Baked Brie and Preserves
Baked Brie and Preserves is a delightful dish that takes just minutes to prepare but feels like an elegant centerpiece for any gathering. The creamy, luscious brie cheese melts beautifully when baked, creating a warm, gooey texture that contrasts perfectly with the sweet, fruity preserves. Topped with crunchy nuts and drizzled with honey, this interactive dish encourages everyone to dig in and enjoy. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive celebration, this recipe is your go-to for impressing guests or indulging in a little self-care.
Table of Contents
Many of us can relate to the struggle of finding the ideal appetizer that’ll wow your friends and family yet is simple to prepare. Baked Brie and Preserves fits the bill like a charm. It’s fast, budget-friendly, and an absolute crowd-pleaser. Adding this savory-dish-with-a-sweet-twist to your menu will surely elevate any occasion, and I can’t wait for you to try it. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s create something scrumptious together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prepped in just 5 minutes and baked for only 20 minutes, it’s perfect for spontaneous gatherings.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy brie, sweet jam, and crunchy nuts creates a symphony of taste and texture.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: This dish not only tastes great but looks stunning when served, making it an impressive centerpiece.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect as a snack at cocktail parties, a sophisticated appetizer, or even a cozy night-in treat.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for various dietary needs—use gluten-free crackers or plant-based cheese for a vegan version.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 wheel of brie cheese (8 ounces, or about 225 grams): Choose a high-quality brie for that rich, buttery flavor. This is the star of the dish!
- ⅓ cup good-quality fruit preserves or jam (fig, mixed berry, or apricot): Opt for a preserve that complements the cheese. The sweetness balances the savory brie beautifully.
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (pistachios, pecans, or walnuts): Nuts add a crunchy contrast to the creamy brie. Feel free to mix your favorites!
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional): A drizzle of honey or maple syrup can ramp up the sweetness, elevating the dish further.
- 1 small sprig fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme, optional): Fresh herbs add a fragrant touch and vibrant color, making it even more appealing. You can also use fresh berries for decoration.
- Sliced baguette, crostini, crackers, apple slices, or pear slices: These are perfect for scooping up that delicious melted cheese!
How to Make Baked Brie and Preserves
Preheat the oven: Begin by setting your oven to 350℉. Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring it extends beyond the brie on all sides. This will ease the transfer to your serving platter later.
Prepare the brie: Take the cold wheel of brie and carefully place it on the prepared parchment paper. Keeping the cheese cold helps it maintain shape during baking, preventing it from being too soft before it’s served.
Score the rind: If you want to enhance the melting experience, use a sharp knife to make shallow crosshatch cuts across the top rind, spacing the cuts about ½ inch apart. Don’t cut too deep—just through the rind layer. This allows the flavors of the preserves to penetrate the cheese.
Add the preserves: Spoon ⅓ cup of your chosen fruit preserves on top of the brie, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon. The preserves will meld into the warm brie, creating a delicious topping.
Sprinkle the nuts: Next, evenly distribute ¼ cup of chopped nuts over the preserves. This adds an exciting texture and crunch that beautifully contrasts with the soft cheese.
Bake the brie: Place your baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes until the cheese is soft and just beginning to ooze at the edges. Visual cues like a slight bubbling around the edges indicate it’s ready. Remember, the wheel should still hold its shape, so don’t overbake!
Rest and garnish: Once out of the oven, let the brie rest for 2 to 3 minutes. If desired, drizzle 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup over the top, adding a touch of sweetness. You can also crown it with a small sprig of fresh herbs or a few fresh berries for a stunning finish.
Serve: To serve, gently use the parchment paper to transfer the baked brie onto a serving platter. Surround it with your sliced baguette, crackers, or fresh fruit slices, allowing everyone to dig in while the cheese is still warm.
Storing & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the baked brie cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For optimal quality, it’s best to consume it fresh. You can freeze baked brie for up to 3 months by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in a 350℉ oven for about 10 minutes. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after refrigeration or freezing, so reheating helps bring back some of that delightful gooeyness.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overbaking! Keep an eye on the cheese as it bakes to ensure it doesn’t become too oozy and lose its shape.
- If you prefer a slightly tangy flavor, consider using a fruit preserve with a citrus base, such as orange marmalade, instead of traditional sweeter jams.
- Want to make ahead? You can prepare the brie with the preserves and nuts, then store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake—just remember to extend the cooking time a tad.
- Feeling adventurous? Add a dash of cinnamon or a sprinkle of sea salt over the honey drizzle for an added flavor kick.
- Avoid rough toppings or edges on your serving vessel to make it easier for guests to scoop out the gooey brie.
Baked Brie and Preserves is not just a recipe; it’s an experience that brings people together. With its luscious texture and delightful flavors, every bite provides comfort and joy. I encourage you to explore your own variations, experimenting with different flavors and toppings. Enjoy the process of making this dish and the smiles it brings to your table.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of brie?
Absolutely! While brie is traditional for its creamy texture, camembert works wonderfully too. You can even use a softer cheese like goat cheese for a unique flavor twist. Just be mindful of baking times as textures may vary.
What kind of preserves work best with baked brie?
While fig, mixed berry, or apricot preserves are fantastic choices, you can really use any fruit preserves you love. Consider experimenting with more unique flavors like cherry, peach, or even spicy jalapeño jelly for a fun kick!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the brie with preserves and nuts, then cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just note that it may need a couple extra minutes in the oven as it will be cold from the fridge.
How do I know when the brie is done baking?
You’ll know it’s ready when the edges of the cheese are bulging slightly and beginning to ooze but still holds its shape. Additionally, you should see a bit of bubbling around the preserves, which is a great sign!
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📖 Recipe Card
Baked Brie and Preserves
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: 105|Desserts & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
This Baked Brie and Preserves combines rich, creamy brie cheese with sweet fruit preserves and crunchy nuts, making it a delightful appetizer perfect for gatherings or a cozy evening. Easy to prepare and indulgently delicious, it’s a must-try for cheese lovers!
Ingredients
- 1 wheel of brie cheese (8 ounces or about 225 grams), cold from refrigerator
- ⅓ cup good-quality fruit preserves or jam (fig, mixed berry, or apricot)
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (pistachios, pecans, or walnuts)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1 small sprig fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme) or a few fresh berries (for garnish, optional)
- sliced baguette, crostini, crackers, apple slices, or pear slices
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350℉ and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper, allowing the paper to extend beyond the brie.
- Remove the brie from its packaging and place it on the parchment paper, keeping it cold from the refrigerator.
- If desired, use a sharp knife to make shallow crosshatch cuts across the top rind, about ½ inch apart, cutting through just the rind layer.
- Spread ⅓ cup of fruit preserves evenly over the top of the brie with the back of a spoon.
- Evenly sprinkle ¼ cup of chopped nuts on top of the preserves.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the cheese is soft and starting to ooze at the edges, while still holding its shape.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes.
- If using, drizzle honey or maple syrup over the top and add fresh herbs or berries for garnish if desired.
- Use the parchment paper to transfer the brie to a serving platter. Serve with sliced baguette, crackers, and fresh fruit slices while warm.
Notes
Ensure the brie is cold before baking to maintain its shape during cooking.
Experiment with different types of fruit preserves for varied flavors.
Consider pairing with a mix of sweet and savory sides to balance the richness of the brie.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
