Baked Brie is my favorite effortless appetizer that always feels a little fancy. With its gooey, melted center and buttery rind, it’s a rich, indulgent dish I can dress up with sweet or savory toppings. Whether I serve it with crackers, fruit, or bread, it’s always the first thing to disappear from the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how incredibly simple this is to make, yet it looks and tastes like something straight from a restaurant. It only takes a few ingredients and a few minutes in the oven to turn a wheel of brie into a gooey, molten masterpiece. It’s perfect for entertaining, holidays, or even as a solo indulgence with a glass of wine.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese (usually 8 oz)
- Puff pastry (optional, for wrapping)
- Honey or maple syrup (optional topping)
- Chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
- Fruit preserves (like fig, raspberry, or apricot)
- Crackers, toasted baguette, or apple slices (for serving)
Directions
- I preheat the oven to 375°F.
- I place the wheel of brie on a small parchment-lined baking sheet or in a brie baker.
- If I’m wrapping it in puff pastry, I roll the pastry out, place the brie in the center, add any toppings like jam or nuts, then fold the pastry over the top and seal. I brush it with egg wash for a golden crust.
- If I’m baking it unwrapped, I score the top rind with a knife in a crisscross pattern and add toppings like honey and nuts directly on top.
- I bake for 12–15 minutes (wrapped) or 8–10 minutes (unwrapped), until the center is soft and melty.
- I let it cool for a couple minutes before serving with crackers or fruit.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 to 8 people as an appetizer. It takes 5 minutes to prep and 10–15 minutes to bake.
Variations
Sometimes I add sliced pears or apples on top before baking for a sweet and savory combo. . For a savory version, I use caramelized onions and herbs instead of fruit and honey. And when I want a shortcut, I bake it unwrapped with just a drizzle of hot honey and cracked pepper.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm the brie in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until melty again. The texture changes slightly, but it’s still delicious.
FAQs
Do I need to remove the rind?
No, I always leave the rind on. It’s edible and helps the cheese hold its shape while baking. If I don’t like eating it, I scoop out the center after baking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. I assemble the brie with puff pastry or toppings and refrigerate until ready to bake. I let it sit at room temp for 10 minutes before going into the oven.
What’s the best topping for baked brie?
I love a mix of fig jam and chopped walnuts with a drizzle of honey. But raspberry preserves, cranberry sauce, or savory onions work beautifully too.
What type of brie should I use?
Any wheel of brie works, but I look for one that’s about 8 oz. Triple-cream varieties melt extra smooth and rich.
Can I serve it without pastry?
Absolutely. I often bake it plain with toppings directly on the rind for a faster, lighter version. It’s just as tasty.
Conclusion
Baked Brie is one of those impressive, crowd-pleasing appetizers I can whip up in minutes. With its creamy interior and endless topping options, it’s easy to make it my own. Whether I’m hosting a party or just treating myself, this warm, gooey cheese never disappoints.
PrintBaked Brie
Baked Brie is a simple yet elegant appetizer featuring a wheel of creamy brie cheese, optionally wrapped in puff pastry, and topped with sweet or savory ingredients. It’s melty, rich, and perfect for sharing.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese (about 8 oz)
- 1 sheet puff pastry (optional)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 2 tbsp fruit preserves (fig, raspberry, or apricot)
- 2 tbsp chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
- Crackers, toasted baguette, or apple slices for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper or use a brie baker.
- Place the brie on the sheet. For the wrapped version, roll out puff pastry and place brie in the center. Add jam and nuts on top, then fold pastry over and seal edges. Brush with egg wash.
- For the unwrapped version, score the top rind and add honey, nuts, or preserves directly on top.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes if wrapped, or 8–10 minutes if unwrapped, until soft and melty.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving with crackers, fruit, or bread.
Notes
- Leave the rind on for structure; it’s edible and keeps the cheese from spilling out.
- Can be made ahead and baked just before serving.
- Use triple-cream brie for an extra rich texture.
- Top with caramelized onions and herbs for a savory twist.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 wheel
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
