This Mummy Brie is a showstopper that brings a delightful touch of festive fun to any gathering. Imagine a warm, gooey wheel of brie cheese, enveloped in flaky, golden puff pastry, with charmingly wrapped strips that resemble a friendly mummy. It’s a delicious centerpiece that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat, perfect for making any occasion feel a little more special.
I love serving this Mummy Brie at autumn parties, but it’s also a fantastic appetizer for birthdays or any time you want a comforting, shareable dish. It bakes up beautifully, and the sweet jam peeking through the pastry adds a wonderful burst of flavor. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to assemble, making it a go-to for busy hosts.
Why I Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons I find myself reaching for this Mummy Brie recipe again and again! It’s truly a winner for busy cooks like us. It requires such little effort, yet the results are absolutely show-stopping. Plus, who doesn’t love a dish that’s both incredibly delicious and a feast for the eyes? It’s the perfect appetizer for any get-together.
- Incredibly Easy: Seriously, it’s minimal prep for maximum impact.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This always disappears fast with guests of all ages.
- Festive Flair: It adds such a fun, thematic touch to parties.
- Deliciously Gooey: The warm, melted brie is just irresistible here.
- Versatile: It works perfectly for holidays or just a cozy night in.
Mummy Brie Ingredients
The magic of this Mummy Brie truly lies in its simple yet impactful combination of creamy cheese and buttery pastry. It’s a delightful pairing that’s elevated by a touch of sweetness. You’ll find all the precise amounts needed in the printable recipe card below!
- Brie Cheese: This is the star of the show. It provides a rich, creamy, and gloriously decadent center.
- Puff Pastry: This creates a wonderfully flaky and golden crust. It beautifully encases the delicious brie.
- Jam or Preserves: This adds a sweet counterpoint. Fruit flavors like cherry or raspberry work beautifully here.
- Egg Yolk and Water: These form an egg wash. It gives the puff pastry a beautiful, glossy sheen after baking.
Substitutions and Tips:
For a different flavor profile, consider using honey. A savory chutney can also work instead of jam. If you don’t have cranberries or raisins for eyes, small pieces of black olive work well. Mini pepperonis nestled in sliced black olives are another fun option! Ensure your puff pastry is fully thawed but still cold. This helps for the best results when wrapping.
How to Make Mummy Brie
Assembling this Mummy Brie is part of the fun! It feels a little like a craft project. You’ll want everything prepped and ready to go. The goal is a beautiful mummy effect with layers of golden pastry. Let’s get started on creating this delicious appetizer.
Step 1: Prepare the Brie
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet or a shallow baking dish with parchment paper. If you have an 8-ounce wheel of brie, carefully slice off the top half-inch. Set this piece aside for now. Spread your chosen jam or preserves evenly over the top of the remaining brie wheel. This jam layer really adds a wonderful sweet contrast to the creamy cheese, making each bite extra special.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Now, let’s work with the puff pastry. On a lightly floured surface, unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet. Take a sharp knife or a pizza cutter and slice the pastry into strips. Aim for strips that are about 1-inch wide. These pastry strips are what we’ll use to artfully create the mummy’s “bandages” wrapped around the cheese.
Step 3: Wrap the Brie
Place your prepared brie wheel in the center of the pastry strips. You can also place it directly on the prepared baking sheet if that’s easier. Start wrapping the puff pastry strips around the brie. Use a crisscross pattern, much like you would wrap a mummy. Gently overlap the strips. This creates a secure and visually appealing look. Be sure to leave a small open space at the top. This space is where the mummy’s eyes will peek through later.
Step 4: Create the Mummy’s Eyes
This step is optional but truly adds to the mummy charm! You can create two small slits in the puff pastry at the top. These slits will become the eye sockets. Then, gently press your chosen eye ingredients into these openings. Dried cranberries or raisins work well. For a more defined look, try mini pepperonis nestled in sliced black olives.
Step 5: Apply Egg Wash and Bake
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk with about a tablespoon of water. This creates a simple egg wash. Brush this mixture evenly over the puff pastry. Be careful to avoid brushing the areas designated for the eyes. Transfer the wrapped brie carefully to your prepared baking sheet or dish. Bake for 20 to 24 minutes. You’re looking for the puff pastry to be beautifully golden brown and puffed. The brie inside should be warm and delightfully gooey.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the Mummy Brie from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This short cooling period allows the cheese to set just slightly. It makes it easier to handle and serve. Serve this warm, delightful Mummy Brie with your favorite crackers. Crusty bread or fresh fruit also makes a wonderful accompaniment for a truly delightful appetizer experience.
