Prosciutto Wrapped Brie (Baked Appetizer Recipe)

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Prepare to satiate your craving for a gourmet appetizer with our Prosciutto Wrapped Brie recipe. Imagine what happens when a creamy Brie wheel meets salty Prosciutto slices, then gets a delightful twist with a layer of whole cranberry sauce – a harmony of flavors bound to impress your guests. Keep reading to unveil the magic behind this baked goodness.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Simple Ingredients: The ingredients for this recipe – creamy Brie cheese, Prosciutto, and Whole Cranberry Sauce – are easily available in most supermarkets, making the recipe convenient to prepare. 
• Ease of Preparation: This easy recipe doesn’t require any professional culinary skills. The process is straightforward, making it a great option even for beginner cooks.
• Versatility: The Prosciutto-Wrapped Brie can serve as an elegant holiday appetizer for dinner parties, a festive dish for holiday celebrations, or a sophisticated snack for a cozy evening at home.
• Sensational Flavor Profile: The salty Prosciutto, creamy melty Brie, and sweet-tangy cranberry sauce combine to offer a sublime balance of flavors that is sure to delight anyone who tries it.

What is Proscuitto?

Prosciutto is a type of Italian cured ham, typically served uncooked and cut into thin slices. The curing process, which involves the salting, chilling, and air-drying of the ham for a period that can last from a few months to over two years, gives Prosciutto its distinctive, delectable flavor. It’s a staple ingredient in many Italian recipes, favored for its delicate texture and rich, savory taste that can elevate the flavor profile of a dish.

Ingredients

• Whole Cranberry Sauce: Opt for 2 tablespoons of this tangy, sweet condiment to add a festive twist to your dishes. Its vibrant flavor and rich color can elevate both your visual presentation and taste palette.  
• Wheel of Brie: This creamy, soft cheese is a versatile addition to your appetizer spread. Its mild flavor and smooth texture are well known to cheese lovers and pair well with a range of ingredients, making it a crowd favorite.
• 6-8 slice of Prosciutto: Thin slices of this dry-cured ham bring a savory, slightly sweet flavor profile that can complement many dishes. Its delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture adds a luxurious touch to your dining experience.

Grab the full ingredients details and instructions in the recipe card below!

Substitutions and Additions

• If you’re unable to source whole cranberry sauce, raspberry or blackberry preserves could work just as well, adding a slightly different, yet equally delightful sweet and tart note. Some people also try something a little different such as fig preserves if you enjoy the flavor as it works well with the creamy cheese.
• For a different cheese option, Camembert also works well as it matches the creamy texture and mild flavor, which complements the prosciutto. Smoked brie adds a different flavor to the dish and works well with some hot honey or maple syrup.
• If Prosciutto is not available, you could use thinly sliced pancetta or even bacon. Although their flavor profile differs from Prosciutto, they still provide a savory and rich component to the dish.

Additions:

• To add a little extra texture and flavor, consider sprinkling the wrapped Brie with crushed almonds or hazelnuts before baking.
• Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can be added on top for an aromatic touch.
• For a spicy kick, a touch of hot pepper jelly instead of cranberry sauce can give a delightful contrast to the creamy Brie and salty Prosciutto.

Instructions

Arrange 6-8 slices of prosciutto in a circular pattern.

Position the Brie wheel at the center.

Spread whole cranberry sauce over the Brie.

Wrap the Brie in the prosciutto, ensuring it’s fully enclosed.

Bake it in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F for a duration of 20 minutes on a baking sheet.

After baking, broil your creation for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.

Recipe tips

• Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking the Prosciutto Wrapped Brie to achieve a crisp exterior and perfectly melted cheese inside.
• Prosciutto Slices: Be gentle when handling the prosciutto as it can tear easily due to its thinness. Also, slightly overlapping the slices when wrapping the Brie will prevent the cheese from leaking.
• Cranberry Sauce: If using a canned cranberry sauce, give it a good stir before spreading over the Brie. This makes it easier to spread evenly.
• Serving Suggestions: Allow the baked Prosciutto Wrapped Brie to rest for about 5 minutes after it comes out of the oven before serving on a wire rack. This helps the cheese to slightly firm up, which makes it easier to cut into serving portions. Gooey brie is perfect but when it first comes out of the oven, it can be a little too hot and gooey to enjoy!
• Presentation: For an eye-catching presentation, serve the baked dish or serving plate on a wooden cheese board along with an assortment of crackers, fresh fruits, and a sharp knife for spreading.

Storage & Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the Prosciutto Wrapped Brie in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to three days when properly stored. Unfortunately, this dish does not freeze well due to the nature of the Brie cheese, it tends to separate and become grainy when thawed.

For reheating, preheat your oven to 350F and bake the stored dish for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is warm and gooey again. Microwaving is not recommended as it can unevenly heat the dish and alter the texture of the cheese.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Brie?

Yes, you can substitute Brie with other soft cheeses such as Camembert. However, the specific flavor and texture of Brie contribute significantly to the dish, so any substitution will alter the taste to some extent.

What other meats can I use instead of Prosciutto?

While Prosciutto is the preferred choice due to its fine texture and distinct flavor, you could also use thinly sliced Pancetta or even Bacon. Just note that both alternatives have a different flavor profile and texture.

Can I prepare this Prosciutto Wrapped Brie ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the ingredients ahead of time and refrigerate the unbaked Brie. However, remember to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if you are cooking it straight from the fridge.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, Prosciutto Wrapped Brie with Cranberry Sauce is gluten-free as none of the main ingredients contain gluten. However, always check the labels of any store-bought ingredients to ensure they are free from gluten or any potential cross-contamination.

Can I serve Prosciutto Wrapped Brie as a main dish?

While this dish is typically served as an appetizer, feel free to experiment. You might consider serving it as a main dish with a side of salad and some freshly baked bread or some baguette slices.