If you’ve ever wished for an appetizer that’s both elegant and outrageously easy, Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs is the answer to your cheese-loving prayers. This baked brie is decadently oozy, infused with the herbs’ piney fragrance and just enough garlic to keep you reaching for another bite. Whether you’re hosting a festive holiday gathering or cozying up for a night in, Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs is the kind of shareable, crowd-pleasing dish that makes people marvel at your culinary magic with minimal effort. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Just a handful of high-impact ingredients come together to create layers of flavor, color, and irresistible aroma. Each component plays a starring role in making this Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs unforgettable.
- Brie cheese (8 oz wheel): The creamy, mild star of the show, perfect for melting into gooey deliciousness.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds a savory depth and a hint of pungency that wakes up the brie.
- Fresh rosemary (1 tablespoon, chopped): Brings piney freshness and a little bite.
- Fresh thyme leaves (1 tablespoon): Offers subtle earthiness and beautiful green flecks.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps meld the herbs and garlic, and gives the topping a golden sheen.
- Honey (1 tablespoon, optional): If you like a touch of sweetness, drizzle this over for luscious contrast.
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Lends gentle heat and finishes the flavors.
- Baguette slices or crackers (for serving): Because every molten bite deserves a crispy vehicle.
How to Make Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Brie
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a small baking dish or an oven-safe skillet with a piece of parchment paper—that will make serving and cleanup a breeze. Carefully unwrap your Brie and place it right in the center, rind and all. The rind helps the cheese keep its shape even as it softens to molten perfection.
Step 2: Mix the Herb and Garlic Topping
In a small bowl, stir together your minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, and olive oil. This fragrant mixture is where all those fresh herbal, woodsy, and slightly sharp notes come from—the perfect topping for warm, buttery cheese.
Step 3: Top the Brie
Spoon the herb and garlic mixture evenly over the top of the brie wheel. Gently press it so the flavors really nestle into the surface. This guarantees every scoop of Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs is infused with those garden-fresh aromatics.
Step 4: Bake Until Melty
Slide the brie into your preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it looks puffed and the center feels soft when gently pressed with a spoon. The cheese should be oozy and ready to scoop, but still hold its shape enough for easy serving.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
If you crave that touch of sweet-and-savory magic, drizzle your brie with honey as soon as it comes out of the oven, then finish with a few grinds of black pepper. Serve immediately, surrounded by baguette slices or crisp crackers for dipping into cheesy, herby bliss.
How to Serve Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh rosemary or thyme on top right before serving makes your Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs especially beautiful. For a touch of color, a few pomegranate arils or chopped toasted nuts bring delightful contrast and crunch.
Side Dishes
This baked brie is wonderful alongside fresh fruit (think sliced apples, grapes, or figs) and a simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette. A few bowls of mixed olives and an assortment of cured meats will turn your brie into a centerpiece for any appetizer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs the star by serving it in a rustic cast iron pan or on a wooden cheese board surrounded by all your chosen dippers. For individual servings, try baking smaller brie wheels and presenting each on its own dish—so charming for parties and potlucks!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover brie (if you’re lucky enough to have some) to an airtight container once it has cooled. It will keep well in the fridge for up to three days, though the garlic and herb flavors will continue to deepen.
Freezing
While technically possible, freezing Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs can affect the cheese’s texture after thawing, making it grainier. If you must freeze, wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently to serve.
Reheating
To recapture that glorious gooeyness, place chilled brie in an oven-safe dish and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, until just heated through. Avoid microwaving, as this can cause uneven melting or toughen the rind.
FAQs
Can I make Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs ahead of time?
You can prep the brie and herb topping up to a day in advance, keeping them covered and chilled separately. Assemble just before baking for best results, so the herbs stay vibrant and the cheese melts perfectly.
Should I remove the rind from the brie?
No need! The edible rind holds everything together as the cheese melts. It’s mild in flavor and, when baked, creates a lovely wrapper for all that melty goodness.
What’s the best way to serve this dish warm?
Bake your Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs just before guests arrive and serve it straight from the oven for the ultimate experience. Keep it on a heat-proof surface so everyone can dive in while it’s still gooey.
Do I have to use fresh herbs or can I substitute dried?
Fresh herbs add gorgeous color and aroma, but if you’re in a pinch, use one-third the amount of dried herbs. Just remember, a little goes a long way, and fresh really does make a difference in both look and taste.
What other toppings or mix-ins work with this recipe?
Try blending in other herbs like sage or oregano, topping with toasted nuts, or pairing with a fruit spread like fig or apricot jam—Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs is endlessly customizable for your favorite flavors!
Final Thoughts
Cheese lovers and party hosts alike, this is your moment: try Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs for your next gathering or treat yourself to an extra-special snack. Every bite is melty, fragrant, and downright irresistible. I can’t wait for you to taste just how simple and rewarding this show-stopping appetizer can be!
Print
Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this savory baked Brie with garlic and herbs. Perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in, this appetizer is a crowd-pleaser with its gooey cheese and aromatic flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese (8 oz)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Baguette slices or crackers
Baked Brie:
For Serving:
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Brie: Place the Brie on a parchment-lined baking dish or small oven-safe skillet.
- Make the herb mixture: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, and olive oil.
- Top the Brie: Spoon the herb mixture over the top of the Brie.
- Bake: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and melty inside.
- Finish: Drizzle with honey if desired, and add freshly ground black pepper.
- Serve: Serve immediately with warm baguette slices or crackers.
Notes
- You can use other herbs like sage or oregano for variation.
- For a stronger garlic flavor, add an extra clove.
- This recipe pairs well with roasted nuts or a fig jam on the side.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 wheel
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
