Name: Oozy Baked Brie Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 wheel brie; 3 garlic cloves; 1 tsp Italian herbs; 1 tbsp dried cranberries; 1 wheel brie; 1/2 cup berry mix (frozen); 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp cornstarch; 1/2 tsp lemon juice; 8 pecan nuts (halves)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

5shares
Share
Pin
Email
Sub

If you need a last-minute and super simple appetizer to impress your guests, then I cannot imagine a better dish than the oozy baked brie cheese. For real amazing holiday appetizer.

Until two months ago, when I saw a baked brie cheese recipe on the menu at a restaurant, it never occurred to me to bake cheese with mold. I mean in this way- the whole wheel.

French food lovers will appreciate this dish and even though Brie cheese is a little expensive, it is tasty and simple.

In a colder evening, it goes well with a full-bodied glass of Merlot, but if it’s a hot evening, like now, it fits with a glass (or a bottle) of chilled rose wine. Especially since there is a temperature contrast that enhances the taste of cheese with herbs and wine. I said herbs because this is what I prepared today. I baked the whole wheel of brie cheese with a mixture of Italian herbs and garlic. But you can try other options, maybe with species or with some chili flakes. Until then, until further experiments, I invite you to test the recipe below.

This so dang easy and warm appetizer, will WOW your family for sure. It can be prepared at any time, either in the oven or in the microwave.

How do you eat brie cheese?

Brie is a soft cheese, made from cow’s milk, which is hidden under a layer of white, edible and absolutely delicious mold rind. It has its name from the Brie region in France where it is produced.

As I said in many of my posts, I’m a big fan of cheese in all its forms. So, I use it whenever I have the opportunity. Brie cheese is one that I will grab for sure If I notice it on grocery shelves. I love to serve it on cheeseboard especially in pair with honey, nuts, dried salami and, of course with fig jam.

And because weekends are for cheese, wine, and friends, I decide to prepare cheeseboard with Baked Brie with both salty and sweet toppings. It is a proven fact that almost everybody at the holiday gatherings loves a cheeseboard. And if you add a little heat to make a bubbly, oozy brie cheese appetizer, I assure you everybody will want to have this dish on repeat. I will share with you Garlic&Cranberry Baked Brie recipe and Baked Brie with Berry Compote and Pecans recipe.

For both recipes that I will share today, I used small wheels of brie cheese. I prefer to remove the upper rind. With a sharp knife carefully slices off the top rind leaving about 0,4 cm edges.

Do you take the rind off of brie cheese before baking?

So, if you want to maintain shape and get a crust for your brie then do not take off the rind. But if you want it infused in toping aromas then remove the upper portion of the rind. The cheese will bubble freely and absorb all the flavors.

How to make Garlic&Cranberry Baked Brie?

Place brie wheel cut-side-up into a mini dutch or small baking dish. Chop about 3 small cloves of garlic into thin slices and poke randomly into the brie cheese. Sprinkle some dry herbs that you taste – my favorite is the Italian mix. Drizzle some drops of olive oil. Send the dish to the preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-30 minutes ( It depends how melted you want it). I just love how melted brie escapes its rind.

When you think it is perfect for you, remove the dish from the oven. Gently transfer baked cheese to a serving plate if needed and sprinkle some dried cranberry to enrich the taste.

Serve with your favorite crackers or breadsticks by dipping them in melted cheese. I was pleasantly surprised by tasting this mouth-watering baked brie recipe.

How to make Baked Brie with Berry Compote and Pecans?

Brie cheese pairing well with intense and slightly acidic fruits like berries, cherries, pears, apricot, or figs. Two months ago when I tried the first baked brie, it was served with a sweet topping (It was a blackberry compote). I liked it so much that the next day I repeated this dish for my family. Even my daughter that is so pretentious about food, she ate it with pleasure.

Actually the baking technique is the same as it is with garlic&cranberry baked brie, the difference is in topping which we have to prepare in advance and to add just before serving.

For one small wheel of brie, you will need ½ cup of berries (you can use either frozen or fresh ones). Go ahead with any kind of berries you love. I did not complicate and use a mix of berries that I had in my freezer.

Send one small wheel of brie cheese topped with 7-8 halves of pecan nuts, to the preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-30 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare a wonderful berry compote. Heat up over medium heat a small saucepan. Put in the ½ cup of berries, 1 tbsp of sugar, and 1 tsp of cornstarch. Optional drizzle with some drops of lemon/lime juice. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Boil fruits for about 5-7 minutes until the liquid is syrupy (not watery) and looks like a jam. Set aside to cool down a little.

When the elapsed time of baking cheese top with berry compote and serve immediately!

What wines go well with brie cheese?

Brie cheese is a soft milky cheese that will pair perfectly with lush, acidic wines, like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot. For me there is no better combination then these flavourful cheese with a glass of chilled brut Champagne or dry rosé.

Tips:

For this recipe use the only whole wheel of cheese. Do not take divided pieces, because it will melt and all delicacy goes into the tray.
You can substitute brie with camembert cheese. There is no big difference between them.