Brie en Croûte with Potatoes & Bacon

This is *Brie en Croûte with Potatoes & Bacon* – crispy puff pastry outside, super melty cheese with creamy potatoes inside.

Ingredients:

– Puff pastry sheet – 1 large (about 250g), thawed

– Whole Brie cheese wheel – 1 (200g – 250g)

– Potatoes – 2 medium, thinly sliced

– Bacon / Lardons / Pancetta – 1 cup (150g), diced

– Heavy cream / Crème fraîche – 1/2 cup (120ml)

– Egg – 1 for egg wash

– Black pepper – 1/2 tsp

– Salt – to taste

– Fresh thyme – few sprigs

– Olive oil or butter – 1 tbsp

 

Method:

 

*1. Prep the potatoes:*

Boil or pan-fry the thin potato slices with a little oil and salt for 6-8 minutes until just tender. Don’t overcook. Let them cool.

 

*2. Cook the bacon:*

Fry the bacon/lardons in a pan until golden and crispy. Drain excess fat.

 

*3. Make the creamy filling

In a large bowl, mix the cooked potatoes, fried bacon, heavy cream, black pepper, and a little thyme. Mix well – it should look creamy .

 

Assemble:

– Roll out your puff pastry on parchment paper / baking tray.

– Put half of the potato-bacon mixture in the center.

– Place the whole Brie wheel on top of it.

– Cover the top and sides with the rest of the potato mixture if you like, but the main one is underneath.

 

*5. Wrap it:

Fold the puff pastry corners over the Brie to make a parcel/envelope. Seal the edges well. Press with a fork on the sides so cheese doesn’t leak. Flip it so the smooth side is on top.

 

*6. Final touch:

– Brush all over with beaten egg (egg wash).

– Make 4-5 small slits on top with a knife for steam.

– Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top.

 

*7. Bake:*

Bake in preheated oven at 200°C / 400°F for 25-30 minutes until deep golden brown and puffed.

 

*8. Rest & Serve 

Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting. Then cut – the Brie will be super melty and cheesy .

 

*Tips:*

– Keep Brie cold from fridge, don’t use room temp or it will melt too fast.

– You can add caramelized onions or mushrooms inside for extra flavor.

 

Serve hot with green salad!

Tips for this Brie Parcel to make it .

 

*1. Don’t get a soggy bottom:*

This is the biggest problem. Your potato slices must be COOL and DRY before you mix with cream. If they are hot/wet, the pastry will become soggy and not puff. Pat them with a paper towel.

 

*2. Seal it tight:*

Cheese WILL leak if not sealed. After folding, press the edges with a fork and use a little egg wash as glue. Put the parcel seam-side down on the tray.

 

*3. Cold Brie is best:*

Use Brie directly from the fridge. If it’s soft/warm, it melts too quickly and bursts out of the pastry before the pastry gets golden.

 

*4. Don’t use too much cream:*

You need just 1/2 cup. This looks creamy but not liquid. If you add too much cream, it will leak out while baking. It should coat the potatoes, not swim in it.

 

*5. Egg wash is a must:*

Brush egg on all sides, not just top. That’s what gives it that shiny deep golden color .

 

*6. Let it rest:*

Don’t cut immediately. Wait 10 minutes after baking. If you cut hot, all the melted cheese will run out onto the board. Resting lets it stay gooey but not watery.

 

*7. Puff pastry tip:*

Don’t roll it too thin or too thick. If too thin it tears, if too thick it won’t cook inside. Thaw it but keep it cold while working.

 

Add a little honey or onion jam under the Brie if you want sweet + salty flavor – tastes amazing.