Paula Deen Brie En Croute Recipe

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If you want to impress at your next gathering or simply indulge in a deliciously elegant treat, Paula Deen’s Brie en Croute is the perfect choice. This recipe effortlessly combines the creamy richness of Brie with the buttery, flaky puff pastry.

How To Make Paula Deen Brie En Croute At Home

I was really excited when I tried making it for the first time in my kitchen. As I watched the Brie transform into a gourmet treat encased in golden, flaky pastry, I couldn’t contain my excitement.

The aroma filled my kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that made the whole experience feel special.

Serving the Brie en Croute was a highlight of the evening. This wonderful recipe perfectly blends textures and flavors, making it a standout choice for entertaining or a cozy night in.

What's In The Post

Equipments Required

Oven: I preheat it to 350°F (175°C) to bake the Brie en Croute until the puff pastry is golden and crispy and the brie inside is melted.
Baking Sheet: To catch any drips and help it bake evenly, I put the wrapped brie on this.
Parchment Paper: To prevent the pastry from sticking and to make cleaning up easier, I line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
Rolling Pin: If the puff pastry isn’t pre-rolled, I use a rolling pin to get it just right for wrapping the Brie.
Knife: If I want the pastry to look nice, I use a knife to trim it and make any decorative cuts on top.
Pastry Brush: To give the puff pastry a shiny, golden color when it bakes, I brush the puff pastry using a pastry brush with egg wash.
Cutting Board: This is where I handle and prepare the Brie and pastry.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: I use these to measure any extra ingredients or seasonings.
Cooling Rack: After baking, I put the Brie en Croute on this to cool, which keeps the bottom from getting soggy.

Paula Deen Brie En Croute Ingredients And Substitutions

Note: The ingredients mentioned in this section make eight portions of Paula Deen’s Brie En Croute.

1/4 Cup Brown Sugar: I like using honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar. If I want something less sweet, coconut sugar or a sprinkle of granulated sugar works well, too.
1 Beaten Egg: When I’m not using eggs, I brush the pastry with milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond or soy milk. For a vegan option, I use a mix of water and a bit of cornstarch.
1 Small (8 oz) Wheel Brie Cheese: Although Brie is the main ingredient in this recipe when I can’t find it, I sometimes use Camembert for a similar texture and flavor. Goat cheese or semi-soft cheese like Havarti can also be a great alternative.
1 Tablespoon Unsalted Butter: I often substitute butter with olive oil or melted coconut oil. If I’m avoiding dairy, I use vegan butter.
1/2 Cup Chopped Walnuts: Pecans or almonds are my go-to replacements for walnuts. For a nut-free option, I use pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
1 Sheet (package comes with two sheets) Frozen Puff Pastry: If I don’t have puff pastry, I use phyllo dough layered with butter or a homemade pie crust
1/8 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: When I want a different flavor, I substitute cinnamon with a pinch of nutmeg or allspice. Sometimes, I skip the spices altogether, and it still tastes great.
Crackers, For Serving

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time	Cooking Time	Total Time
10 Minutes	20 Minutes	30 Minutes

How To Make Paula Deen Brie En Croute At Home

Step 1

Heat a generous amount of butter in a pan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly bubbling, add finely chopped walnuts. Sauté the walnuts, stirring occasionally, until they become fragrant and golden brown.

Step 2

Sprinkle in ground cinnamon and continue to cook for another minute, allowing the cinnamon to toast slightly and infuse its aroma into the walnuts. Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool.

Step 3

Once thawed, roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth it out. Place a wheel of brie cheese in the center of the rolled-out puff pastry. Spread an even layer of the roasted walnut and cinnamon mixture over the top of the brie.

Step 4

Carefully fold the edges of the puff pastry over the brie, completely encasing the cheese. Pinch and seal the edges to ensure the pastry is tightly wrapped around the brie. Beat an egg and brush it over the wrapped pastry to give it a golden, glossy finish during baking.

Step 5

Place the wrapped brie on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven (350°F) for 20-25 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown and the brie is melted inside.

Step 6

Allow the Brie en Croute to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the cheese set slightly and make it easier to slice. Serve with crackers, fresh fruit, or sliced baguette. Enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness with your favorite accompaniments.

Expert Tips That I Recommend

If I find puff pastry difficult to work with, I chill it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before handling it. This makes it much easier to shape and less likely to tear.
For a unique twist, I like to add a hint of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the fruit preserves. It really enhances the overall flavor.
Incorporating different nuts or seeds, such as pistachios, hazelnuts, or sunflower seeds, adds a unique crunch and flavor that makes the dish stand out.
I love garnishing with a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of balsamic reduction before serving. It enhances the flavors and adds a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
To avoid the puff pastry from becoming soggy, I recommend blind baking it for 5-10 minutes before wrapping the Brie in it.
I highly recommend rotating the baking tray midway through baking to ensure even browning.

