Baked Brie and Preserves
Baked Brie and Preserves is a delightful dish that’s simple to prepare and impossible to resist. When warm, this creamy cheese melts beautifully, creating a luscious dip that pairs perfectly with sweet, fruity preserves and crunchy nuts. It’s a party pleaser that captivates guests, all while requiring only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time. I remember the first time I made this dish for a family gathering; it was a huge hit right out of the oven, so gooey and inviting.
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Crafted with an 8-ounce wheel of brie cheese and topped with your choice of delectable fruit preserves, this dish elevates any occasion from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether served during a holiday gathering or a casual afternoon with friends, Baked Brie and Preserves shines effortlessly. It’s approachable and quick to prepare, allowing you to create a stunning appetizer in just 25 minutes. I can’t wait for you to try it because it’s bound to be a favorite at your next get-together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Just 5 minutes of prep and 20 minutes in the oven makes this a breeze.
- Irresistible Flavor: Creamy brie melds with sweet preserves for a treat that’s perfect for any palate.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: This warm, oozy cheese makes a show-stopping centerpiece.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, game night, or a cozy evening at home.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Swap out nuts or use gluten-free bread to accommodate dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 wheel of brie cheese (8 ounces): Use a high-quality brie for the best results. Cold from the refrigerator, this cheese creates a deliciously gooey texture when baked.
- ⅓ cup fruit preserves or jam: Choose flavors like fig, mixed berry, or apricot to complement the brie’s creaminess. You can substitute with homemade preserves for a personal touch.
- ¼ cup chopped nuts: Nuts such as pistachios, pecans, or walnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Feel free to leave them out for a nut-free version.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional): Drizzling either adds a touch of additional sweetness and richness. This step can be skipped if you’d like a lighter dish.
- Fresh herbs garnish (optional): A small sprig of rosemary or thyme adds a hint of freshness and a pop of color.
- Sliced baguette, crostini, crackers, or fresh fruit: Perfect for dipping, these accompaniments make your dish even more appealing. Apples or pears provide a refreshing contrast.
How to Make Baked Brie and Preserves
Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350℉. Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper, allowing the paper to extend beyond the brie on all sides to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Prepare Brie: Take the 8-ounce wheel of brie from its packaging and place it on the parchment paper. It’s best to keep the cheese cold until you’re ready to bake it to ensure that it holds its shape beautifully.
Score the Rind: For added texture and flavor, use a sharp knife to make shallow crosshatch cuts across the top rind of the brie. Space your cuts about ½ inch apart and only cut through the rind layer, not the cheese itself.
Add Preserves: Spoon ⅓ cup of your chosen fruit preserves onto the top of the brie. Use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly, making sure it covers the surface well for that sugary burst in every bite.
Sprinkle with Nuts: Evenly sprinkle ¼ cup of chopped nuts over the preserves layer. Pecans add a lovely sweetness, while pistachios bring a delightful crunch and a splash of color.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The cheese should become soft and start to ooze at the edges while still holding its lovely round shape. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-baking.
Rest: Once it’s out of the oven, let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the cheese to firm up slightly, making it easier to serve.
Finish with Drizzle: If desired, drizzle 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup over the soft brie before garnishing with fresh herbs or berries for an elegant touch.
Serve: Use the parchment paper to easily transfer the baked brie to a serving platter. Surround it with sliced baguette, crostini, or fresh fruit, encouraging everyone to dig in right away while it’s warm.
Storing & Reheating
Best enjoyed fresh, leftover baked brie can be stored at room temperature for an hour or two, or kept in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze it, wrapped tightly, for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm it in a 350℉ oven for about 10-15 minutes until it’s gooey again. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly upon reheating, but it will still be delicious!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the cheese as it melts. It should ooze but not lose its shape completely.
- Use quality ingredients: A good brie and high-quality preserves make all the difference in flavor.
- Experimental flavors: Try different types of preserves or jams to discover your favorites.
- Room temperature is key: Let the brie sit out for up to 30 minutes before baking for even melting.
- Prep ahead: You can prepare the assembled brie in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.
Using these tips will surely enhance your experience and help you create a stunning appetizer that will impress your guests!
Oh, what a joy it is to indulge in the creamy richness of cheese combined with fruity sweetness! This simple yet elegant appetizer can easily become a staple in your repertoire, perfect for every occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night in, it invites warmth and connection through food. I encourage you to make it your own with your favorite toppings and share it with those you love. Enjoy every gooey, mouthwatering bite!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use different cheeses instead of brie?
Absolutely! Camembert is a great substitute, offering a similar richness. You could also experiment with softer cream cheeses, though the flavor and texture will differ significantly.
How can I make this dish in advance?
You can prepare the brie with preserves and nuts up to a day before, covering it tightly with parchment in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven when your guests arrive!
What can I serve with baked brie?
Pair it with a variety of dippers such as crusty baguette slices, small crackers, and fresh fruit like apples or pears. Each bite offers a unique combination of flavors and textures.
What preserves pair best with brie?
Popular choices include fig, apricot, and mixed berry preserves that add a lovely sweetness. Feel free to explore your favorites or even create a combination for a personalized flavor experience!
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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 combines creamy brie cheese with sweet fruit preserves and crunchy nuts for a delicious appetizer that’s easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings.
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℉ and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends beyond the brie on all sides.
- Remove the brie from its packaging and place it on the parchment paper. Keep it cold from the refrigerator.
- Make shallow crosshatch cuts across the top rind with a sharp knife, spacing cuts about ½ inch apart and cutting through just the rind layer if desired.
- Spread ⅓ cup of fruit preserves evenly over the top of the brie using the back of a spoon.
- Sprinkle ¼ cup of chopped nuts over the preserves layer evenly.
- Bake the brie in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until soft and starting to ooze at the edges, while still holding its shape.
- Let the brie rest for 2 to 3 minutes after removing from the oven.
- Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup if using. Garnish with fresh herbs or berries if desired.
- Transfer the brie to a serving platter using the parchment paper, and surround it with sliced baguette, crackers, and fresh fruit slices. Serve warm.
Notes
Ensure the brie is at refrigerator temperature before baking for best results.
Feel free to mix and match preserves and nuts to suit your taste.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
