Baked Brie and Preserves
Baked Brie and Preserves is like inviting a warm hug into your kitchen—a soft, gooey wheel of cheese lovingly enveloped in sweet fruit preserves, and a delightful sprinkle of crunchy nuts on top. As it bakes, the inviting smell fills your home, making everyone’s mouth water in anticipation. Picture this: friends gathered around the table, laughter resonating in the air, and this stunning centerpiece making its grand entrance! Each bite combines a creamy rich texture with a burst of sweet and nutty flavors—it’s pure bliss. This comforting dish is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights by the fireplace, evoking fond memories of shared moments and joyful celebrations. I can’t wait for you to try making this easy yet elegant dish at home; it’s so simple, yet impactful!
Table of Contents
If there’s a dish that effortlessly shouts, “I’m here for a good time!” it’s this Baked Brie and Preserves. Just picture the smile on your friends’ faces when they approach the table, eyes lighting up at this decadent delight. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, perfect for casual get-togethers or festive occasions when you want to impress without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: It takes only 5 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to bake, so you can easily whip this up before guests arrive.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy brie and sweet fruit preserves creates a rich, delightful flavor that makes every bite a pleasure.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The melty cheese and colorful preserves make for an impressive centerpiece on any table, sure to wow your guests.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a cozy dessert, it’s versatile enough for any occasion.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Make it gluten-free by serving with appropriate dippers or explore dairy-free cheese alternatives to cater to various diets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Brie cheese (8 ounces): This soft cheese is the star of the dish. Opt for a quality wheel of brie; it’s worth it! Keep it cold until baking for the best texture.
- Good-quality fruit preserves or jam (⅓ cup): Choose your favorite flavor like fig, mixed berry, or apricot. It adds sweetness and complements the creaminess of the brie beautifully.
- Chopped nuts (¼ cup): Nuts like pistachios, pecans, or walnuts lend a delightful crunch. Feel free to swap them based on your preference.
- Honey (1 tablespoon, optional): A drizzle of honey or maple syrup right before serving enhances the sweetness and add an extra touch of elegance.
- Fresh herbs or berries for garnish (optional): A small sprig of rosemary or a few fresh berries can elevate the dish’s presentation above your everyday cheese plate.
- Sliced baguette, crostini, crackers, or apple and pear slices: These are perfect for scooping up the oozy cheese and complementing its flavors.
How to Make Baked Brie and Preserves
Preheat and Prepare: First, preheat your oven to 350℉. While the oven warms up, line a small baking sheet with parchment paper; this makes for easy cleanup and helps the brie glide off when it’s time to serve. Make sure the parchment extends beyond the brie so you can lift it easily later.
Place the Brie: Next, carefully unwrap the cold wheel of brie and place it on the lined baking sheet. Keeping the cheese cold helps maintain its shape during baking, allowing it to melt perfectly instead of turning into a gooey puddle.
Score the Rind: This step is optional, but you can take a sharp knife and make shallow crosshatch cuts across the top of the rind, spacing them about ½ inch apart. This helps the preserves seep into the cheese while it bakes, enhancing the gooey goodness.
Add the Preserves: Take about ⅓ cup of your chosen fruit preserves and spoon it onto the top of the brie, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon. The preserves should cover most of the cheese, creating a sweet layer that’s simply irresistible.
Sprinkle Nuts: Now, sprinkle ¼ cup of chopped nuts all over the preserve layer. The nuts add a wonderful crunch, contrasting beautifully with the creamy brie and sticky preserves.
Bake to Perfection: Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is soft and starts to ooze at the edges but still maintains its shape. The aroma will be heavenly!
Rest and Garnish: Once out of the oven, let the baked brie rest for 2 to 3 minutes. If desired, drizzle a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup on top for an extra touch of sweetness and place a sprig of fresh herbs or berries for garnish. This makes the dish even more delightful to look at!
Serve and Enjoy: Using the parchment paper, carefully transfer the brie onto a serving platter. Surround it with sliced baguette, crackers, or fresh fruit slices. The moment you dig in while it’s warm, you’ll experience the glorious melty cheese paired with sweet preserves—divine!
Storing & Reheating
To keep any leftovers, let the baked brie cool and store it at room temperature for up to 2 hours, or transfer it to the refrigerator in an airtight container, where it can stay fresh for about 3 days. If you wish to freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil; it can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheating can be done in a 300℉ oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, although the texture may be slightly different after freezing. Refresh by adding a bit more preserves on top before serving.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid letting the brie come to room temperature before baking. A cold wheel retains its shape better during the baking process.
- Don’t skip the parchment paper; it helps prevent sticking and makes serving so much easier!
- Experiment with different preserves and nuts to find your favorite flavor combinations; some fruity jams work magic with brie.
- If you’re short on time, you can prepare everything ahead, cover it, and simply pop it in the oven just before your guests arrive.
- Be careful not to overbake; it’s better to check a minute or two early, ensuring the cheese is bubbly but not too hot to handle.
Baked Brie and Preserves is truly a crowd-pleaser, presenting the perfect balance of indulgence and simplicity. It’s versatile enough for any gathering, and the brilliance of gooey cheese paired with sweet, tangy notes can inspire creativity in the kitchen. So go ahead, play with flavors, and don’t be shy in serving this delightful treat. Your friends will remember it fondly—and so will you!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make Baked Brie and Preserves in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the brie, top it with preserves and nuts, and cover it tightly in the fridge for up to a day before baking. It’s a great way to save time on the day of your event. Just pop it into the oven when your guests arrive!
What can I use instead of brie?
If brie isn’t your style, you can substitute it with camembert, another soft cheese with a similar creamy texture. Alternatively, use a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option—just check that it melts well for that gooey experience!
How do I know when the cheese is done?
Watch for the cheese to soften and start to ooze at the edges—this is a sign it’s perfectly baked! If you’re unsure, you can lightly press the center with a spoon; if it gives under pressure, it’s ready.
What do I serve with Baked Brie?
Pair it with sliced baguette, crostini, or hearty crackers for a satisfying crunch. Fresh fruits like apple and pear slices offer a refreshing contrast to the rich cheese. Consider even some charcuterie or veggies for dipping to add more variety!
PrintMore Desserts & Appetizers Recipes
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Baked Brie and Preserves
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Baked Brie and Preserves offers a delightful combination of creamy cheese and sweet preserves, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights. Simple to prepare, this dish is a stunning centerpiece that brings friends together.
Ingredients
- Brie cheese (8 ounces)
- Good-quality fruit preserves or jam (⅓ cup)
- Chopped nuts (¼ cup)
- Honey (1 tablespoon, optional)
- Fresh herbs or berries for garnish (optional)
- Sliced baguette, crostini, crackers, or apple and pear slices
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the cold brie cheese on the baking sheet.
- Optionally, score the rind of the brie with shallow cuts.
- Top the brie with fruit preserves, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts over the preserves.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until soft and slightly oozing.
- Let rest for 2-3 minutes before garnishing with honey and herbs or berries.
- Serve with baguette, crackers, or fruit slices.
Notes
Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Experiment with different fruit preserves and nut types for variety.
Can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of baked brie
- Calories: 259
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 264mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 59mg
