Savory Mushroom & Brie Puff Pastry Delight
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Savory Mushroom & Brie Puff Pastry Delight, a dish that brings warmth and elegance to any gathering. Inspired by nostalgic nights watching 'Sex & the City', this decadent hors d'oeuvre combines rich, creamy brie cheese with a delectable mushroom filling infused with aromatic onion, dry sherry, and a hint of nutmeg. Wrapped in flaky, golden puff pastry, it's a show-stopper that will have your friends raving and reminiscing long after the last bite. Prepare it ahead of time and simply pop it in the oven when guests arrive, filling your home with irresistible aromas and creating delightful memories around the table. Pair it with crisp baguettes or artisanal crackers for the perfect experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 small (minced (yielding about 1/2 cup))
unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
mushrooms
1/2 lb (finely chopped)
dry sherry
1 tablespoon (none)
nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
puff pastry sheets
1 package (17 1/4 ounces) (thawed according to package directions)
brie round
14 ounces (chilled)
egg
1 large (beaten)
Instructions
1
In a heavy skillet, melt the unsalted butter over moderate heat. Add the minced onion and cook, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2
Stir in the finely chopped mushrooms and dry sherry, cooking them over moderately high heat. Continue to cook until the mushrooms have released their moisture and the liquid has evaporated, about 8-10 minutes. Sprinkle in nutmeg and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely.
3
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one sheet of thawed puff pastry into a square measuring approximately 13 inches. Use the brie as a guide to cut out a round that matches the size of the cheese.
4
From the pastry scraps, cut out a mushroom shape or any decorative design you like for the topping.
5
With a sharp knife, carefully horizontally halve the brie cheese into two equal rounds.
6
Roll out the second sheet of puff pastry into a 13-inch square and place it on a shallow baking pan lined with parchment paper.
7
Position the bottom half of the brie, cut side facing up, in the center of the pastry square. Spread the cooled mushroom mixture evenly over the top.
8
Place the top half of the brie on top of the mushroom filling, cut side facing down, to create a sandwich.
9
Without stretching the pastry, wrap it snugly around the brie, trimming to leave about an inch of excess pastry on top of the brie. This excess will be folded over the top.
10
In a small bowl, beat the egg and use it to brush the exposed edges of the pastry.
11
Carefully place the decorative mushroom shape on top of the pastry-covered brie, pressing gently to adhere.
12
Lightly brush the decorative shape with a bit of egg wash, ensuring the egg does not drip down the edges, which helps it rise beautifully.
13
Using a sharp knife, score the sides of the pastry with vertical lines for a decorative touch, taking care not to cut through the dough.
14
Refrigerate the prepared brie uncovered for about 30 minutes. You can make it up to a day in advance, closely covered once chilled.
15
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
16
Bake the brie in the middle of the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffy and golden brown.
17
Once done, let the brie stand in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes before carefully transferring it to a serving plate with a spatula.
18
Serve warm with slices of French baguettes or a selection of your favorite crackers.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Mushroom & Brie Puff Pastry Delight?
It is an elegant hors d'oeuvre featuring a 14-ounce brie round halved and stuffed with a savory mushroom filling, then wrapped in flaky puff pastry and baked until golden.
What inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by nostalgic nights watching 'Sex & the City'.
What kind of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of finely chopped mushrooms; common varieties like white button or cremini work perfectly.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the amount of additional salt added to the mushroom mixture.
How much onion is needed for the filling?
You will need 1 small onion, minced, which should yield approximately 1/2 cup.
What is the purpose of the dry sherry?
The dry sherry is used to deglaze the pan and add a depth of flavor to the mushroom filling.
Can I substitute the dry sherry?
If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can use a splash of vegetable broth or a bit of water with a drop of balsamic vinegar.
Why must the mushroom mixture cool completely?
Cooling the mixture prevents the heat from melting the puff pastry dough prematurely, which ensures a flaky crust.
How many sheets of puff pastry are required?
The recipe requires one 17 1/4 ounce package, which typically contains two sheets.
What size should I roll the puff pastry?
Each sheet should be rolled out into a square measuring approximately 13 inches.
How do I prepare the brie?
The brie should be chilled and then carefully halved horizontally with a sharp knife to create two equal rounds.
How do I create the decorative topping?
Use pastry scraps to cut out a mushroom shape or any design of your choice to place on top of the wrapped brie.
What is the role of the egg wash?
The beaten egg acts as a glue for the pastry edges and creates a beautiful golden-brown shine on the finished dish.
Should I line the baking pan?
Yes, use parchment paper to line your shallow baking pan to prevent the pastry from sticking.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it up to a day in advance. Keep it refrigerated and closely covered once chilled.
How long does the pastry need to chill before baking?
The prepared brie should be refrigerated uncovered for at least 30 minutes before going into the oven.
What is the correct baking temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
How long does the dish take to bake?
Bake in the middle of the oven for approximately 20 minutes until the pastry is puffy and golden.
Why should I let the brie stand after baking?
Letting it rest for 15 minutes allows the melted cheese to set slightly so it doesn't run out too quickly when cut.
What are the best accompaniments for this dish?
Serve it warm with crisp French baguettes or a selection of artisanal crackers.
Does the brie need to be at room temperature before prep?
No, the brie should be chilled to make it easier to slice horizontally without the center sticking to the knife.
What is the purpose of scoring the pastry?
Scoring vertical lines on the sides of the pastry adds a professional, decorative touch to the final presentation.
Can I use ground nutmeg?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg to season the mushrooms.
What should I do if the pastry is stretching?
Avoid stretching the pastry; wrap it snugly and trim any excess to ensure an even bake.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
It is best served warm to enjoy the melted consistency of the brie.
How many people does one 14-ounce brie serve?
While servings vary based on the occasion, a 14-ounce brie typically serves 6 to 8 people as an appetizer.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Camembert is a great alternative to brie, as it has a similar texture and flavor profile.
How finely should I chop the mushrooms?
They should be finely chopped to ensure they cook down evenly and create a uniform layer inside the brie.
What if I don't have a wire rack?
You can let the pan sit on a heat-safe surface, but a wire rack helps the bottom of the pastry stay crisp.
Can I add other herbs to the mushroom mix?
Thyme or rosemary would pair excellently with the mushroom and brie flavors if you wish to customize it.