How to Store Mummy Brie
Leftover Mummy Brie is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s good for up to 2 days. The puff pastry might lose some crispness when chilled. You can gently reheat it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes until warmed through. Freezing isn’t usually recommended, as it can change the texture of the pastry and the lovely melted brie.
Tips for Success
Making this Mummy Brie is pretty straightforward, but a few tricks can ensure it comes out perfectly every time:
- Keep it Cold: Ensure your puff pastry is fully thawed but still cold. This makes handling and wrapping much easier.
- Jam Control: Don’t overfill the brie with jam. Too much jam can leak out during baking and make a mess.
- Secure Wrap: Overlap the puff pastry strips just slightly. This creates a secure mummy wrap and prevents the brie from escaping.
- Sharp Tools: Use a sharp knife for clean cuts on the pastry. This prevents tearing and gives a neater appearance.
- Oven Savvy: Adjust the baking time based on your oven. Keep an eye on it, as ovens can vary.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need any fancy equipment for this Mummy Brie. Here are the basic tools that make the job easier:
- Baking sheet or baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Small mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
- Measuring spoons (optional)
Serving Suggestions
This Mummy Brie is a fantastic star, but it loves to be paired with friends! Here are a few ideas to make your appetizer spread even more delightful:
- Serve it with an assortment of crisp crackers and slices of crusty baguette.
- Pair the warm, gooey brie with fresh apple slices or sweet grapes for a lovely contrast.
- Offer a side of extra fig jam or honey for dipping.
- Enjoy this festive treat with a glass of crisp white wine or bubbly sparkling cider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Mummy Brie ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the Mummy Brie a few hours ahead. Just cover it loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. Brush on the egg wash right before it goes in the oven for the best shine.
What kind of jam is best for this Mummy Brie recipe?
Cherry, raspberry, or sour cherry preserves work wonderfully. They offer a great balance of sweetness and tartness. Feel free to experiment with your favorite fruit jam or even a savory chutney for a different twist!
How do I know when the Mummy Brie is ready?
The Mummy Brie is ready when the puff pastry is puffed up and golden brown. It should look nice and flaky. The brie inside will be softened and slightly melted, giving you that gooey center.
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of brie?
While this recipe shines with brie, you could try Camembert. It’s another soft, creamy cheese that works well. Just make sure your chosen cheese wheel is about the same size as brie for the puff pastry to wrap correctly.
PrintMummy Brie
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-24 minutes
- Total Time: 35-39 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fun and festive Mummy Brie recipe, perfect for Halloween or any occasion. This dish features a wheel of brie cheese wrapped in golden puff pastry with decorative ‘eyes’, creating a delightful mummy appearance.
Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce or 16-ounce) wheel of brie cheese
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 3 tablespoons jam or preserves (cherry, raspberry, or sour cherry recommended)
- 1 large egg yolk
- Splash of water (about 1 tablespoon, for egg wash)
- 2 dried cranberries or raisins (for eyes, optional)
- 2 mini pepperonis and 2 sliced black olives (for eyes, optional)
- All-purpose flour, for dusting work surface
- Parchment paper, for lining baking sheet
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish or baking sheet with parchment paper.
- If using an 8-ounce wheel of brie, you may want to slice off the top 1/2-inch of the brie wheel and set aside. (For a 16-ounce wheel, this step might not be necessary depending on desired jam amount).
- Spread the jam or preserves evenly over the top of the bottom brie piece. Replace the brie top (if removed).
- On a lightly floured surface, unroll the thawed puff pastry. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the puff pastry into 1-inch wide strips.
- Place the brie in the center of one strip of puff pastry (or directly on the prepared baking sheet if wrapping first).
- Wrap the puff pastry strips around the brie in a crisscross pattern to resemble a mummy, leaving some open space for the ‘eyes’ towards the top. Avoid making the layers too thick for even baking.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolk with a splash of water to create an egg wash.
- Brush the egg wash evenly onto the puff pastry, avoiding the ‘eye’ area.
- Transfer the wrapped brie to the prepared baking dish/sheet.
- For the eyes (optional): Use a sharp knife to cut two tiny slits for eyes. Stud them with dried cranberries or raisins, or place mini pepperonis into sliced black olives for a more realistic look.
- Bake for 20-24 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and flaky, and the brie is warmed through and gooey.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving warm with fresh fruit or crusty bread.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed before working with it.
- Adjust the jam amount based on the size of your brie wheel.
- For a more secure mummy wrap, you can overlap the puff pastry strips more.
- If you don’t have jam, honey or a savory chutney can also be used.
- Serve immediately for the best gooey texture.