Description
This Baked Brie recipe features a creamy, melted brie cheese baked until soft and gooey, optionally drizzled with honey or maple syrup and garnished with fresh thyme. Perfectly paired with crostini and fresh grapes, it makes an elegant appetizer ideal for gatherings or cozy nights.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 250 – 500g (8 – 16 oz) round brie or camembert cheese
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1 sprig thyme (optional)
Accompaniments
- 1 bunch purple grapes (or green, optional)
- Crostini, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), suitable for all oven types, to prepare for baking the brie.
- Prepare Brie: Unwrap the brie and place it in a small, shallow ovenproof dish just slightly larger than the cheese. Alternatively, use crumbled baking or parchment paper for easy transference after baking.
- Bake Brie: Bake the brie for 15 to 20 minutes if using 250g/8oz or until completely melted and soft; for a larger 500g/1lb brie, increase baking time to about 25 minutes. To test doneness, gently press the center—it should feel very soft without collapsing completely.
- Microwave Option: If short on time, microwave the brie on high for 2 minutes in 30-second increments until melted, though oven baking is preferred for best results.
- Transfer Cheese: Carefully transfer the baked brie to a serving plate or board. If baked on parchment paper, transfer it along with the paper to avoid breakage since the cheese is delicate when melted.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the warm brie and place a fresh thyme sprig on top if using, to enhance flavor and presentation.
- Serve: Serve the baked brie immediately with crostini and fresh grapes. Provide a knife to cut through the rind and a cheese or pate knife for guests to scoop the melted cheese onto the crostini.
Notes
- Choose a good-quality but affordable brie or camembert; both work well.
- Using parchment paper makes transferring the delicate melted brie simpler and prevents mess.
- Honey or maple syrup adds a pleasant sweetness complementing the creamy cheese but is optional depending on your flavor preference.
- Baked brie is best served warm for optimal gooey texture and taste.
- Fresh grapes add a juicy, refreshing contrast but can be omitted.
- Microwaving saves time but may not achieve the same even melting as oven-baking.
