Got 15 minutes? Learn how to make this show-stopping baked brie recipe! Serve this warm, gooey baked brie, topped with fig jam, walnuts, and pistachios at your next event and watch it disappear. It’s one of the easiest appetizers youll make.
One of my secret weapons during the holidays is to present my guests with beautiful, sophisticated appetizers that look difficult, but in reality take only a few minutes to assemble.
This is especially true for cheese, which is always a crowd-pleaser and easy to dress up for any occasion, like my phyllo-wrapped Greek baked feta, fried halloumi, goat cheese stuffed dates, or today’s baked brie recipe.
The holidays are busy, which means simple-to-prepare appetizers make my life (and soon to be yours) a lot easier!
Should you remove the rind from brie?
Brie rind is edible, and it actually adds nuance and complexity of flavor. In this baked brie recipe, I do not remove the rind because I need the surface to spread my jam and to add my beautiful nuts and toppings.
The rind keeps the wheel of cheese together, and once you take it out of the oven and slice into it, all the gooey deliciousness oozes out like a nice surprise!
But, if you were doing a baked brie wrapped in puff pastry, then removing the top rind will help the crust stick to the melted cheese and stay together for a better presentation.
I love to play with texture and flavor in my baked brie, and I often change things up. For my toppings this time, I used fig jam, shelled pistachios, walnuts, and sliced dry figs. Pro tip: Mix the nuts and dried fruit with a bit of the jam (or honey) to coat them before baking. This prevents them from drying out in the oven. Here are some other topping ideas you could try for this cheese dip:
- Use honey or orange jam instead of fig jam.
- Try different nuts like chopped pecans or hazelnuts.
- Change up the dried fruit by using raisins, dates, or apricots. If the dried fruit is big, chop it up into smaller chunks.
Tips for the best baked brie
While I consider this baked brie with jam pretty much foolproof, there are a couple things you can do so it turns out perfect every time:
- Use a wheel of brie, not a wedge. While a wedge of brie will work here, I think a wheel (or round) gives you more of a grand presentation and allows you to load on more toppings. You dont need to buy a brie wheel from an expensive cheese shop, either. Use what you find at your local grocery store; I often buy mine at places like Whole Foods or Costco.
- Dont overcook brie. Overcooking brie can cause it to re-harden quickly, so I watch my brie wheel carefully as it bakes. Once I see the edges collapsing just enough, perhaps with a little melty cheese starting to peek through, I know it’s done.
- Let the baked brie sit for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to settle and cool just enough so the cheese is still gooey but not scorching hot.
How to Heat Brie
How do you cook Brie in the oven?
Set the brie on the prepared baking sheet and place in the oven. After 12 to 13 minutes, turn on the oven light and begin to check on the cheese. It should be starting to bubble on top. Once it’s bubbling on top you can take the cheese out of the oven to serve at this point and it will be perfectly melted through.
How do you heat up brie cheese?
To heat up brie, preheat the oven to 350°f and place the brie in an oven-safe dish for 15-20 minutes until it is warm and slightly melted. Brie cheese is a popular appetizer that can be served with crackers, bread, or fruit. It’s a soft and creamy cheese that can be served cold or warm, depending on your preference.
How long should Brie be cooled before baking?
For best results, allow the brie to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking. While this is not an essential step, it will ensure that the cheese melts evenly all the way through. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a sharp knife, slice off the very top of the cheese.
How do you heat up Brie?
A cheeseboard or charcuterie board is an excellent way to showcase heated brie, and using a cast iron skillet or baking dish as a bed for the cheese will keep it warm and melty for hours. Overall, heating up brie can be a delicious addition to any meal or appetizer.