Lemon Curd Herbed Baked Brie Recipe
Get ready to delight your taste buds and wow your guests with this irresistible Lemon Curd Herbed Baked Brie! This dreamy appetizer takes the gooey goodness of brie to the next level with a swirl of tangy lemon curd, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and golden puff pastry baked to perfection. Sweet, herby, buttery, and unapologetically decadent, every bite is pure joy. Whether you’re planning a festive gathering or simply want to treat yourself, Lemon Curd Herbed Baked Brie brings an elegant, playful twist to the party table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how just a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients can turn into something this spectacular. Each element in Lemon Curd Herbed Baked Brie plays a crucial role, whether it’s to add creaminess, fragrance, brightness, or a pop of color.
- Brie cheese (8-ounce wheel): This creamy, mild cheese becomes perfectly gooey and luscious when baked – it’s truly the star of our show.
- Lemon curd (2 tablespoons): Adds a beautifully tangy citrus punch that dances against the rich brie, making every bite unforgettable.
- Fresh thyme leaves (1 teaspoon): Gives a delicate earthiness and a whisper of garden-fresh aroma that beautifully complements the lemon and cheese.
- Chopped fresh rosemary (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a piney depth and a subtle herbal note that balances the sweetness and richness.
- Lemon zest (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses bright color and fresh citrus fragrance, amplifying that lovely lemon flavor.
- Honey (1 tablespoon, optional): For those who love a touch of added sweetness, a drizzle of honey brings warmth and gorgeous shine.
- Puff pastry sheet (1, thawed if frozen): Bakes up crisp and flaky, enveloping the brie in a golden, buttery crust that crackles beautifully when sliced.
- Egg (1, beaten for egg wash): Brushed on top for an irresistible glossy, golden finish that looks every bit as scrumptious as it tastes.
- Crackers or sliced baguette (for serving): Handy dippers that help scoop up all that molten, savory-sweet cheese goodness.
How to Make Lemon Curd Herbed Baked Brie
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This gives the puff pastry a blast of heat, ensuring it turns divinely crisp and golden. Lay your thawed puff pastry out on a clean work surface and have a baking sheet lined with parchment paper ready to go for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Zesty Topping
In a small bowl, stir together the lemon curd, fresh thyme, rosemary, and lemon zest. This little blend brings lively citrus flavor and fragrant herbal notes that transform simple baked brie into something truly extraordinary. If you have a sweet tooth, go ahead and stir in a drizzle of honey here for an extra-special touch.
Step 3: Assemble the Brie
Place your wheel of brie right in the center of the puff pastry. Gently spread the prepared lemon curd and herb mixture evenly over the top of the cheese, letting the curd spill just to the edges. That glossy golden layer is the secret to each gooey bite bursting with bright and savory flavor.
Step 4: Wrap It Up
Carefully fold the puff pastry up and over the brie, trimming any extra corners for a neat package. Pinch the edges together to seal them, then gently flip the entire bundle so the seam is underneath. This keeps all those delicious juices tucked inside as everything bakes.
Step 5: Finish and Bake
Transfer the wrapped brie to your prepared baking sheet. Brush the top and sides with beaten egg for that glorious golden finish. Slide it into the oven and let it bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and beautifully golden brown.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove your Lemon Curd Herbed Baked Brie from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes – this helps the cheese firm up just enough so you’ll get perfect slices without losing all that fabulous filling. Serve warm right away, surrounded by crackers or sliced baguette for scooping.
How to Serve Lemon Curd Herbed Baked Brie
Garnishes
You can easily elevate your Lemon Curd Herbed Baked Brie with a few thoughtful garnishes. Scatter a few fresh thyme sprigs or lemon zest curls over the top for a burst of color and fragrance. If you used honey in the filling, an extra drizzle just before serving adds both shine and a touch of indulgence that no one can resist.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded spread, pair your brie with crisp apple slices, seedless grapes, or a simple arugula salad—the peppery greens are a knockout with the creamy cheese. A rustic baguette or multigrain crackers add just the right crunchy contrast to the melty center.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your appetizer table by serving the baked brie on a wooden board, surrounded by edible flowers, colorful fruit, and a medley of crackers. Or for a more rustic vibe, skip the pastry and bake your Lemon Curd Herbed Baked Brie with its herbed lemon topping in a pretty oven-safe dish, letting guests scoop it out by the spoonful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (no guarantee there!), wrap your cooled Lemon Curd Herbed Baked Brie snugly in plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it an indulgent snack or quick appetizer later in the week.
Freezing
While freshly baked is best, you can freeze the assembled (but unbaked) Brie for future entertaining. Wrap tightly in plastic and a layer of foil, then freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready, bake straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time until the pastry is golden and the cheese melted.
Reheating
To reheat, place the leftover brie on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is gooey again and the pastry refreshes its crispness. Avoid the microwave, which can make the crust soggy and compromise those luscious textures.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese for this recipe?
Brie is classic for its mild flavor and oozy texture, but you can absolutely try this with a wheel of camembert for a deeper mushroomy note. Just be sure to stick with soft, ripened cheeses that melt well.
Do I need to remove the rind from the Brie?
Nope! The rind is completely edible and helps the brie hold its shape as it bakes. It also adds a touch of earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the lemon and herbs in Lemon Curd Herbed Baked Brie.
Can I make Lemon Curd Herbed Baked Brie ahead of time?
Yes! You can fully assemble the brie in advance, wrap it up, and chill it in the fridge for several hours or overnight. Simply bake it off when guests arrive for bubbly, melty perfection.
Is store-bought lemon curd okay to use?
Absolutely! Store-bought lemon curd is deliciously convenient and works beautifully in this recipe. If you love to make things from scratch, homemade lemon curd amps up the flavor even more.
What if I don’t have puff pastry?
No worries—just bake the brie (topped with the lemon curd and herbs) in a small oven-safe dish for a delightfully rustic version. Serve with plenty of bread or crackers for scooping.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a crowd-pleaser with a citrusy twist, you’ll fall hard for Lemon Curd Herbed Baked Brie. Every oozy, fragrant bite feels like a celebration. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your signature appetizer—go ahead and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to something truly unforgettable!
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Lemon Curd Herbed Baked Brie Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Lemon Curd Herbed Baked Brie, a perfect appetizer that combines the creaminess of Brie with the zesty freshness of lemon and herbs, all wrapped in crispy puff pastry.
Ingredients
Brie:
- 1 (8-ounce) wheel of Brie cheese
Lemon Curd Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons lemon curd
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Crackers or sliced baguette (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Prepare Brie: Place the Brie wheel in the center of the puff pastry sheet.
- Mix Lemon Curd: In a small bowl, mix lemon curd, thyme, rosemary, and lemon zest. Spread over the Brie.
- Optional Honey: Drizzle honey over the top for added sweetness.
- Wrap in Pastry: Fold pastry around Brie, sealing the edges. Place on a baking sheet.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Brush pastry with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with crackers or baguette.
Notes
- You can prep the Brie ahead of time and chill until ready to bake.
- Use store-bought or homemade lemon curd.
- For a rustic look, bake the Brie with the lemon curd topping in an oven-safe dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 wheel
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
