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Baked Brie turns a single wheel of cheese into a warm, gooey appetizer with golden edges and a soft center, ready to scoop up with crackers or crusty bread. And even though it looks fancy, it takes almost no effort. Serve it plain, or dress it up with an optional spoonful of jam before baking and a sprinkle of nuts after.
Why This Baked Brie Recipe Works
I try to keep a wheel of brie on hand at all times, especially around the holidays. That way, in just a matter of minutes, I can put out an impressive appetizer, whether it's for a holiday party or guests who show up with little notice. If you'd rather serve brie cold and spreadable, try my whipped brie.
- No experience needed. There's no dough to wrap and no special equipment, just about 2 minutes of prep and 10 to 12 minutes in the oven. If you can unwrap a wheel of cheese, you can make this.
- An even melt. I bake brie at 350°F, which gives the most even melt from edge to center.
- Sweet or savory, your call. Jam or honey takes it sweet. Fresh herbs, olive oil, or basil pesto topping keep it savory.
- Naturally gluten-free. Brie itself is gluten-free, so serve it with gluten-free crackers or fruit, and guests who avoid gluten can dig in too.
How to Bake Brie
Before you start, keep in mind that warm brie is at its softest and creamiest straight out of the oven, so bake it just before you plan to serve. And while the steps and photos are here to help, you'll find full directions and quantities in the recipe card at the bottom of this post, plus a video if you'd like to watch it come together.
- Prepare the brie. Unwrap the wheel or wedge of brie and remove any parchment or wax paper. Place it on a small baking sheet or in a shallow baking dish. For easy cleanup, line with parchment paper.
To Score or not to Score?
Scoring the rind makes the melted cheese easier to scoop. Use a paring knife to cut 3 to 4 lines in each direction to form a checkerboard pattern, cutting just through the rind and not into the cheese. Skipping it makes for beautiful slicing. I often skip scoring mine because I like the prettier presentation.
- Add jam, if using. Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of jam or preserves over the top. Fig, raspberry, cherry, and apricot all pair well with brie.
- Bake. Bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are slightly golden and the cheese feels soft when gently pressed. If you added jam, it should be warm and glossy.
- Top and serve. If you like, top with chopped nuts and fresh herbs, or drizzle with honey or maple syrup. Serve right away.
Toppings & Variations
Every topping is optional. Brie on its own is just as delicious, but here are a few ideas.
- Wheel or Wedge: An 8-ounce wheel gives you that dramatic melty moment, but a wedge bakes up just as well. Any brand or size works, even a slice from the deli counter. I plan on about 1 ounce per person.
- Sweet: Add jam before baking, or drizzle with honey or maple syrup after.
- Nutty: After baking, sprinkle on chopped pecans, walnuts, pistachios, or candied nuts.
- Herby or Savory: Finish with finely minced fresh rosemary, pesto, a spoonful of tomato bruschetta, or a drizzle of olive oil and herbs.
- Wrapped in Puff Pastry: Place an 8-ounce wheel of brie in the center of 1 sheet of thawed puff pastry. Top with jam if you like, wrap it up, and trim off the excess pastry. Brush with an egg wash and bake at 350°F for 28 to 32 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
While I could eat this straight off the baking sheet (guilty), baked brie is best served with crostini, crackers, crusty bread, or fresh fruit like apples and grapes.
- As a Holiday Starter: Set it out while the main meal finishes, whether that's Thanksgiving dinner or a Christmas dinner menu.
- For Hosting Guests: Serve alongside crockpot mulled cider or mulled wine for a festive spread that requires very little effort.
Storage & Reheating
In the VERY unlikely event you have leftover baked brie, here's how to save it for later.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Reheat: Place the brie in an oven-safe baking dish and warm it in a 350°F oven until soft again.
- Get Creative: Slice cold baked brie and tuck it into a grilled cheese sandwich or quesadilla.
Baked Brie FAQs
I don't recommend removing the rind when baking brie. The rind is completely edible, and it helps keep the melted cheese intact as it bakes, which also allows for a better presentation and easier serving.
Yes, 8 to 10 minutes at 400°F works. I've found a lower temperature and a slightly longer bake gives the most even melt, though, so I bake mine at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes.
More Favorite Appetizer Recipes
- Tortellini Skewers: All the flavors of an antipasto platter in one handheld bite.
- Deviled Eggs: A creamy filling with a surprise ingredient, and a cold bite to balance the warm brie.
- Bacon-Wrapped Dates: A sweet-and-salty appetizer with just a few ingredients, ready in about 20 minutes.
- Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms: Stuffed with Italian sausage, cream cheese, and fresh herbs.
- Sausage Balls: Made with pantry staples, and they freeze well, so you can make them ahead.
Did you make this recipe?
If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment with a 5-star review at the bottom of the post. Thank you!
Baked Brie Cheese
Video
Ingredients
- 8 ounce wheel of Brie Cheese, or wedge of Brie cheese
Optional Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons fig, apricot, cherry, or raspberry jam
- 2 tablespoons pecans or walnuts, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely minced
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350℉ (175℃) and line a small baking sheet or baking dish with parchment paper if desired for easy clean-up.
- Place the wheel, or wedge, of brie in the center of the prepared dish. If you want to score the wheel of brie, use a small paring knife to score through the rind, trying not to pierce the brie itself. I recommend 3-4 horizontal and 3-4 vertical lines through the rind to create a checkerboard effect.
- If using jam, spoon 2-3 tablespoons of it onto the center of the cheese.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the jam is glossy and the edges are slightly golden and soft to the touch.
- If desired, top the baked brie with toasted nuts and fresh herbs or drizzle with honey or maple syrup.
- Serve immediately with crackers, fruit, toasted bread, etc
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Delicious. I don’t know how you do it , having Thanksgiving and Christmas back to back , so much planning. Here in Canada our Thanksgiving is early October so we get a break from all that food and work. However, made this for movie night and it was great. Going to be on my Xmas table of snacks.
Hi Sami! I would love a bit longer break between the two holidays myself, but we have gotten used to it. And thrilled you enjoyed the brie for movie night. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review.
For whatever reason, I have been intimidated to make baked brie, this recipe made it so simple, and the results were terrific. I cannot wait to add this fancy cheese to my repertoire.
I am so glad this recipe gave you the confidence to try it out!
Love how easy this Brie appetizer is to make. Plus, it looks pretty on your table. It's always a hit at parties. Highly recommend.
My absolute favorite! Thank you for this delicious recipe. Its such a huge crowd pleaser!
Do you keep the outer covering of the Brie on when baking?
Yes. The outer covering will keep the melty cheese intact as it bakes.