Imagine sinking your spoon into warm, melty brie, drizzled with sweet maple syrup and infused with aromatic thyme.
This baked brie recipe is not only surprisingly simple but guaranteed to be the star of your next gathering – prepare to wow your guests (and yourself!).
Ingredients
For this Baked Brie recipe, you're gonna need just a few things – and trust me, it's all super easy to find!
First, you'll need one round of brie or camembert, about 8 to 16 ounces. I usually go for the cheaper kind, because why splurge when it gonna be all melty and delicious anyway?
Next up, grab two tablespoons of honey or maple syrup – your pick! I love honey when I can find a *really* good one locally. And, if you're feelin' fancy, one thyme sprig. Honestly, it's optional, but it does add a nice touch of "ooh-la-la." To serve, you're gonna want some sturdy crackers or crostini. Make sure they can handle the cheesy goodness without breaking, ya know? Plain crackers are great, but you won't go wrong with fruit/nut flavored ones either. Last, you might add a bunch of grapes – purple or green, whatever tickles your fancy! If you want an alternative bite-sized treat, mini cheese balls are another easy and delicious option for serving with crackers.
Instructions
Okay, let's get this cheese party started! First, preheat your oven to 350°F.
Now, unwrap the brie and place it in a small, shallow, oven-proof dish. If you don't have one – parchment paper works too!
Next up, baking: Pop that brie in the oven for 15-20 minutes if it's small (8oz). Add 5 minutes for a big one (1lb, or 500g). Touch the center, it should feel soft, almost like it wants to collapse! Just like with those scrumptious potato skins, baking is essential to get it just right.
Microwave it? Two minutes should do it. Use 30-second bursts. No one will know – I promise.
Carefully move your baked Brie to a cute serving plate – it's delicate!
Drizzle that glorious honey – oh, and the thyme sprig, too!
Serving Suggestions
Once your brie is baked to gooey perfection, it is go-time for serving! Don't delay! It's best served immediately while it's warm and melty – that's when it's at its best!
Grab your sturdiest crackers – I'm talking plain or flavored! You will want something to scoop up all that cheesy goodness. Wafer-thin crackers? Chips? Nah, they'll snap- don't say I didn't warn you!
You could add a bunch of grapes; purple or green, it's your party. Place an appetizer knife nearby so your guests can spread the cheese with ease. A cheese or pate knife works well too!
Think of this like a fancy dip – but, like, a REALLY fancy one! Now, dig in and enjoy! You deserve it!
Recipe Notes
I recommend using an economical brie for this Baked Brie recipe! Seriously, budget brie works just as well as the fancy stuff. I think splurging on expensive brie is a waste when you're baking it! Camembert works too.
If you've got a shallow, ovenproof dish, use it! It'll keep the cheese from oozing everywhere. But it needs to be shallow, or you'll burn your fingers trying to scoop it! If you haven't got one, crumble some baking paper or use a shallow bowl.
Check the brie at 15 minutes. If you can't tell if it is ready by touching the surface of the centre of the brie, insert a skewer, and if it comes out with melted cheese, it's ready! Don't overtake it.
A 250g/8 oz brie comfortably serves 6 people, if not 8 to 10. Brie is rich, especially melted!
Nutritional Information
Now, let's talk about nutrition—because who doesn't love knowing what they're putting in their body, right?! I'm giving you the deets per serving: it's about 38g.
Each serving clocks in at 161 calories—not bad, eh? You're also getting 6g of carbs, 9g of protein (go you!), and 12g of fat. Dive deeper, and you'll find 7g of saturated fat.
Cholesterol's at 42mg, and sodium at 262mg. Potassium? A modest 63mg. Sweetness comes from 6g of sugar.
And there's more! Vitamin A is 247 IU, with a sprinkle of Vitamin C—1mg. Calcium's at 77mg, and iron at 1mg. Remember, that's without the crostini, so factor that in if you're counting everything! Eat smart and enjoy!
Short Recipe Version
Baked Brie With Maple Syrup and Thyme
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 (8-ounce) wheel of Brie cheese
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Crackers or grapes for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place brie in an oven-safe dish.
- Drizzle maple syrup evenly over the brie.
- Sprinkle thyme leaves on top.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until brie is soft and gooey.
- Serve immediately with crackers or grapes.
Nutrition Information (per serving, estimated):
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Sugar: 7g
- Protein: 8g