Creamy Baked Brie Recipe
Add Preferred SourceThere’s nothing quite like the warm, melty goodness of creamy Baked Brie to make your appetizer spread a hit. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or a casual get-together, this recipe brings together rich, creamy brie with sweet honey and crunchy walnuts, all wrapped up in a simple yet impressive dish.
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I love making this appetizer when I want something that looks and feels special, but in reality, it is incredibly simple to make. To be honest, it doesn’t get much simpler than this. It’s perfect for the holidays, cozy nights in, and New Year’s Eve, and it’s a cheese lover’s dream!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How To Make Baked Brie With Step by Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
Making this creamy baked brie is so simple, if you follow my easy instructions.
Prepare the brie
Unwrap the brie and place it back in the wooden box (or an oven-safe dish if you don’t have the box).
Make shallow slits on the top of the cheese, spacing them about half an inch apart. This helps the brie bake evenly and allows the honey to seep into the cheese later.
Bake the brie
Place the brie in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the center feels very soft. You’ll know it’s ready when the top looks slightly puffed and golden.
Add the toppings
Once out of the oven, carefully move the brie (in its box or dish) to a serving plate. Drizzle the warm brie with honey, scatter chopped walnuts on top, and garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme for a pop of flavor and color.
Serve and enjoy
Serve the baked brie immediately with your choice of crostini, crackers, or bread. For an extra burst of flavor, offer grapes or apple slices on the side. The contrast of sweet, salty, and creamy will make each bite irresistible.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
- Box Substitute: If your brie didn’t come in a wooden box, or if you threw it away, don’t worry! You can use a small oven-safe dish instead. Ceramic or cast iron works well to contain the melting cheese and help it bake evenly.
- Honey vs. Maple Syrup: Honey brings a floral sweetness that pairs beautifully with the earthy, creamy brie, but if you prefer a deeper, more robust flavor, maple syrup is a fantastic alternative. Both complement the richness of the cheese while adding that luscious, sweet element.
- Nutty Topping Options: Walnuts give a great crunchy contrast, but don’t feel limited to just those. Pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts can be used for a different texture and flavor profile. Lightly toasting the nuts before adding them will bring out their natural oils and intensify the flavor.
- Extra Creamy Texture: For the ultimate gooey brie experience, let the baked brie rest for about 5 minutes after you remove it from the oven. This allows the cheese to settle slightly, making it easier to cut into without all the cheese pouring out at once. Plus, the flavor will have a chance to develop even more.
- Serving Size: An 8-ounce brie wheel serves 4-6 people as an appetizer. If you’re hosting a larger crowd, consider doubling the recipe or offering multiple rounds of brie to avoid running out of this crowd-pleaser. It’s best enjoyed warm and fresh from the oven, so making smaller batches ensures it stays at the perfect temperature.
- Herb Choices: Thyme is the classic herb for this dish, adding a subtle earthy note that balances the sweetness of the honey or syrup. However, rosemary offers a more robust, woodsy flavor if you want to intensify the herbal element. Fresh sage or a few sprigs of lavender can also bring an aromatic twist that pairs well with brie.
- Cracker Choice: Choose sturdy crackers or thick slices of bread (like crostini) that can hold up to the soft, melted brie. You don’t want your cracker crumbling under the weight of all that creamy cheese. For a heartier option, serve with sliced baguette or bruschetta for an extra crunch.
- Sweet & Savory Balance: If you want to amp up the flavor, consider sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt over the honey-drizzled brie. This will bring out the sweetness while enhancing the savory elements, creating that perfect bite where salty meets sweet.
How to Store Leftover Baked Brie
Leftover baked brie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5-10 minutes until warm and melty again.
This recipe is not suitable for freezing, as the texture of the cheese changes when frozen and reheated.
More Easy Appetizer Recipes for You To Try at Home
Looking for more appetizers? Try these easy recipes.
- Charcuterie Board
- Pig Shots
- Chicken and Bacon Crack Dip
- Shrimp Toast
- Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls
Ingredients
- 8 ounces brie in a round
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons walnuts chopped
- Thyme sprig to garnish
For serving
- Crostini, bruschetta, French bread, or crackers
- Grapes or apple slices
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F/180°C
- Remove the brie from its packaging and place it back into the lower half of the wooden box it came in, or use an oven-safe dish. Score the top of the brie with shallow cuts, about ½ inch apart. Bake in the oven for 15 to 20 minute, or until the cheese is soft and melted in the center.8 ounces brie
- Once done, take the brie out of the oven and transfer it (in the box or dish) to a serving plate. Drizzle honey over the top, sprinkle the chopped walnuts, and garnish with a fresh thyme sprig. Serve immediately with your choice of crostini, crackers, or sliced bread, and enjoy!2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, 2 tablespoons walnuts, Thyme sprig, Crostini, bruschetta, French bread, or crackers, Grapes or apple slices
Notes
- Box Substitute: If your brie didn’t come in a wooden box, or if you threw it away, don’t worry! You can use a small oven-safe dish instead. Ceramic or cast iron works well to contain the melting cheese and help it bake evenly.
- Honey vs. Maple Syrup: Honey brings a floral sweetness that pairs beautifully with the earthy, creamy brie, but if you prefer a deeper, more robust flavor, maple syrup is a fantastic alternative. Both complement the richness of the cheese while adding that luscious, sweet element.
- Nutty Topping Options: Walnuts give a great crunchy contrast, but don’t feel limited to just those. Pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts can be used for a different texture and flavor profile. Lightly toasting the nuts before adding them will bring out their natural oils and intensify the flavor.
- Extra Creamy Texture: For the ultimate gooey brie experience, let the baked brie rest for about 5 minutes after you remove it from the oven. This allows the cheese to settle slightly, making it easier to cut into without all the cheese pouring out at once. Plus, the flavor will have a chance to develop even more.
- Serving Size: An 8-ounce brie wheel serves 4-6 people as an appetizer. If you’re hosting a larger crowd, consider doubling the recipe or offering multiple rounds of brie to avoid running out of this crowd-pleaser. It’s best enjoyed warm and fresh from the oven, so making smaller batches ensures it stays at the perfect temperature.
- Herb Choices: Thyme is the classic herb for this dish, adding a subtle earthy note that balances the sweetness of the honey or syrup. However, rosemary offers a more robust, woodsy flavor if you want to intensify the herbal element. Fresh sage or a few sprigs of lavender can also bring an aromatic twist that pairs well with brie.
- Cracker Choice: Choose sturdy crackers or thick slices of bread (like crostini) that can hold up to the soft, melted brie. You don’t want your cracker crumbling under the weight of all that creamy cheese. For a heartier option, serve with sliced baguette or bruschetta for an extra crunch.
- Sweet & Savory Balance: If you want to amp up the flavor, consider sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt over the honey-drizzled brie. This will bring out the sweetness while enhancing the savory elements, creating that perfect bite where salty meets sweet.
Nutrition
About the Author
Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
So tasty, rich and creamy
I’m thrilled that you found it tasty and creamy. It’s one of my favorites too!