Baked Brie With Apples & Honey Recipe

Prepare garlic

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top 1/4 off the garlic head to expose the cloves. Place on a small piece of foil, drizzle with 1 tsp olive oil, sprinkle a pinch of salt, wrap the foil tightly and place in a small ovenproof dish.

Roast for 35-40 minutes until cloves are very soft and golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. When cool enough to handle, squeeze roasted garlic cloves from skins into a small bowl and mash into a paste with a fork. Set aside.

Prepare apples

While garlic roasts, core and thinly slice the Granny Smith apples (about 1/8-1/4 in slices). Toss slices immediately with 1 tsp lemon juice to prevent browning.

In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tbs unsalted butter. Add apple slices, 1 tbs brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Sauté 5-7 minutes until apples are tender but still hold shape and sugar has turned syrupy. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Slice the baguette into 1/4 - 1/2 inch slices. Arrange on a baking sheet, brush or rub lightly with 2 tsp olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of salt.

Bake in the 400°F (200°C) oven for 6-8 minutes, flipping once, until edges are golden and crisp. Remove and cool. These can be made ahead and kept at room temperature.

Prep oven and pastry

Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour a work surface and roll the thawed puff pastry to smooth seams and make sure it's roughly large enough to wrap the brie (about 10x10 in).

Prepare brie

If desired, trim a thin slice off the bottom rind of the brie so it sits flat. On the center of the pastry, place the brie wheel. Spread the roasted garlic paste over the top of the brie, leaving a small border of rind if you prefer. Spoon 1-2 tbs of the prepared sautéed apples over the garlic on top of the brie (reserve remaining apples for serving).

Fold the puff pastry up and over the brie, sealing seams underneath. Trim any excess pastry and use extra trimmed pieces to decorate the top if desired (leaves, braids). Pinch seams to seal.

Egg wash

Whisk the egg with 1 tsp water to make an egg wash. Brush the entire pastry-wrapped brie with egg wash, making sure to cover seams and decorations to achieve even browning.

Bake

Place the wrapped brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown and puffed. If pastry browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.

Remove from oven and let rest 5-7 minutes—this helps the cheese set slightly so it doesn’t all run out when cut.

Finish & serve

Transfer the baked brie to a serving board. Spoon remaining sautéed apples around or on top. Drizzle 2 tbs spicy honey over the top and offer extra honey at the table. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and a light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve with crostini for spreading.