FAQs About Paula Deen Brie En Croute

Why is your puff pastry soggy?

If your puff pastry turns out soggy, it could be due to excess moisture from the Brie or fruit preserves. To avoid this, make sure to drain any liquid from the preserves and thoroughly dry the Brie before wrapping it. Also, avoid overfilling the pastry.

Why did the Brie not melt properly?

If the Brie doesn’t melt as expected, there might be a few reasons. Ensure you’re using a good-quality Brie and it’s at room temperature before baking. Also, check that your oven is properly preheated to ensure even baking.

Why did the pastry not get crispy?

If the pastry isn’t as crispy as you’d like, it could be because it wasn’t baked long enough or the oven temperature was too low. Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature, and bake the Brie en Croûte until the pastry is a deep golden brown.

Why is your pastry browning too quickly?

If the pastry is browning too quickly, covering the edges with aluminum foil might help prevent burning while the inside continues to cook. You can also lower the oven temperature slightly and bake it a bit longer to ensure even cooking.

How can you prevent the pastry from sticking to the baking sheet?

To prevent the pastry from sticking, line your baking sheet with parchment paper before placing the Brie en Croûte on it. This will create a non-stick surface and make cleanup easier.

Why is your Brie en Croute not holding its shape?

If the Brie en Croûte is falling apart or not holding its shape, it may be because the pastry is not sealed properly. Make sure to seal all edges tightly, and consider using a little bit of egg wash to help with adhesion.

Should you keep the rind of the brie while baking it?

Yes, you should keep the rind on the Brie when baking it. The rind helps hold the cheese together as it melts, ensuring it doesn’t ooze out too much while baking. The rind is edible and will soften during baking, adding to the overall texture and flavor of the dish.

What can you do if the puff pastry tears while wrapping the brie?

If the puff pastry tears while wrapping the Brie, don’t worry! You can easily patch it up by taking a small piece of the leftover pastry and gently pressing it over the tear. If the pastry still looks uneven, you can use a rolling pin to smooth it out. Additionally, brushing the area with a little water or egg wash can help the patch adhere better. Once baked, the tear will be hardly noticeable, and your Brie en Croûte will still look and taste fantastic.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

Paula Deen’s Brie en Croute is not particularly healthy due to the high calorie, fat, and sodium content of the brie cheese and puff pastry. It’s best enjoyed as an occasional treat.

Calories	346 kcal
Carbohydrates	22 g
Protein	10 g
Fat	25 g
Saturated Fat	9 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	5 g
Monounsaturated Fat	10 g
Trans Fat	1 g
Cholesterol	49 mg
Sodium	264 mg
Potassium	111 mg
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	7 g
Vitamin A	203 IU
Vitamin C	1 mg
Calcium	72 mg
Iron	1 mg

Recipe Variations For Different Diets

Gluten-Free Diet: I swap out the traditional puff pastry for a gluten-free version. There are pre-made gluten-free options available, or I can make my own using a gluten-free flour blend.
Low-Carb Diet: For a low-carb version, I use a keto-friendly puff pastry alternative. There are some great low-carb options out there that fit well into my low-carb diet.
Vegan Diet: I replace the brie cheese with a vegan cheese alternative and use vegan puff pastry. Plant-based cheeses can quite well mimic the creamy texture of brie.
Reduced-Fat Diet: To reduce fat, I choose reduced-fat brie cheese or a lower-fat cheese alternative. I also use less puff pastry or look for a lighter version.
Lower-Sodium Diet: I go for a low-sodium brie cheese and a reduced-sodium puff pastry to lower the sodium content of the dish.

How To Store And Reheat Paula Deen Brie En Croute

Storage –

Refrigeration: After cooling completely, I wrap the Brie en Croute tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay good for about 3-4 days.
Freezing: To freeze, I wrap the cooled Brie en Croute tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. I can freeze it for up to 1-2 months. When ready to use, I thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating –

Oven: I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C). I place the Brie en Croute on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to avoid over-browning. I reheat it in the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until heated. I check to make sure it’s warm in the center before serving.

Printable Version

More Paula Deen Recipes That You Can Try

Scalloped Potatoes On Surface — Paula Deen Scalloped Potatoes

Paula Deen Chicken Salad Recipe — Paula Deen Scalloped Potatoes

Conclusion

So, are you ready to elevate your next meal with irresistible creamy Brie en Croute? Try this recipe and bring the delicious taste of Paula Deen’s Brie en Croute right into your kitchen.

Don’t forget to share your creations and any unique twists you add to the recipe. I’d love to hear how they turn out and what serving suggestions you enjoy the most. Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite.