Description
This classic Baked Brie recipe delivers a creamy, gooey cheese experience perfect for entertaining or a cozy snack. The brie is gently baked until soft and molten, then drizzled with honey or maple syrup and served with crostini and grapes. It’s an easy appetizer that highlights the rich flavor of baked brie with minimal ingredients and fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 250 – 500g / 8 – 16 oz round brie or camembert
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1 thyme sprig (optional)
For Serving
- Crostini or other sturdy crackers
- 1 bunch purple grapes (or green, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 180°C/350°F, suitable for all oven types, to ensure the brie bakes evenly.
- Prepare the brie. Unwrap the brie and place it in a small, shallow ovenproof dish slightly larger than the brie itself. Alternatively, set it on a piece of crumbled baking or parchment paper to aid in transferring later.
- Bake the brie. Bake in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes if using 250g (8 oz) brie, or up to 25 minutes if using 500g (1 lb). The cheese should feel very soft in the center without collapsing when gently pressed. If uncertain, insert a skewer—if melted cheese sticks to it, the brie is ready.
- Optional microwave method. For a quicker option, microwave the brie on high for 2 minutes, checking and stirring if needed in 30-second increments to ensure it melts thoroughly.
- Transfer carefully. Gently move the baked brie to a serving plate or board. If baked on parchment paper, transfer along with the paper to avoid breaking the delicate cheese.
- Add toppings and serve. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup and top with a fresh thyme sprig if desired. Serve immediately alongside crostini or sturdy crackers and grapes for scooping and nibbling.
- Eating tips. Provide a sharp knife to cut through the rind and a cheese or pâté knife to scoop the melted cheese onto crostini or crackers.
Notes
- Use economical brie or camembert; this recipe works well with budget cheese as well as premium varieties.
- Use a shallow, round ovenproof dish for baking and serving to prevent cheese from spilling but still allow easy scooping.
- If no appropriate dish is available, use a very shallow ovenproof bowl or a curved plate, or bake on crumpled parchment paper for easier transfer.
- Check the brie at 15 minutes to avoid overbaking. Overbaking causes the cheese to harden in the center.
- A 250g brie serves 6 to 8 people comfortably due to its rich and creamy texture.
- Honey and maple syrup are interchangeable toppings; choose based on your taste preference or availability.
- Once baked, the brie remains scoopable for about 10-15 minutes depending on the serving dish used.
- Leftover baked brie is delicious and can be reheated quickly in the microwave; also tasty spread on toast and grilled.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 42g (for 6 servings from 250g brie)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
