These Prosciutto and Brie Upside-Down Pastries are a delightful fusion of creamy brie, crispy puff pastry, and salty prosciutto, finished with a touch of sweetness from honey and the freshness of thyme. Each bite offers a perfectly balanced flavor and texture, making them an ideal appetizer for any festive gathering or casual dinner.
What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can create an impressive and elegant dish that will leave your guests asking for more. Whether you’re planning a holiday party or a cozy evening at home, these pastries are sure to elevate your menu.
Full Recipe:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (from a 17.3-ounce package), thawed
- 8 teaspoons olive oil
- 4 teaspoons honey, plus more for serving
- 8 mini brie bites (about 1 ounce each)
- 4 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, plus more for serving
- 8 thin slices prosciutto (about 2 1/2 ounces total)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 8 teaspoons freshly grated Parmesan
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the puff pastry into a 14-by-12-inch rectangle. Cut into 8 equal pieces (3 1/2 by 6 inches each). Chill in the fridge until ready to assemble.
- Drizzle 1 teaspoon of olive oil on the prepared baking sheet for each pastry, followed by 1/2 teaspoon of honey. Place 1 mini brie on top, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon thyme, and lay 1 slice of prosciutto on each. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover each stack with a puff pastry rectangle, prick the tops with a fork, brush with beaten egg, and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon Parmesan and more black pepper.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let pastries sit for 5 minutes before lifting them with a spatula. Serve brie-side up, with additional thyme, honey, and freshly cracked pepper.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 320 kcal | Servings: 8 pastries
Prosciutto and Brie Upside-Down Pastries: A Perfect Fusion of Flavors
The marriage of creamy, decadent brie with the salty, savory bite of prosciutto, all encased in a flaky puff pastry, makes Prosciutto and Brie Upside-Down Pastries a go-to dish for entertaining. This versatile appetizer brings together the best elements of French and Italian cuisine, offering a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party, a holiday gathering, or just looking for a simple yet elegant snack, these pastries are sure to impress.
The Origins of Brie and Prosciutto
To truly appreciate this dish, it helps to understand the key ingredients: brie and prosciutto. Brie, often referred to as “The Queen of Cheeses,” hails from France and is known for its buttery, soft texture and mild yet rich flavor. This soft cheese has been a staple in French cuisine for centuries and pairs beautifully with a variety of ingredients, both sweet and savory. Its creaminess lends itself to being baked, creating a gooey, luscious filling that contrasts perfectly with crisp puff pastry.
Prosciutto, on the other hand, is an Italian delicacy. This dry-cured ham is typically made from pork legs and is known for its paper-thin slices that have a delicate, sweet, and slightly salty taste. Prosciutto is often served in antipasti platters, wrapped around fruits like melon, or paired with cheeses like brie. Together, brie and prosciutto create a harmonious combination that’s both luxurious and comforting.
Cooking Techniques and Tips
Creating Prosciutto and Brie Upside-Down Pastries may sound complicated, but the process is surprisingly simple, making it ideal for both beginner and experienced home cooks. Here are some cooking techniques and tips that will help you master this dish:
- Puff Pastry Mastery: Puff pastry is the key to getting that golden, flaky crust on your pastries. It’s important to keep the puff pastry cold before baking to achieve the best results. Rolling it out evenly ensures a consistent cook, while pricking it with a fork allows the steam to escape, preventing the pastry from puffing too much and overwhelming the filling.
- Layering Flavors: The layering of flavors is essential in this recipe. By placing the brie, thyme, and prosciutto beneath the puff pastry and baking it upside-down, the heat intensifies the flavors. The prosciutto caramelizes slightly, the brie melts into creamy perfection, and the thyme adds a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor.
- Balance of Sweet and Savory: The touch of honey in the recipe is crucial for balancing the salty, rich flavors of the cheese and ham. The honey adds just enough sweetness to enhance the natural flavors without overpowering them. A drizzle of honey after baking brings an extra touch of indulgence.
