, whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water and brush the outside of the pastry to create a shiny, golden crust.
6. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the pastry is deep golden-brown. Allow the baked brie to rest for 5–10 minutes so the cheese firms slightly before serving.

Serving ideas

Baked brie pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. If you used a fruit jam, serve it with fresh fruits like apple slices, grapes, or berries, as well as crackers or crostini. For more savory preserves such as red pepper jelly or caramelized onion jam, offer crusty bread, olives, or seasoned nuts. A few extra garnishes like a drizzle of honey, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of fresh thyme can add texture and visual appeal.

Prep in advance

You can prepare this appetizer ahead of time: assemble the brie in the pastry, wrap it tightly, cover, and refrigerate for up to one day. When you’re ready, brush with egg wash if desired and bake following the instructions. This makes it an excellent make-ahead option for entertaining.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it went — leave a rating or note so others can discover how you served it. Enjoy!

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Notes and tips

• Choose a quality brie for the best texture and flavor. A triple crème will yield an extra-creamy center.
• Try different jams and preserves to change the flavor profile — fig, raspberry, apricot, and pepper jelly all work well.
• Add texture with chopped toasted nuts, or brighten the dish with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
• The egg wash is optional; it only affects appearance, not flavor.