Description
This simple and elegant Baked Brie recipe features a soft, gooey wheel of brie cheese baked to perfection and optionally topped with honey and thyme. It’s perfect as a warm appetizer served alongside crostini and grapes, offering a delightful combination of creamy, sweet, and aromatic flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Baked Brie
- 250 – 500g (8 – 16 oz) round brie or camembert cheese
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1 sprig fresh thyme (optional)
Accompaniments
- 1 bunch purple or green grapes (optional)
- Crostini or crackers, plain or fruit/nut flavored, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) for all types of ovens to prepare for baking the brie.
- Prepare the Brie: Unwrap the brie and place it in a small, shallow ovenproof dish slightly larger than the cheese to allow even heating. Alternatively, place it on crumbled baking or parchment paper to make transfer easier after baking.
- Bake the Brie: Bake the brie in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes if using 250g (8 oz) or until it is melted and very soft in the center. For a larger piece (500g/1 lb), increase baking time to about 25 minutes. Check softness by gently pressing the center; it should feel very soft and nearly collapsing.
- Microwave Alternative: If preferred, heat the brie in the microwave on high for about 2 minutes, checking and stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even melting.
- Transfer Carefully: The melted brie is delicate; carefully move it to a serving plate or board. If you baked it on parchment paper, transfer both cheese and paper together for safety.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle the melted brie with honey or maple syrup for sweetness and garnish with a sprig of thyme if using to add aromatic notes.
- Serve: Serve immediately with crostini or crackers on the side for scooping the warm cheese. Provide a knife for cutting the rind and a cheese or pate knife to spread cheese onto crostini or crackers.
Notes
- Choosing good quality brie or camembert will result in better flavor and creamier texture.
- The optional toppings like honey and thyme complement the rich cheese with sweet and herbal nuances.
- Handle the baked brie gently as it becomes very soft and can easily break apart.
- Serving with grapes and different flavored crackers can enhance the tasting experience.
- If using parchment paper, it helps in lifting and transferring the cheese without damage.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: baked brie, baked camembert, cheese appetizer, warm brie, crostini cheese, easy party appetizer