- Perfect Caramelization: When baked upside down, the prosciutto crisps up, and the brie gets a lightly caramelized crust. Using parchment paper ensures the pastries don’t stick to the pan and makes cleanup easy. Allow the pastries to sit for a few minutes before serving to help them firm up and to make handling easier.
Pairing Suggestions
These pastries are versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes and drinks, making them a popular choice for entertaining. Here are some pairing ideas to elevate your meal:
- Wine Pairings: Due to the richness of the brie and the salty prosciutto, these pastries pair well with a crisp, dry white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines help cut through the richness and cleanse the palate. For red wine lovers, a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir works beautifully, offering subtle fruit flavors that complement both the brie and prosciutto.
- Salads: A fresh, green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect accompaniment to these pastries. The acidity from the dressing balances out the creaminess of the brie. Try pairing with an arugula salad with lemon and olive oil or a mixed greens salad with balsamic vinegar.
- Fruit Pairings: Fruit can enhance the flavor profile of these pastries. Fresh figs, grapes, or apple slices served on the side can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, salty flavors. The sweetness of the fruit enhances the honey and pairs beautifully with the brie.
Creative Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can experiment with a variety of creative variations to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:
- Add a Sweet Twist: For those with a sweet tooth, try adding a spoonful of fruit preserves, like fig or apricot, between the prosciutto and brie before baking. This adds a touch of sweetness that complements the salty ham and rich cheese perfectly.
- Herb Enhancements: Thyme adds a delicate, earthy flavor, but you can easily swap it out for other herbs. Rosemary, basil, or even sage can be used to give the dish a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Option: If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, simply omit the prosciutto and replace it with roasted vegetables, such as caramelized onions or roasted red peppers. The vegetables will provide a depth of flavor and texture that complements the brie.
- Spicy Variation: For a bit of heat, consider adding a drizzle of hot honey or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes over the top after baking. The slight spiciness will enhance the sweetness of the honey and contrast beautifully with the brie and prosciutto.
Presentation and Serving Tips
When serving these Prosciutto and Brie Upside-Down Pastries, presentation is key to impressing your guests. Here are a few ideas for plating and serving:
- Individual Appetizers: These pastries are baked as individual portions, making them perfect for serving at parties or gatherings. Arrange them on a platter, and garnish with extra thyme leaves and a drizzle of honey for added color and flavor.
- Pair with Dipping Sauces: Consider serving these pastries with a small side of balsamic glaze or a fig chutney for dipping. The tartness of the balsamic or sweetness of the fig adds an extra dimension of flavor to each bite.
- Serve Warm: These pastries are best served warm, straight from the oven. If you’re making them ahead of time, you can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Entertaining
Prosciutto and Brie Upside-Down Pastries are more than just a tasty appetizer; they are an elegant addition to any gathering. Here’s why they’re a perfect choice for entertaining:
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: With just a few high-quality ingredients, you can create a dish that delivers impressive flavor. The combination of prosciutto, brie, puff pastry, and thyme feels indulgent without requiring a long list of complicated ingredients.
- Make-Ahead Option: These pastries can be prepped in advance and baked just before your guests arrive. The puff pastry can be cut and chilled, and the toppings can be assembled ahead of time, making it easy to pull together when needed.
- Versatile: Whether it’s a formal dinner, holiday celebration, or casual get-together, these pastries are versatile enough to fit into any occasion. You can serve them as a starter, as part of a cheese platter, or even as a light lunch with a salad.
Conclusion
Prosciutto and Brie Upside-Down Pastries offer the perfect blend of flavors and textures, making them a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their appetizer game. The simplicity of the ingredients belies the sophisticated taste, and the ease of preparation makes them accessible for cooks of all levels. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or as a special snack at home, these pastries are sure to be a hit.
Their versatility, along with the endless options for creative variations, ensures that this recipe will quickly become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Pair them with your favorite wine, add a fresh salad, and enjoy the rave reviews from your guests. Prosciutto and Brie Upside-Down Pastries are a winning dish that brings joy to any table.