Description
This Baked Brie recipe offers a simple yet elegant appetizer featuring creamy, melty brie cheese baked to perfection. Enhanced with optional honey or maple syrup and fresh thyme, it’s served warm alongside crostini and grapes for a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 250 – 500g (8 – 16 oz) round brie or camembert
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1 thyme sprig (optional)
Accompaniments
- 1 bunch purple grapes (or green, optional)
- Crostini (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F), suitable for all oven types.
- Prepare Brie: Unwrap the brie and place it in a small, shallow ovenproof dish slightly larger than the cheese, or alternatively, place it on a piece of crumbled baking or parchment paper for easier transfer after baking.
- Bake Brie: Bake the brie for 15 to 20 minutes if using 250g (8oz) until melted through and very soft when pressed gently in the center. For a larger 500g (1 lb) brie, increase baking time to about 25 minutes.
- Microwave Alternative: For a quicker option, microwave the brie on high in 30-second increments for a total of about 2 minutes until softened.
- Transfer Cheese: Carefully move the warm brie to a serving plate or board, using the parchment paper if applicable, as the cheese will be delicate.
- Garnish: Drizzle the melted brie with honey or maple syrup and top with a fresh sprig of thyme if desired.
- Serve: Present immediately with crostini on the side for scooping. Provide a knife to cut through the rind and a cheese or pate knife to spread the soft cheese onto crostini or crackers, plain or flavored.
Notes
- Use good quality brie or camembert for best flavor and melting performance.
- Honey or maple syrup is optional but provides a lovely sweetness that complements the cheese.
- Fresh thyme adds an aromatic note — feel free to omit or substitute with other herbs.
- Be careful when transferring as the melted cheese is very soft and delicate.
- Adjust baking time based on the size of your brie to avoid over or undercooking.
- Serving with grapes offers a fresh, fruity contrast.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: Baked Brie, Brie Recipe, Appetizer, Cheese Dish, Party Food, Easy Baked Cheese, Camembert
