Baked Brie Pizza Fusion

This stuffed brie cheese pizza transforms a simple wheel of brie into a show-stopping appetizer that always draws gasps when I unveil it at gatherings. The combination of creamy, melted brie with classic pizza toppings wrapped in a golden crust creates an irresistible fusion that bridges elegant cheese boards and casual pizza nights.

I first created this when hosting an impromptu wine night and needed something spectacular using what I had on hand. My friends still talk about it months later and it has become my signature party dish when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 wheel brie cheese Select a medium sized wheel that feels slightly soft when gently pressed
• 1 refrigerated pizza dough The pre rolled kind works perfectly and saves time
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic Fresh provides the best flavor but jarred works in a pinch
• 2 tablespoons pizza sauce Choose a thick sauce that won't make the dough soggy
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Freshly shredded melts better than pre packaged
• 5 pepperoni slices Look for higher quality pepperoni for better flavor
• Fresh minced basil for garnish Adds bright color and fresh flavor
• Grated parmesan cheese for sprinkling Opt for freshly grated if possible

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven

Set your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This temperature creates the perfect balance of melting the cheese while browning the crust. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking for best results.

Prepare The Brie

Remove only the top rind from the brie wheel using a sharp knife. Leave the sides and bottom intact as they help the cheese keep its shape while baking. Cut carefully around the edge of the top and then gently peel away the rind.

Position The Brie On Dough

Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Place the brie wheel in the center of the dough. Cut the dough into a circle that extends about 2 inches beyond the brie to ensure you have enough to wrap up the sides completely.

Add The Toppings

Spread the minced garlic directly onto the exposed cheese surface. Top with pizza sauce in an even layer followed by the shredded mozzarella. Arrange pepperoni slices on top. Be careful not to overload with toppings or they may slide off during baking.

Wrap And Bake

Carefully fold the dough up and around the brie pleating as needed to cover the sides completely. Pinch the edges together firmly at the top to seal. Bake for 20 minutes until the dough becomes golden brown and you can see the cheese bubbling slightly at the edges.

Garnish And Serve

Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with fresh basil and parmesan cheese. Transfer to a serving board while still hot. For best results serve within 5 minutes of removing from the oven when the cheese is perfectly molten.

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The first time I served this at a holiday gathering my brother in law asked for the recipe before even taking his first bite simply based on how incredible it looked. The combination of the tangy brie with the savory pizza toppings creates a flavor explosion that's truly greater than the sum of its parts.

Making Ahead Tips

This stuffed brie pizza can be fully assembled up to 24 hours before baking. Simply prepare through the wrapping stage then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to serve remove from refrigerator while the oven preheats then bake as directed adding 2 3 minutes to account for the chilled cheese. The convenience of prep ahead makes this perfect for entertaining when you want to minimize last minute cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this spectacular appetizer with an assortment of crackers sliced baguette or breadsticks arranged around the stuffed brie. For a more substantial offering include a small bowl of warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil provides a perfect fresh counterpoint to the rich cheese. This dish pairs beautifully with both red wine and lighter beers making it versatile for various gathering styles.

Creative Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Try swapping traditional pizza toppings for caramelized onions and thyme for a French inspired version. For a Mediterranean twist use sun dried tomatoes olives and a sprinkle of oregano. Sweet variations work surprisingly well too try topping with fig jam walnuts and a drizzle of honey for a dessert interpretation. Whatever direction you choose maintain the same basic technique of removing only the top rind and wrapping securely in dough.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of cheese instead of brie?

While brie creates the signature melty center, you could experiment with camembert as the closest substitute. Other soft-ripened cheeses like goat cheese or even a small wheel of fontina could work, though each will provide different flavor and melting characteristics.

→ Should I remove all the rind from the brie?

No, only remove the rind from the top of the brie wheel. The bottom and side rinds help the cheese maintain its shape during baking and prevent it from completely melting out of the pizza dough wrapper.

→ What can I serve with this stuffed brie pizza?

This rich appetizer pairs well with light accompaniments like a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, fresh fruit, or a small bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. A crisp white wine or light beer also complements it nicely.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it covered. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the refrigerator, possibly adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time. For best results, however, it's preferable to serve immediately after baking.

→ What other toppings work well on this stuffed brie?

This versatile dish works wonderfully with other pizza toppings like sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or prosciutto. For a sweeter variation, try fig jam, honey, and walnuts instead of traditional pizza toppings for a more dessert-like appetizer.

→ Is homemade pizza dough better than refrigerated for this dish?

While refrigerated pizza dough works perfectly for convenience, homemade dough can add a more artisanal touch. If using homemade, ensure it's rolled to medium thickness - too thin might break during baking, while too thick could result in underbaked dough near the cheese.