Baked brie is the ultimate easy yet elegant appetizer that never fails to impress. As someone who adores simple but sophisticated dishes, I can tell you that a warm, gooey wheel of baked brie is my go-to for any gathering, from cozy nights in to festive holiday parties. It creates an instant centerpiece that invites everyone to gather around and dig in. This simple baked brie recipe is incredibly versatile and comes together with minimal effort, delivering a deliciously melted cheese experience every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and less than 20 minutes, you can have a show-stopping appetizer ready to serve.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Warm, melted cheese is universally loved. This gooey baked brie is a guaranteed hit with guests of all ages.
- Highly Customizable: You can easily adapt the toppings to be sweet or savory. Use your favorite jams, nuts, or fresh herbs to create your perfect baked brie.
- Elegant Presentation: Despite being so easy to make, baked brie looks impressive and sophisticated, making you look like a culinary pro.
Key Ingredients
- Brie Cheese: The star of the show. An 8-ounce wheel of brie is the perfect size for a small gathering. You can use a larger wheel for a bigger crowd. No need to splurge on the most expensive option; a good quality, standard brie works perfectly as the flavor comes from the toppings and the baking process.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: A drizzle of sweetness balances the rich, earthy flavor of the brie. Maple syrup is a fantastic alternative if you prefer its distinct flavor.
- Nuts: Toasted pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the soft cheese.
- Dried or Fresh Fruit: Dried cranberries or chopped apricots add a chewy texture and tartness. Fresh figs or berries are also delicious additions when in season.
- Crackers, Bread, or Apple Slices for Serving: You’ll need a sturdy vessel for scooping up all that melted cheese. Crostini, pita chips, and crisp apple or pear slices are all excellent choices.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Unwrap your brie wheel and place it in the center of the prepared baking sheet or in a small, oven-safe dish.
- Using a sharp knife, score the top of the brie in a crisscross pattern. This helps the heat penetrate and makes it easier for guests to dip into the melted cheese.
- Drizzle the top of the brie generously with honey or maple syrup.
- Sprinkle the chopped nuts and any dried fruit over the top.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is softened and slightly melted in the center. You can gently press the center to check for softness.
- Carefully remove the baked brie from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite crackers, bread, or fruit.
Delicious Topping Combinations
- Classic Sweet & Nutty: Drizzle with honey and top with toasted pecans and dried cranberries.
- Fig & Walnut: Spread a layer of fig jam on top before baking and garnish with toasted walnuts and fresh thyme.
- Apricot & Almond: Use apricot preserves and top with sliced almonds for a fruity and crunchy combination.
- Savory Herb & Garlic: Mince a clove of garlic and mix it with a tablespoon of olive oil. Brush over the brie and top with fresh rosemary and black pepper before baking.
Tips for the Perfect Baked Brie
- Keep the Rind On: The rind is completely edible and essential for holding the cheese together as it bakes. If you remove it, you’ll end up with a puddle of melted cheese.
- Bake Just Before Serving: Baked brie is best enjoyed warm and gooey, right out of the oven. The cheese will start to firm up again as it cools.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your brie. If you bake it for too long, the cheese can re-harden or burst completely. You want it soft and yielding, not liquid.
- Use Parchment Paper: Placing the brie on parchment paper or in a small dish makes transferring it to a serving platter much easier and cleaner.
Storage
If you have leftover baked brie, allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warm. Freezing is not recommended, as it can negatively affect the texture of the cheese.
Conclusion
This baked brie recipe is a simple, elegant appetizer that is always a crowd-pleaser. For another festive and delicious variation, be sure to try this Pumpkin Baked Brie
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FAQs
Do you take the rind off brie when you bake it?
No, you should leave the rind on the brie. The rind is edible and acts as a natural container, holding the cheese together as it melts. Without it, the cheese would spread out into a puddle on your baking sheet.
How long do you leave brie in the oven?
Bake the brie at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. The exact time depends on the size of your brie wheel. You’ll know it’s ready when the center feels very soft to the touch and it looks slightly puffed.
Do you put jam on brie before baking?
You can do it either way. Adding jam before baking allows its flavor to meld with the cheese as it heats up. Alternatively, you can bake the brie plain and top it with jam just before serving for a fresher fruit flavor.
Do you put honey on brie before you bake it?
Yes, it is best to put the honey on the brie before baking. Drizzling it on top allows the honey to warm up and sink into the scores you made on the rind, infusing the cheese with sweetness as it bakes. You can always add an extra drizzle for serving.
Easy Baked Brie with Honey and Pecans – Elegant Appetizer in Minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This baked brie recipe is a simple, elegant, and delicious appetizer perfect for any occasion. A wheel of brie is topped with honey and pecans, then baked until warm and gooey.
Ingredients
1 (8 ounce) wheel of brie cheese
2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
1/4 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
Crackers, crostini, or apple slices for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the unwrapped wheel of brie onto the parchment paper.
3. Score the top of the brie in a crisscross pattern, about 1/4-inch deep.
4. Drizzle the honey evenly over the top of the brie.
5. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the honey.
6. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is soft and melted.
7. Let it cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a serving platter. Serve immediately with crackers, bread, or fruit.
Notes
Measuring: For best results, use quality ingredients. Ensure your nuts are fresh for the best flavor.
Substitutions: You can substitute walnuts or sliced almonds for the pecans. Maple syrup works well in place of honey. Feel free to add 2 tablespoons of fig jam or apricot preserves before baking.
Do Not Overbake: Watch the brie closely. It should be soft and melty, not completely liquefied.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ounce
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: baked brie, honey pecan brie, easy appetizer, brie recipe