Creamy Baked Brie Recipe

Round baked brie topped with walnuts, honey, and fresh thyme, placed on a light-colored surface. Thinly sliced apples in the background.

Baked Brie is the perfect appetizer for any occasion, offering a warm, creamy cheese with sweet honey and crunchy walnuts. It looks impressive but is incredibly simple to make. Ideal for holidays, casual gatherings, or cozy nights in, this dish is always a hit. If you love cheese, this one’s for you!

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Prep Time: 2

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 22

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: French

Keyword: Baked brie

Servings:

Calories: 170kcal

Author: Mandy Applegate | Hungry Cooks Kitchen

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

US Customary - Metric

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.

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