Baked Brie with Honey, Thyme, and Crostini Recipe

Introduction

Baked Brie is a simple yet elegant appetizer that transforms creamy cheese into a warm, gooey delight. Perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in, it pairs beautifully with crostini and a drizzle of honey.

Ingredients

• 250 – 500g (8 – 16 oz) round Brie or Camembert
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
• 1 sprig of thyme (optional)
• Crostini, for serving
• 1 bunch of purple or green grapes (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) for all oven types.
2. Step 2: Unwrap the Brie and place it in a small, shallow ovenproof dish slightly larger than the cheese, or set it on a piece of crumpled baking or parchment paper for easy transfer later.
3. Step 3: Bake the Brie for 15 to 20 minutes if using around 250g, or until the center feels very soft and nearly collapses under gentle pressure. For a larger 500g wheel, bake for about 25 minutes.
4. Step 4: Alternatively, microwave the Brie on high for 2 minutes in 30-second increments until melted.
5. Step 5: Carefully transfer the Brie to a serving plate or board, using the parchment paper if you baked on it, as the cheese will be delicate.
6. Step 6: Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the warm cheese and top with a sprig of thyme, if desired.
7. Step 7: Serve immediately with crostini for scooping. Provide a knife to cut through the rind and a cheese or pâté knife to spread the melted cheese onto crostini or crackers.

Tips & Variations

• Use a casserole dish or small cast-iron skillet to bake the Brie for a rustic presentation.
• Try adding chopped nuts or dried fruit on top before baking for added texture and flavor.
• Swap honey for a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a tangy twist.
• Serve with fresh grapes or sliced apples to complement the creamy cheese.

Storage

Store any leftover baked Brie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes or until warm. The cheese is best enjoyed fresh, as reheating may alter its texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake Brie without removing the rind?

Yes, the rind is edible and helps keep the cheese intact while baking. It softens during cooking and adds a subtle earthy taste.

What should I serve with baked Brie?

Crostini, crackers, fresh grapes, apple slices, or nuts make excellent accompaniments to scoop and complement the rich, melted cheese.

Baked Brie with Honey, Thyme, and Crostini Recipe

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5 from 146 reviews

A simple and elegant recipe for Baked Brie, offering warm, gooey cheese drizzled with honey and accented with fresh thyme, served with crostini and optional grapes for a delicious appetizer or snack.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-25 minutes
• Total Time: 20-30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4–6 as an appetizer 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 250 – 500g (8 – 16 oz) round brie or camembert cheese
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
• 1 thyme sprig (optional)

Accompaniments

• 1 bunch purple grapes (or green grapes, optional)
• Crostini (quantity as desired for serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), suitable for all oven types.
2. Prepare Brie: Unwrap the brie and place it into a small, shallow ovenproof dish slightly larger than the cheese, or alternatively place it on crumpled baking or parchment paper for easy transfer after baking.
3. Bake the Brie: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes for a 250g (8 oz) brie or camembert, or extend the baking time to 25 minutes for a 500g (1 lb) piece. The cheese should feel very soft and almost collapsing when gently pressed in the center.
4. Microwave Alternative: If preferred, melt the cheese in the microwave on high for about 2 minutes total, heating in 30-second increments to avoid overheating.
5. Transfer Carefully: Carefully transfer the melted brie to a serving plate or board, using paper if it was baked on parchment to maintain its shape as it is delicate.
6. Add Toppings: Drizzle the warm brie with honey or maple syrup and garnish with a fresh sprig of thyme if using.
7. Serve: Serve immediately with crostini for scooping the melted cheese. Provide a knife to cut through the rind and a cheese or pâté knife for spreading the cheese onto the crostini or crackers. Optionally, offer grapes on the side for a fresh contrast.

Notes

• Brie and camembert are both suitable for this recipe; camembert is a good value alternative.
• Be gentle when pressing the baked cheese to test softness to avoid breaking the rind prematurely.
• The crostini can be plain or flavored with fruit and nuts to complement the cheese.
• Microwaving is a quick alternative but may not produce the same texture as oven baking.
• Serving immediately ensures the cheese remains warm and melty for the best experience.

Keywords: baked brie, easy appetizer, cheese appetizer, baked camembert, warm brie, crostini, party food, melted cheese recipe