This Baked Brie with Caramelized Onions is a warm and gooey treat that’s perfect for sharing! The creamy cheese pairs beautifully with the sweet, soft onions on top.
Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser! I love serving it with crusty bread for dipping. Just make sure to have extra snacks ready—you might end up eating almost the whole thing yourself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brie Cheese: This is the star of the dish! Brie has a creamy texture and mild flavor that melts beautifully. If you’re looking for a lower-cost option, you could use Camembert, which has a similar taste.
Puff Pastry: A flaky, buttery layer that makes this dish special. If you need a gluten-free alternative, try using a gluten-free pastry dough or even phyllo dough, but keep in mind it may alter the texture a bit.
Onions: Yellow onions are perfect for caramelizing due to their sweetness. If you want a bolder flavor, you can mix in some red onions or even shallots for a different twist!
Thyme: Fresh thyme adds a lovely aroma. If you don’t have it, dried thyme can work too, just use about 1/3 of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Brown Sugar: This enhances the sweetness of the onions. If you’re looking for a healthier option, honey or maple syrup can be good substitutes. Just remember to adjust quantities as needed!
How Do You Get Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions can be tricky, but here’s how to do it right! Start by slicing your onions evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate. Heating at medium-low allows the sugars to slowly develop without burning.
- Add oil or butter to the skillet, and once it’s hot, toss in the onions with a pinch of salt to help them release moisture.
- Stir occasionally, allowing them to cook for about 25-30 minutes until they’re deeply golden. If they start sticking, you can add a splash of water to deglaze the pan.
- In the last few minutes, sprinkle in the brown sugar to enhance the sweetness and add the garlic and thyme for flavor.
Patience is key here; don’t rush the process for the best results!
Baked Brie With Caramelized Onions
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brie:
- 1 wheel (about 8 oz) Brie cheese
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 1 garlic clove, minced
For Assembly:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving
- Optional: apple slices for garnish or dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes of baking, so you’re looking at around 45-50 minutes total. Perfect for a delicious appetizer that impresses!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions along with a pinch of salt. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and golden brown. This should take about 25-30 minutes. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the brown sugar and minced garlic, and sprinkle in the thyme leaves. Once done, remove from heat and let them cool a bit.
2. Prepare the Brie and Puff Pastry:
While the onions are cooling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If your puff pastry needs it, roll it out on a lightly floured surface just enough to fit the Brie wheel comfortably. Place the Brie right in the center of the pastry.
3. Assemble:
Now for the fun part! Spoon the caramelized onions right on top of the Brie. Fold the puff pastry upwards to wrap around the Brie and onions, pleating it as needed to cover as much as you can while leaving the top open with the onions looking pretty. If there’s any excess pastry, feel free to trim it off!
4. Brush and Decorate:
To make that beautiful golden color, brush the puff pastry with the beaten egg. Sprinkle a few more thyme leaves on top for that final touch!
5. Bake:
Transfer your wrapped Brie onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up nicely.
6. Serve:
Once it’s done, let it cool for about 5 minutes to allow the cheese to thicken slightly. Then, place the baked Brie on a serving board. Serve it warm with your favorite crackers, slices of toasted baguette, and those optional apple slices for dipping!
Enjoy this rich, creamy baked Brie with the sweet and savory caramelized onions—a perfect appetizer for any gathering!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Yes, you can! While Brie is the classic choice, Camembert is a similar alternative that works well. For a sharper flavor, try using a creamy blue cheese or goat cheese, though they may not melt quite the same way.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (although they are rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at a low temperature until just heated through to avoid drying it out.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the caramelized onions a day in advance and refrigerate them. Just assemble the Brie and puff pastry right before baking to ensure a crispy crust.
What Can I Serve with Baked Brie?
This dish pairs perfectly with a variety of accompaniments. Crackers, sliced baguette, and fresh apple slices are great choices. You can also add some fresh fruit or nuts on the serving board for extra flair!
