Brie En Croute Stuffed With Olives & Roasted Peppers
Description: Delight in the luxurious simplicity of this Brie En Croute stuffed with black olives and roasted peppers—a personal favorite appetizer that effortlessly adapts to both sweet and savory variations. Inspired by “Enchanted Evenings” by John Hadamuscin, this recipe is perfect for any occasion, adding a touch of elegance to your table with minimal fuss. 🍇🧀
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 oz black olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 wheel Brie cheese (approx. 8 oz)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Brie: Begin by slicing the Brie cheese horizontally in half, creating a top and bottom layer. This will allow the delicious fillings to be nestled between the two halves.
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Add the Fillings: Evenly scatter the chopped black olives and roasted peppers over the bottom half of the Brie. Gently place the top half of the Brie over the filled bottom half, pressing slightly to ensure the fillings are secured within.
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Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to form a 12-inch circle. Carefully trim the edges to create a neat round shape.
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Assemble the Brie: Place the filled Brie in the center of the rolled-out puff pastry. Lift the edges of the pastry up and around the Brie, ensuring that the cheese is completely encased.
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Secure and Decorate: Gather the excess pastry at the top, twist to seal, and tie it with kitchen string to create a charming pouch. Arrange the pastry edges attractively on top of the Brie to enhance presentation.
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Chill: Wrap the pastry-wrapped Brie in plastic wrap and refrigerate until you are ready to bake it. This step helps to keep the shape intact and ensures a crisp pastry.
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Bake: About 45 minutes before serving, remove the plastic wrap from the Brie. Place the wrapped cheese on a lightly greased baking sheet. Allow the pastry to come to room temperature while you preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the pastry with a beaten egg to achieve a golden, glossy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the Brie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. This cooling period ensures that the cheese sets slightly, making it easier to slice.
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Serve: Slice the Brie into small wedges and serve with an assortment of fruit slices, baguette pieces, or your favorite crackers. The creamy, melted cheese paired with the crisp pastry and flavorful fillings makes for an exquisite appetizer.
Variations:
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Cheese: Substitute the olives with sun-dried tomatoes and add a layer of Asiago or Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Prosciutto and Mushrooms: Incorporate prosciutto and sautéed mushrooms for a rich, savory twist.
- Nutty and Fruity: Experiment with roasted chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts, combined with apples or pears and a sprinkle of sugar and cinnamon for a sweet touch.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 268.5
- Fat: 20.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 8.1 g
- Cholesterol: 69.9 mg
- Sodium: 282.2 mg
- Carbohydrates: 13.3 g
- Fiber: 0.6 g
- Sugar: 0.4 g
- Protein: 8.6 g
Indulge in this elegant appetizer and experience the perfect blend of creamy Brie, savory olives, and vibrant roasted peppers, all enveloped in flaky puff pastry. Whether serving at a special gathering or enjoying a casual get-together, this dish is sure to impress and delight. 🌟🧀🍷
