Baked Brie is a classic appetizer that never goes out of style. Its creamy, melty texture combined with a rich, golden-brown exterior makes it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, creating a stunning charcuterie board, or simply looking for an easy yet impressive appetizer, Baked Brie is the way to go.
At Bekah Kate's, we love to feature recipes like Baked Brie in our cooking classes because it’s both simple to prepare and endlessly versatile. Recently, we had the pleasure of showcasing a recipe using the delightful Lambs & Thyme Cranberry Jalapeno Mix to elevate the flavor profile, and it was a huge hit. But let’s dive into why Baked Brie is such a fantastic option for your next gathering—and how you can take it to the next level.
Why Baked Brie is a Perfect Appetizer
Baked Brie is an appetizer that combines elegance with ease. It's the type of dish that feels luxurious without requiring a ton of time or skill to prepare. Here’s why it’s perfect for your next party:
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Crowd-Pleasing: Brie is a cheese that nearly everyone loves, and baking it brings out its creamy, gooey goodness, making it even more decadent.
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Easy to Prepare: All you need is a wheel of Brie and a few simple ingredients like preserves, honey, or your favorite spice mix, and you’re good to go.
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Customizable: You can customize the flavor profile to suit the season or the tastes of your guests. Whether you’re adding sweet fruit preserves, savory herbs, or spicy mixes, baked Brie works with any flavor combination.
How to Serve Baked Brie as an Appetizer
The Classic Approach:
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Baked Brie with Fruit Preserves: One of the simplest and most classic ways to serve Baked Brie is by topping it with fruit preserves or jams. Chutney, apricot preserves, or a fresh berry compote are all great options. The sweetness of the preserves perfectly balances the richness of the Brie, making it a crowd favorite.
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Drizzle with Honey: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle some honey over your baked Brie before serving. The honey adds a silky texture and a lovely contrast to the creaminess of the cheese.
Elevate Your Baked Brie with Lambs & Thyme Spices: At our recent Bekah Kate's Cooking Class, Chef Lori demonstrated a creative twist by using Lambs & Thyme Cranberry Jalapeno Mix to top our baked Brie. The Cranberry Jalapeno Mix added a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy kick that took the Brie to a whole new level. Here’s how you can recreate this combination at home:
Ingredients for Cranberry Jalapeno Baked Brie:
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1 wheel of Brie
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2 oz of Terrapin Ridge Cranberry Relish with Grand Marnier (or any cranberry relish you prefer)
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1 tsp honey
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a brie baker.
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Place the Brie wheel in the center of the sheet.
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Mix the Lambs & Thyme Cranberry Jalapeno Mix with the cranberry relish and spread it on top of the Brie.
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Drizzle with honey and bake for 10-15 minutes until the Brie is soft and melted.
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Serve with crackers, crostini, or fresh fruit.
The combination of sweet cranberry, spicy jalapeno, and creamy Brie is an unforgettable flavor explosion. You can also experiment with other Lambs & Thyme mixes like the Kickin Cajun Seasoning for a spicy twist, or the Lambs & Thyme Dilly Dip Mix for an herby addition.
Baked Brie on a Charcuterie Board
Baked Brie is also a star player on any charcuterie board. If you're assembling a board for a party, here’s how to make your Brie stand out:
1. Choose Your Accompaniments: A charcuterie board is all about balance and variety. Pair your Baked Brie with different textures and flavors to create a perfect harmony of tastes. Here are some ideas for what to pair with Baked Brie:
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Crackers & Crostini: These crunchy elements provide the perfect vessel for the creamy Brie. Choose a variety of crackers—plain, herbed, or even flavored with a hint of spice.
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Fresh and Dried Fruits: Pair the Brie with fresh fruits like apples, pears, or grapes. Dried fruits like apricots, figs, and raisins add another layer of sweetness that complements the cheese beautifully.
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Cured Meats: Add some salami, prosciutto, or pepperoni to the board for a savory contrast to the richness of the Brie.
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Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, or pecans add a satisfying crunch and richness that pairs well with the creamy texture of Brie.
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Jams & Preserves: In addition to the cranberry relish, consider adding a spread like this one from our Stonewall Kitchen line or honey. The sweetness will balance the savory flavors on your board.
2. Presenting Your Brie: Place your Baked Brie in the center of the board for maximum visual appeal. You can also use a Brie Baker and place it directly on your charcuterie board for a great visual. Surround it with your crackers, fruits, and other accompaniments in a way that invites guests to dig in. Don’t forget to include small spoons or knives for easy serving.
Suggested Pairings for Baked Brie
To enhance your Baked Brie experience, consider pairing it with a drink or two that complements its richness:
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Wine Pairings:
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White Wines: Brie pairs beautifully with light, crisp white wines like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity of these wines balances the creaminess of the Brie.
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Red Wines: For a richer option, try a Pinot Noir. Its light body and fruity notes pair well with the smooth texture of Brie without overpowering it.
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Rosé: A dry Rosé with its fruity and floral notes is also a fantastic choice for a charcuterie spread featuring Brie.
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Beer Pairings:
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Pale Ale: The light bitterness of a pale ale cuts through the creamy richness of the Brie.
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Belgian Wheat Beer: The slightly fruity and spicy flavors of a Belgian wheat beer complement Brie’s smooth texture.
Join Us for a Cooking Class!
Baked Brie is just one of the many delicious recipes we teach at Bekah Kate's Cooking Classes. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, explore fresh flavor combinations, or just have fun in the kitchen, our classes are a great way to connect with fellow food lovers. Chef Lori, who led our recent class featuring Lambs & Thyme spices, is a talented instructor who makes every session fun and informative.
Want to learn how to elevate your appetizers with the perfect spice blends and pairings? Sign up for a Bekah Kate's cooking class today!
We can’t wait to see you in the kitchen!
With these tips, you’re ready to serve Baked Brie like a pro—whether it’s for an appetizer or as part of a stunning charcuterie board. And remember, the right spice mix can truly elevate your Brie experience.
