This Baked Brie with Caramelized Onions is a cozy treat that combines creamy cheese with sweet, tender onions. It’s perfect for impressing your friends or just yourself!
Let’s be real, who can resist warm, melted cheese? I always keep some bread nearby to scoop up every gooey bite. It’s like a cheesy hug for your taste buds! 🧀❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brie Cheese: The star of this dish! Brie has a creamy texture and rich flavor. If you can’t find Brie, Camembert is a great substitute for a similar experience.
Onions: Yellow onions work best for caramelizing due to their natural sweetness. You can use sweet onions like Vidalia, or even red onions for a different flavor profile.
Puff Pastry: This gives a flaky texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, phyllo dough is fine but takes longer to wrap. You could skip pastry altogether and serve the Brie plain with just the onions on top, too.
Fresh Thyme: Thyme enhances the flavor of onions and cheese. If you’re out, dried thyme can work, but use less since it’s stronger. Alternatively, rosemary is a nice twist!
How Can I Get My Onions Perfectly Caramelized?
Caramelizing onions takes patience but is totally worth it! Slow and low is the key. Start by heating butter and oil in your skillet over medium heat.
- Once hot, add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally for 20 minutes, letting them soften.
- Once soft, add brown sugar and thyme, then keep cooking for another 10-15 minutes until they turn golden brown. The sugar enhances the sweetness!
- Remember, if they start to stick, add a splash of water or a bit more oil to help them along.
With a little practice, you’ll master the art of caramelized onions! They make a perfect topping for the Brie.
Baked Brie With Caramelized Onions
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cheese:
- 1 round (8 oz) Brie cheese wheel
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For Serving:
- Baguette slices or toasted bread
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook, plus a few minutes of cooling time. So, in total, you can have this wonderful Baked Brie ready to serve in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
In a large skillet, heat the unsalted butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once melted and hot, add in the thinly sliced onions and sprinkle a pinch of salt over them. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 20 minutes, or until the onions start to soften and turn translucent.
2. Finish the Onions:
Next, add the brown sugar and fresh thyme leaves to the onions. Continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes, stirring more often. You want the onions to be deeply golden and caramelized. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Once caramelized, remove the skillet from heat and set the onions aside.
3. Prepare the Brie:
If you like a gooey cheese experience, carefully remove the top rind of the Brie wheel. This step is optional, but it allows for the cheese to ooze out more when baked!
4. Assemble the Pastry:
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface if it isn’t already rolled out. Place the Brie in the center of the pastry and top it generously with the caramelized onions.
5. Enclose the Cheese:
Fold the puff pastry up over the Brie and caramelized onions, creating pleats as needed. Make sure to completely enclose the cheese and onions so they don’t escape while baking.
6. Brush for Shine:
Brush the entire pastry with the beaten egg to give it a beautiful golden color once baked.
7. Bake the Brie:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the wrapped Brie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the Brie from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Transfer it to a serving platter and garnish with extra fresh thyme if desired.
9. Dig In!
Serve warm with toasted baguette slices or crunchy crackers. Enjoy the luscious melted Brie mingled with sweet and savory caramelized onions!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Brie is traditional, you can use Camembert for a similar texture and flavor. For a sharper taste, try a soft goat cheese or a rich Havarti. Just ensure they melt well!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until melted, but be careful not to overheat it!
Can I Make This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the caramelized onions and assemble the Brie in puff pastry a few hours ahead of time. Just store it wrapped in the fridge until you are ready to bake it. Add a little extra time if baking straight from the fridge!
Can I Add More Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, dried fruit such as cranberries or figs, or even a drizzle of honey can elevate the flavors and add texture!
