Baked Brie

This recipe is easy, beautiful and vicious. Oh, yes! Very.
Usually baked brie is made with puff pastry. Personally I find that combination too rich… The cheese is already creamy enough, with the added toppings it becomes insane!! So I was looking for something to wrap the cheese in, that can be beautifully golden and crispy, but light enough not to interfere with the brie… Filo dough! I tried this recipe yesterday, and from the reaction and addictive behavior it generated… I know it’s a keeper. The idea is to bake the cheese, so it melts and you can enjoy it with bread, crackers, sliced apples etc… My combination includes honey, pecan and thyme, but feel free to create your own. It can be made with jam or maple syrup, other nuts for crunch and the fresh herb of your liking…

I would love to know if you try it, so feel free to leave a message in the “comments” section below.

Bon Appétit! 

Baked Brie

credits: Rafaella Sargi
serves 1 or 6 if you are willing to share! :)

Ingredients
 4 filo dough sheets
1 (8 oz / 225 g) whole Brie wheel
2 tablespoon Honey
 ¼ cup pecan, roughly chopped
3 sprigs of fresh thyme (whole or finely chopped)
Freshly ground black pepper
Olive Oil

Directions
 Heat the oven 350F (175C).
Prep all the ingredients, before starting to work! You have to do this quickly so the filo dough doesn’t dry out and brake when working with it.
You will need a sheet pan lined with aluminum (to catch any drippings… it will be easier to clean!) 

Place the 4 filo dough sheets on the sheet pans, trying to form a circle or “sun” shape: the filo dough sheets are one on top of the other, each with a 45 degree twisting from the one below... Place the whole Brie in the center (do NOT cut the cheese, nor remove the rind). Drizzle with the honey and season with freshly ground black pepper. Add the chopped pecan and the fresh thyme. Bring back the filo dough sheets to cover the cheese and topping. Make sure it’s as sealed as possible… You should end up with the Brie fully wrapped in filo dough. Drizzle a little bit of olive oil on top and put in the oven for 20 minutes or until golden. 

Transfer to a serving platter, and serve hot with bread, crackers, apple slices or anything your imagination dictates!