Baked Brie Phyllo Delight

This baked Brie wrapped in phyllo dough is an effortless way to impress guests with a warm, melty center and a crisp, golden exterior. Perfect for celebrations or a cozy night at home, it combines simplicity with elegance using just a few quality ingredients. The honey drizzle adds a sweet finish that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese, making it a favorite appetizer that always disappears quickly.

I first made this on New Year’s Eve when we skipped parties for a quiet evening at home. It quickly became the showstopper of our snack table and now everyone asks me to bring it to gatherings.

Ingredients

• Brie cheese: One 16ounce wheel of Brie cheese fresh and slightly cool for easier handling
• Phyllo dough: Six sheets of thawed phyllo dough keep covered with a damp towel when working to prevent drying and cracking
• Unsalted butter: Six tablespoons of unsalted butter melted to brush on the phyllo for crispness and richness
• Honey: Two tablespoons of honey to drizzle on top before wrapping for sweetness that balances the cheese
• Reserved honey: An additional two tablespoons of honey reserved for finishing just before serving adds shine and an extra touch of flavor

Instructions

Prepare the Work Surface and Phyllo:

Unroll the thawed sheets of phyllo dough gently on a clean surface. Cover them with a barely damp towel during preparation to keep them soft and workable.

Layer and Butter the Phyllo Sheets:

Place one sheet flat on your work area and brush generously with melted butter. Add the next sheet slightly rotated on top and brush that with butter as well. Continue this process until all six sheets are stacked and buttered evenly. This creates multiple flaky layers that bake up beautifully.

Assemble the Brie Parcel:

Position the Brie wheel in the center of the stacked phyllo. Drizzle two tablespoons of honey evenly over the Brie surface. Fold the edges of the phyllo dough gently around the cheese, pleating to form a snug parcel that holds everything securely.

Bake Until Golden:

Transfer the parcel carefully seam side up onto a parchmentlined baking sheet. Bake in an oven preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for 25 to 30 minutes. Watch for a rich golden brown color on the phyllo indicating it’s perfectly crisp and cooked through.

Add Final Touches and Serve:

Remove the baked Brie from the oven and let it rest for five to ten minutes. This short cooling period allows the cheese inside to set just enough for cleaner slicing. Transfer to a serving dish and drizzle the reserved honey over the top. Serve warm with crackers, fresh fruit, or toasted nuts.

My favorite part is folding the phyllo around the Brie it reminds me of wrapping gifts during holiday baking marathons with my family. The anticipation builds as you tuck in each delicate fold before baking.

Storage Tips

Cool the baked Brie completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store in the refrigerator and consume within two days for optimal freshness. Reheat gently at low temperature to preserve the flaky crust.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap honey with fig jam for a fruity, slightly earthy sweetness that elevates the flavor profile. Use extra virgin olive oil instead of butter for a lighter, crispier phyllo crust with a subtle savory note. Replace Brie with Camembert cheese for a deeper, earthier taste while maintaining that gooey center.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crisp crackers, sliced apples, pears, or fresh grapes for contrasting textures and flavors. Garnish with fresh thyme, rosemary, or chopped toasted nuts for an herbaceous or crunchy touch. Pair with sparkling wine or a dry white like Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness.

Serve warm and enjoy the contrast of flaky phyllo and gooey cheese. It’s an easy impressive appetizer for gatherings.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ How to prevent phyllo dough from tearing?

Work quickly and keep unused sheets covered with a damp towel. If tears occur, patch with another sheet and continue buttering to maintain integrity.

→ Can I prepare the Brie parcel in advance?

Yes, assemble up to 4 hours before and refrigerate. Bake just before serving to keep the pastry crisp and cheese melty.

→ What if cheese leaks during baking?

Seal phyllo edges tightly and patch holes before baking. Use parchment paper to catch any leaks and prevent mess.

→ Why does phyllo brown unevenly?

Uneven butter brushing or oven hotspots cause patchy browning. Brush each layer thoroughly and rotate the baking tray halfway through.

→ What are good topping options?

Try chopped toasted nuts, dried cranberries, or a thin layer of fruit preserves for added texture and flavor before wrapping.