Description
Indulge in a decadent appetizer featuring a wheel of soft, ripened Brie cheese wrapped in flaky puff pastry and topped with sweet, slow-caramelized onions. This baked Brie with caramelized onions offers a perfect blend of creamy, savory, and sweet flavors, ideal for entertaining or a special treat.
Ingredients
Caramelized Onions
- 1 ½ pounds (2 large) sweet onions, julienne-cut into long, thin strips (1/4 to 1/8-inch wide)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon nonfat milk
Baked Brie
- 1 (8 oz.) sheet puff pastry, thawed 30 minutes or as per package instructions
- 1 (8 oz.) wheel of Brie soft-ripened cheese, rind intact, chilled
- 3/4 cup prepared caramelized onions
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In an extra-large, high-sided skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the julienned onions and sauté, tossing occasionally with tongs until they become translucent. Continue cooking and tossing as onions soften and start to develop color. Season with salt. Keep sautéing for a total of 90 minutes, patiently allowing the onions to reach a deep caramel color and rich flavor during the last 15 minutes. The volume will reduce to about ¾ cup. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg and nonfat milk together with a fork to create a smooth egg wash. Set aside.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a rimless baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet and roll it flat with a rolling pin.
- Assemble the Brie: Spoon the cooled caramelized onions onto the center of the pastry sheet in a circle that matches the diameter of the cheese wheel. Place the Brie wheel on top of the onions, topside down, fully covering them. Gently bring all sides of the pastry up and around the cheese until completely enclosed.
- Brush with Egg Wash and Bake: Invert the wrapped Brie so the seam is on the bottom. Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the entire surface of the pastry with egg wash. Discard any leftover egg wash. Place the wrapped Brie seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake until Golden: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crisp.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the baked Brie from the oven and transfer it to a serving platter. Allow it to rest for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with fresh strawberries, grapes, crackers, or crusty bread. Optionally, garnish with rosemary sprigs and pomegranate arils for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Caramelizing onions requires patience for optimal flavor and color; do not rush this step.
- Ensure puff pastry is thoroughly thawed before rolling for easier handling.
- Resting the baked Brie before slicing allows the cheese to set slightly, preventing excessive oozing.
- Pair with fresh fruits and crackers to balance the richness of the cheese.
- Optional garnishes such as rosemary and pomegranate arils add a festive touch but are not necessary.
