Baked Brie and Preserves
Baked Brie and Preserves is a delightful appetizer that brings together the rich, creamy texture of melted brie cheese with the sweet brightness of fruit preserves. This dish is an absolute showstopper, especially when paired with a variety of crunchy accompaniments like baguette slices or crackers. Every bite is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings at home. I still remember the first time I served this at a family gathering; it disappeared so quickly that I barely managed to snag a piece for myself!
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What I adore about Baked Brie and Preserves is its simplicity and the way it elevates any occasion. Just five minutes of prep time yields a dish that looks stunning and tastes divine. Whether you’re hosting a festive party or enjoying a quiet night in, this cheese dish is sure to impress. It’s a perfect way to turn good moments into great memories—so let’s whip it up!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You can prepare this treat in just 5 minutes and have it ready to devour in less than 30 minutes.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of warm, oozy brie and sweet, tangy preserves creates a flavor explosion with every bite.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden, bubbling cheese topped with colorful preserves makes a stunning centerpiece on any table.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect as an appetizer for parties, a cozy snack during movie night, or even as a light brunch offering.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt this recipe for gluten-free diets by serving with gluten-free crackers or apple slices.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 wheel of brie cheese (8 ounces): The star of the show! Look for a good-quality brie for the best flavor and creaminess.
- ⅓ cup good-quality fruit preserves or jam: Opt for fig, mixed berry, or apricot for a delightful balance of sweetness. You could also make your own if you’re feeling crafty!
- ¼ cup chopped nuts: Choose from pistachios, pecans, or walnuts, adding a delicious crunch and flavor contrast to the soft brie.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional): This adds a touch of extra sweetness; feel free to skip it if you prefer a less sweet profile.
- 1 small sprig fresh herbs (optional): Fresh rosemary or thyme not only adds aesthetic appeal but also adds an aromatic touch. A few fresh berries can be a charming garnish too!
- Sliced baguette, crostini, crackers, apple slices, or pear slices: These accompaniments are perfect for scooping up the melted cheese and preserves; choose your favorites!
How to Make Baked Brie and Preserves
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Lining a small baking sheet with parchment paper is key, as it will help in easy cleanup and keep the cheese from sticking.
Prepare the Brie: Remove the wheel of brie (8 ounces) from its packaging and gently place it on the parchment paper. To elevate the flavor, consider making shallow crosshatch cuts across the top rind with a sharp knife—this allows the preserves to seep inside and deepens the flavor.
Add the Preserves: Generously spoon ⅓ cup (about 5 tablespoons) of fruit preserves atop the brie. Use the back of the spoon to spread the preserves evenly, ensuring every bite will have that delicious sweetness.
Sprinkle the Nuts: Take ¼ cup of your chosen chopped nuts and sprinkle them evenly over the preserves layer. The nuts not only add a crunch but also complement the creamy texture of the baked brie perfectly.
Bake the Brie: Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is soft and just starting to ooze at the edges. Keep an eye on it—while you want it warm, it should still hold its shape beautifully.
Let it Rest: Once removed from the oven, allow the brie to rest for about 2 to 3 minutes. This will help the cheese set slightly, making it easier to serve.
Add Final Touches: If desired, drizzle 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup over the top for an extra touch of sweetness. Garnish with a fresh herb sprig or a few berries to enhance the visual appeal.
Serve Warm: Now, gently use the parchment paper to lift the brie onto a serving platter. Surround it with your choice of sliced baguette, crackers, and fresh fruit. It’s best enjoyed warm, so gather your friends and dig in while it’s gooey and warm!
Storing & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the brie in a preheated oven at 350℉ (175℃) for about 10 minutes, until warmed through. Note that the texture may change slightly—while it won’t be as oozy as when first baked, it will still taste delicious!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overbaking the brie, as it can turn rubbery; keep an eye on it during baking.
- Make sure your bread or crackers are sturdy enough to hold the melted cheese without breaking.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of preserves and nuts depending on your taste preferences.
- If you want to make it ahead, prepare the brie and let it sit in the fridge. Bake it right before serving to enjoy that fresh, warm goodness.
- For a herbal twist, try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the preserves for added depth.
Baked Brie and Preserves brings indulgence to life with simple, high-quality ingredients. You’ll enjoy the way it warms the soul and fosters connection—perfect for any occasion. It invites everyone to gather around, savoring the experience as much as the delightful flavors.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Absolutely! While brie is a classic choice, you can experiment with other soft cheeses like Camembert or even goat cheese for a unique flavor twist.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the brie with preserves and nuts ahead of time. Cover it and store it in the fridge until ready to bake. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before baking.
What can I serve alongside this dish?
Sliced baguette, crostini, crackers, and fresh fruit like apples or pears all work wonderfully! Guests will enjoy dipping and pairing flavors.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply serve the baked brie with gluten-free crackers or fresh fruit like sliced apples and pears. It’s an easy adaptation for those with dietary restrictions.
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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: Desserts & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
Baked Brie and Preserves offers a delightful blend of creamy cheese, fruity preserves, and crunchy nuts. This simple and tasty recipe is ideal for gatherings or a cozy evening snack, sure to please anyone looking for a warm, comforting appetizer!
Ingredients
- 1 wheel of brie cheese (8 ounces or about 225 grams), cold from refrigerator
- ⅓ cup good-quality fruit preserves or jam (such as fig, mixed berry, or apricot)
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (such as pistachios, pecans, or walnuts)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1 small sprig fresh herbs (such as 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℉. Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper, extending the paper beyond the brie on all sides.
- Remove the brie wheel from its packaging and place it on the parchment paper, keeping it cold from the refrigerator.
- (Optional) Use a sharp knife to make shallow crosshatch cuts across the top rind, spacing the cuts about ½ inch apart and cutting through just the rind layer.
- Spoon the fruit preserves onto the top of the brie, spreading evenly with the back of a spoon.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts evenly over the layer of 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.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 to 3 minutes.
- (Optional) Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the top and add fresh herb sprig or berries for garnish if desired.
- Use the parchment paper to transfer the brie to a serving platter and surround it with sliced baguette, crackers, and fresh fruit slices. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Serve with a variety of dippers for a delightful contrast of textures.
Use high-quality jam for the best flavor experience.
This dish is best enjoyed warm freshly from the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
