Introduction

Baked Brie with Balsamic Caramelized Onions is a decadent appetizer that combines creamy cheese with sweet, tangy onions wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for entertaining or a special treat, this elegant dish impresses with minimal effort.

A round golden-brown baked puff pastry crust is partially cut open to reveal the inside, showing a layer of melted white cheese at the bottom with a golden caramelized onion topping that is glossy and textured. The pastry is flaky with visible layers and sprinkled with fresh green thyme leaves. Surrounding the pastry on a white plate are round light brown crackers with herbs and slices of red apple arranged in a fan shape, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2–3 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ medium onions, sliced thinly into semi-circles (about 2 ½ cups)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon brown sugar (or granulated sugar)
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra sprigs for garnish
1 (8 ounce) wheel brie cheese, cold
1 sheet prepared puff pastry, thawed according to package instructions
Flour, for rolling
1 whisked egg, for egg wash
Crackers, sliced baguette, apples, or pears for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are deeply golden-brown and caramelized, about 20 minutes.
Step 2: Stir in the sugar, then add balsamic vinegar. Let the mixture bubble and reduce while stirring, cooking for another 3–5 minutes until jam-like and deeply browned. Stir in thyme leaves, then remove from heat and allow to cool.
Step 3: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry to about ⅛” thickness, slightly larger than the brie wheel. Trim edges if necessary.
Step 4: Place the brie in the center of the pastry. Spoon the cooled balsamic caramelized onions over the top of the brie. Fold the pastry over the brie and onions, creating a sealed package with pleats.
Step 5: Place the wrapped brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently brush the puff pastry with the whisked egg, avoiding pooling underneath. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to overnight, covered loosely with plastic wrap.
Step 6: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the brie for 35–40 minutes until pastry is golden and puffed.
Step 7: Let the baked brie rest for 10 minutes before serving to prevent the cheese from oozing out too quickly.
Step 8: Garnish with thyme sprigs and serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh fruit such as apples or pears.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a handful of toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans inside the pastry before folding.
Use red onion instead of yellow for a milder sweetness and beautiful color.
If you prefer a milder onion taste, caramelize onions for less time until just golden.
Serve warm for best texture, but leftover brie can be gently reheated in the oven.

Storage

Store any leftovers wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the pastry regains some crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows a golden-brown puff pastry wrapped around melted soft cheese that is oozing out from a torn part of the pastry, topped with caramelized onions and small sprigs of green thyme. Surrounding the pastry are round chopped red apple slices and a mix of round multigrain and plain crackers scattered on a white marbled surface. The pastry’s flaky texture contrasts with the creamy cheese inside, and the shiny caramelized onions add a rich, dark brown color to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the wrapped brie and refrigerate it overnight before baking. This makes it convenient to prepare in advance and bake fresh when needed.

What can I serve with baked brie?

Baked brie pairs wonderfully with crackers, sliced baguette, and fresh fruit like apples or pears. The combination adds texture and balances the richness of the cheese.

Baked Brie with Balsamic Caramelized Onions Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 64 reviews

This elegant Baked Brie with Balsamic Caramelized Onions is a perfect appetizer featuring a wheel of creamy brie wrapped in flaky puff pastry, topped with sweet and tangy caramelized onions infused with balsamic vinegar and fresh thyme. A delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser for any party or special occasion.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale

Caramelized Onions

2–3 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ medium onions, thinly sliced into semi-circles (about 2 ½ cups)
Pinch of salt
Pinch of black pepper
1 teaspoon brown sugar (or granulated sugar)
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra sprigs for garnish

Baked Brie

1 (8 ounce) wheel brie cheese, cold
1 sheet prepared puff pastry, thawed according to package instructions
Flour, for rolling
1 whisked egg, for egg wash
Crackers, sliced baguette, apples or pears, for serving

Instructions

Caramelize the Onions: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the thinly sliced onions with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn a deep golden brown and caramelize, about 20 minutes.
Add Sugar and Balsamic Vinegar: Stir in 1 teaspoon of brown sugar followed by 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. Allow the mixture to bubble and reduce, stirring frequently until the onions become jam-like and deeply browned, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves, then remove from heat and let cool to yield roughly ½ cup of caramelized onions.
Prepare Puff Pastry and Brie: Lightly flour a work surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to about ⅛-inch thickness, slightly larger than the brie wheel. Trim excess pastry if necessary. Place the cold brie in the center of the pastry sheet, then spoon the cooled balsamic caramelized onions over the top.
Wrap the Brie: Fold the puff pastry over the brie and onions to enclose them completely, creating pleats to seal the edges neatly. Place the wrapped brie on a small baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Apply Egg Wash and Chill: Gently brush the puff pastry with whisked egg wash without pooling underneath. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to overnight to chill and set.
Preheat Oven and Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the chilled wrapped brie on the baking sheet for 35-40 minutes or until the puff pastry is deeply golden and puffed.
Rest and Serve: Remove the baked brie from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes to prevent excessive oozing. Garnish with extra thyme sprigs and serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh fruit like apples or pears.

Notes

Allowing the wrapped brie to chill before baking helps the pastry puff up nicely and hold its shape.
Use cold brie to make wrapping easier and cleaner.
If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme can be used, though fresh offers better flavor.
The caramelized onions can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serve immediately after resting to enjoy the gooey, melted cheese at its best.
For a crispier crust, you may optionally brush a second layer of egg wash before baking.

Keywords: baked brie, caramelized onions, puff pastry, appetizer, party food, cheese appetizer, balsamic onions, thyme, elegant snack