Baked Brie is incredibly simple to make yet feels elegant and gourmet. It takes just minutes to prep and transforms into a rich, creamy dish that impresses guests without much effort. You can customize it with a variety of toppings, making it perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or cozy nights in. It’s also vegetarian-friendly and pairs well with wine.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Wheel of brie cheese
Puff pastry sheet (optional, for wrapping)
Honey or fruit preserves (like fig, raspberry, or apricot)
Chopped nuts (such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
Egg (for egg wash, if using puff pastry)
Crackers, sliced baguette, or apple slices (for serving)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a small baking dish.
Top the brie with honey or fruit preserves and sprinkle with chopped nuts and herbs if using.
(Optional) For a wrapped version, place the brie in the center of a puff pastry sheet. Add toppings on top, then fold the pastry over the brie, sealing the edges. Brush with egg wash.
Bake for 15-20 minutes if unwrapped, or 25-30 minutes if wrapped in pastry, until the brie is soft and the pastry is golden brown.
Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.
Serve warm with crackers, bread slices, or fruit.
Servings and timing
Serves 6–8 as an appetizer. Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 15–30 minutes (depending on wrapped or unwrapped) Total time: 20–35 minutes
Variations
Savory version: Add caramelized onions and a sprinkle of fresh thyme instead of sweet toppings.
Spicy-sweet: Use hot pepper jelly for a bold twist.
Cranberry-walnut: Top with cranberry sauce and chopped walnuts for a holiday-inspired flavor.
Maple-pecan: Drizzle with maple syrup and top with toasted pecans.
No pastry: Skip the puff pastry for a lighter, gluten-free option.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover brie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warm. Reheating in the microwave is not recommended, as it can affect the texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Brie works best because of its creamy texture, but camembert is a good alternative.
Do I need to remove the rind?
No, the rind is edible and helps the cheese hold its shape while baking.
Can I make baked brie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep it a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.
How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?
Chill the assembled brie before baking and make sure the cheese is not too wet before wrapping.
Can I freeze baked brie?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the wrapped, unbaked brie and bake it from frozen, adding extra time.
What wine pairs well with baked brie?
White wines like Chardonnay or sparkling wines pair nicely with the creamy cheese.
Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?
Yes, just layer several sheets with butter and wrap around the brie for a flaky alternative.
Is baked brie gluten-free?
The cheese itself is gluten-free, but skip the puff pastry and serve with gluten-free crackers if needed.
How do I know when it’s done?
The brie should feel soft in the center when gently pressed, and the pastry should be golden brown.
Can I bake it in a dish instead of on a sheet?
Yes, a small oven-safe dish works well and makes serving easier.
Conclusion
Baked Brie is a simple yet elegant appetizer that combines creamy cheese with sweet or savory toppings for a show-stopping bite. Whether wrapped in puff pastry or served on its own, it’s a go-to choice for entertaining or adding a touch of luxury to any gathering.
Baked Brie is a warm, creamy appetizer made by baking a wheel of brie cheese until soft and melty. It’s often topped with sweet or savory ingredients like honey, nuts, or preserves, and served with crackers, bread, or fruit.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:6–8 servings
Category:Appetizer
Method:Baking
Cuisine:French
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 wheel of brie cheese (8 oz)
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (optional)
2–3 tbsp honey or fruit preserves (fig, raspberry, or apricot)
2 tbsp chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash, if using puff pastry)
Crackers, sliced baguette, or apple slices (for serving)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a small baking dish.
Top with honey or fruit preserves, then sprinkle with chopped nuts and optional herbs.
(Optional) To wrap: place brie in the center of the puff pastry, add toppings, fold pastry over the top, and seal edges. Brush with egg wash.
Bake for 15–20 minutes if unwrapped, or 25–30 minutes if wrapped, until soft and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Serve warm with crackers, bread slices, or apple slices.
Notes
No need to remove the rind; it’s edible and holds the cheese together.Chill assembled brie before baking to prevent soggy puff pastry.Use gluten-free crackers and skip pastry for a gluten-free version.Reheat in oven at 350°F for best texture.Camembert can be used as an alternative cheese.
