Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a showstopper with minimal effort. It’s incredibly versatile, using simple ingredients to create a warm, cheesy, and herbaceous dish that feels luxurious. Whether served at a holiday gathering, a dinner party, or as a weekend indulgence, this baked puff pastry is always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of crispy pastry, creamy melted cheese, and aromatic rosemary makes it unforgettable.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Puff pastry sheet, thawed
- Wheel of brie, camembert, or other soft cheese
- Fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- Honey or fig jam (optional, for sweetness)
- Egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- All-purpose flour (for dusting the surface)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to slightly flatten and expand it, if needed.
- Add the Cheese: Place the wheel of cheese in the center of the pastry. Sprinkle rosemary on top and drizzle with honey or fig jam if using.
- Wrap and Seal: Fold the corners of the pastry over the cheese, trimming any excess if necessary. Press to seal and flip the wrapped cheese so the seam side is down.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the outside of the pastry with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake: Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool Slightly and Serve: Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to settle. Serve warm with crackers, fresh fruit, or sliced baguette.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6–8 (as an appetizer)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Sweet & Savory: Add chopped nuts and dried cranberries along with the rosemary for extra texture and flavor.
- Garlic Infusion: Mix a touch of minced garlic into the rosemary for a bold, aromatic kick.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or hot honey for a spicy contrast.
- Vegan Version: Use vegan puff pastry and a dairy-free cheese wheel for a plant-based option.
- Different Cheeses: Swap brie for camembert, goat cheese, or even blue cheese for a unique twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through and the pastry re-crisps. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy and unevenly heat the cheese.
FAQs
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Brie is the most common choice, but camembert or any soft, meltable cheese with a rind will work well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the pastry up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best results.
Is egg wash necessary?
It’s optional, but it gives the pastry a beautiful golden sheen and helps with browning.
Can I use frozen puff pastry?
Yes, just be sure it’s fully thawed before using to prevent cracking and uneven baking.
How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
Ensure the pastry is sealed tightly around the cheese and placed seam-side down on the baking sheet.
What can I serve this with?
Serve with sliced baguette, crackers, apple slices, grapes, or a side of jam or honey.
Can I add toppings inside the pastry?
Yes, toppings like honey, jam, nuts, or herbs can be added before wrapping the cheese for extra flavor.
How do I tell when it’s done baking?
The pastry should be golden brown and puffed. If the cheese starts to ooze slightly, it’s ready.
Can I freeze it?
It’s best baked fresh, but you can freeze the assembled, unbaked pastry for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding 5–10 extra minutes.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Traditional puff pastry is not gluten-free, but you can find gluten-free versions to use as a substitute.
Conclusion
Baked Puff Pastry with Melted Cheese and Rosemary is a warm, inviting dish that’s as easy to make as it is impressive to serve. With its buttery, crisp crust and gooey, herb-infused center, it’s the kind of appetizer that disappears fast. Whether for entertaining or indulging, this recipe delivers elegance, comfort, and irresistible flavor in every bite.
PrintBaked Puff Pastry with Melted Cheese and Rosemary
Baked Puff Pastry with Melted Cheese and Rosemary is a warm, elegant appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry wrapped around creamy melted brie and aromatic rosemary. Perfect for gatherings, it’s rich, savory, and effortlessly impressive.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 wheel brie or camembert cheese (8 oz)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp honey or fig jam (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dusting surface)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry slightly to expand. Place the cheese wheel in the center.
- Top the cheese with chopped rosemary and drizzle with honey or fig jam if using.
- Fold the pastry over the cheese to enclose it, trimming excess if needed. Press to seal and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Brush the top and sides of the pastry with beaten egg.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with crackers, fruit, or sliced baguette.
Notes
- Add chopped pecans and dried cranberries inside for sweet crunch.
- Mix minced garlic into the rosemary for bold flavor.
- Top with a sprinkle of sea salt or red pepper flakes before baking.
- Assemble ahead and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours.
- Use gluten-free puff pastry and vegan cheese for dietary adaptations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of wheel
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg