Baked Brie and Preserves - Easiest Appetizer Ever

Name: Baked Brie and Preserves - Easiest Appetizer Ever
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 4 ounce wheel of brie; ½ cup apricot jam; 3 Tablespoons golden raisins; 3 Tablespoons dried cranberries; 3 Tablespoons dried apricots (cut into small raisin-sized cubes); 2 Tablespoons honey; 2 Tablespoons pistachios (lightly crushed); 3 walnut halves

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Looking for an easy, impressive appetizer that never fails? Try our oooey, gooey baked brie and preserves! Ready in just 10 minutes, the savory molten brie is both layered and topped with jam, dried fruits and nuts, then drizzled with honey. Watch it disappear!

Baked brie topped with jam, dried fruits, nuts and drizzled with honey

Why this recipe works

The magic of this recipe lies in the perfect interplay of contrasting flavors and textures. We bring together the molten, savory brie with a sweet collection of toppings—dried fruits, nuts, apricot jam, and honey. Plus, we take it up a notch by layering the brie with apricot ham, dried fruits, and a drizzle of honey, ensuring that every bite has a delightful burst of flavor.

The best part of this recipe is that it not only looks impressive but is also a breeze to make. All the components are conveniently store-bought. Simply assemble and bake the brie for a show-stopping appetizer that's always a hit.

Ingredients

This recipe is made with very simple ingredients which can be found in a local grocery store.

The base of the recipe is a small wheel of brie. You can also use camembert cheese which has a stronger, earthier flavor. Do not cut off the rind on the brie. The rind is edible but also acts as a wall to contain the brie. It is better to make this recipe with a whole wheel as opposed to a wedge of brie as the melted brie cheese will not retain its shape unless it is surrounded by the brie rind

In this recipe we use apricot jam. You can also substitute with your favorite jam recipe or preserves. Fig jam, raspberry jam, strawberry jam and blackberry jam are all great choices.
dried fruits, nuts, apricot jam and honey.

How to make baked brie with preserves

Oven Method

Step # 1: Prepare the brie.

Layer and Cover the Brie. Two step process shot (1) Dried fruits and jam in the pocket cut out of the top of the brie (2) The top of the brie put back on the brie

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place the brie wheel on a small cast iron skillet or a parchment lined baking sheet. Cut a circle on the top of the brie, creating a small pocket. Remove the top of the pocket and spread half the apricot jam into pocket. Sprinkle a few golden raisins, dried cranberries and diced dried apricots on top of the jam. Cover the pocket.

Step #2: Bake the brie and add the toppings.

Baked brie topped with nuts, dried fruits and apricot jam. Drizzled with honey

Bake in the oven for 7-10 minutes or until cheese starts to melt and bubble. Remove the hot brie from the oven. Spread the remaining apricot jam on top of the brie pocket cover. Pile the golden raisins, dried cranberries, dried apricot, pistachios and walnut on top. Drizzle with honey. Serve immediately.

Air Fryer Baked Brie

Step # 1: Prepare the brie.

Prepare the brie. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the brie wheel on a small piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet. Cut a circle om the top of the brie, creating a small pocket. Remove the top of the pocket and spread half the apricot jam into pocket. Sprinkle a few golden raisins, dried cranberries and diced dried apricots on top of the jam. Cover the pocket.

Step #2: Bake the brie and add the toppings.

Bake the brie in Air Fryer - 2 step process shot (1) a lined air fryer (2) Baked brie topped with nuts, died fruits, jam and honey

Cook the stuffed brie for about 5-7 minutes or until soft and gooey. Remove the brie from the air fryer and place on serving platter. Spread the remaining apricot jam on top of the brie pocket cover. Pile the golden raisins, dried cranberries, dried apricot, pistachios and walnut on top. Drizzle with honey. Serve immediately.

Tips for baked brie success

Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for a good-quality wheel of brie, and consider experimenting with different varieties for unique flavor profiles. Selecting premium dried fruits, nuts, and honey will elevate the overall taste.
Mind the Rind: Don't be tempted to remove the brie's rind—it's edible and serves as a crucial barrier, helping the melted cheese maintain its shape during baking.
Perfect Pocket Creation: When preparing the pocket in the brie, ensure it's just the right size to hold the delectable filling.
Even Topping Distribution: When layering your toppings, strive for even distribution. This ensures that each slice of brie is a harmonious blend of sweet and savory delights.
Experiment with Jams: While apricot jam is a classic choice, feel free to get creative. Explore different jams or preserves like fig, raspberry, strawberry, or blackberry to tailor the recipe to your taste preferences.
Don't be skimp in the honey: Drizzle honey generously over the baked brie for a touch of sweetness. The honey not only enhances the flavor but also adds a visually appealing finishing touch.

Nutrition

A serving of this baked brie recipe has about 229 calories, 5 grams of protein, 10.8 grams of fat, and 29.6 grams of carbohydrates.

This recipe yields approximately four servings. The nutritional information is intended as a general guideline. If the nutrition information is important to you, you should independently verify it using your preferred tool.

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerator: Stored in an airtight container leftover baked brie will last about 4 days, To reheat, place the brie in a microwave safe container and microwave for a few seconds at a time until you reach the right consistency.
Freezer: We do not recommend freezing any leftover baked brie.

What to serve with baked brie with preserves

Here are some of my favorite accompaniments for this recipe:

Sturdy Crackers: Opt for robust crackers that can withstand the creamy, melty goodness of brie. Steer clear of thin options that might not hold up to the rich texture.
Crostini: Toasted crostini provide a crunchy contrast to the gooey brie. Its slightly crisp exterior wonderfully complements the creamy interior which tastes wonderful.
Baguette Slices: A classic choice, thinly sliced baguette offers a neutral canvas for the brie, allowing its flavors to shine. The slight chewiness of the bread adds to the overall experience.
Apple Slices: For a refreshing twist, serve baked brie with thinly sliced apples. The crispness and natural sweetness of the fruit pair wonderfully with the savory and sweet notes of the brie.
Charcuterie Board Ensemble: Create an extravagant presentation by featuring baked brie on a charcuterie board alongside an array of cured meats, assorted cheeses, nuts, and fresh fruits. This ensemble enhances the overall indulgence.
Additional Jams: Extend the flavor palette by including other jams or preserves on the side. Raspberry preserves, in particular, can complement the sweetness and add a layer of complexity.

Variations

Baked brie with puff pastry: Elevate your baked brie with the buttery goodness of puff pastry. Layer the creamy brie with a decadent mix of apricot preserves and different nuts for an irresistible crunch. Top it off with a light egg wash, ensuring a golden, flaky crust that pairs perfectly with the melty cheese within.
Brie with hot peppers and bacon: Transform the classic with a savory twist. Layer creamy brie with a jam infused with hot peppers and bacon, creating a tantalizing balance of richness and spice.
Baked Brie with Fresh Thyme: Infuse your baked brie with a savory touch by layering creamy brie with apricot preserves, fresh thyme, and a drizzle of olive oil. This variation not only brings out the creamy texture of the cheese but also introduces the aromatic essence of fresh thyme.
Fruity Brie with Fresh Rosemary: Layer the wheel of brie with apricot preserves, fresh fruit slices, and a sprinkle of fresh rosemary. This easy brie appetizer is not only visually stunning but also bursts with sweet flavors and fragrant herbs.
Cheesy Party Appetizer with Crescent Roll Dough: Transform your baked brie into the ultimate cheesy party appetizer by wrapping it in crescent roll dough. Spread fig preserves over the brie, encase it in the dough, and bake until golden brown. This easy holiday appetizer will earn you a star rating at any gathering.
Brie En Croute: Take your baked brie to the next level with a brie en croute masterpiece. Layer the wheel of brie with a delightful mix of apricot preserves and your favorite nuts, then envelop it in a luscious pastry crust. Present it on a serving platter or standard cheese board for a perfect appetizer during the busy holiday season.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of soft cheese in the easy baked brie recipe, or is brie essential?

While brie is the star, you can experiment with other soft cheeses like camembert for a slightly different twist on this creamy and delicious appetizer.

Is it crucial to let the puff pastry sheet come to room temperature before using it in the puff pastry variation?

Yes, allowing the puff pastry sheet to reach room temperature ensures it's pliable and easy to work with, resulting in that buttery, flaky goodness we all love.

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5 from 4 votes