Name: Baked Brie and Preserves
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 wheel of brie cheese 8 ounces or about 225 grams, cold from refrigerator; ⅓ cup good-quality fruit preserves or jam such as fig, mixed berry, or apricot; ¼ cup chopped nuts such as pistachios, pecans, or walnuts; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, optional; 1 small sprig fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme or a few fresh berries for garnish, optional; sliced baguette, crostini, crackers, apple slices, or pear slices

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Baked Brie and Preserves is one of those delightful appetizers that never fails to impress. It combines creamy, luscious brie cheese with a sweet, sticky layer of fruit preserves, all topped with crunchy nuts for a textural contrast. When baked, the cheese transforms into a gooey, golden masterpiece that’s perfect for spreading on crispy crostini or fresh fruit slices. This dish not only looks gorgeous as it emerges from the oven but smells divine, filling your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas that will make anyone’s mouth water.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Baked Brie and Preserves
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Baked Brie and Preserves

I first stumbled upon this gem at a friend’s holiday gathering, where the plate was blissfully empty within minutes. It struck me as a sophisticated yet uncomplicated dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive parties. Baked Brie and Preserves is truly a crowd-pleaser, requiring minimal effort and just a few good-quality ingredients. You’ll find that whipping this up is so easy, you might just start serving it at every gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Just 5 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of baking—perfect for spontaneous gatherings!
Irresistible Flavor: The creamy brie mingling with sweet preserves and crunchy nuts bursts with rich and delightful flavors.
Eye-Catching Appeal: It’s a show-stopper that will make you feel like a gourmet chef without much fuss.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as an appetizer, dessert, or even as part of a cheese board.
Diet-Friendly Options: Go ahead and substitute the cheese or make it vegetarian by skipping the honey for plant-based sweetness!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 wheel of brie cheese (8 ounces or about 225 grams): Choose a good-quality brie for the best melt and flavor. If brie isn’t available, camembert can be a delightful substitute.
⅓ cup good-quality fruit preserves or jam (such as fig, mixed berry, or apricot): This is where the sweetness comes into play, adding a fruity burst. Feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors.
¼ cup chopped nuts (such as pistachios, pecans, or walnuts): These add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the cheese beautifully.
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional): This brings an extra layer of sweetness if desired, but feel free to skip it if you prefer.
1 small sprig of fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme) or a few fresh berries (optional): These elevate the presentation and add a touch of freshness.
Sliced baguette, crostini, crackers, apple slices, or pear slices: These serve as the perfect vehicles for your warm, gooey brie!

How to Make Baked Brie and Preserves

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350℉. This is crucial as the cheese needs a good warm environment to achieve that beautiful melt.

Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper, allowing the paper to extend beyond the brie on all sides. This will help with easy cleanup—no one wants melted cheese stuck to their baking sheet!

Place the Brie: Remove the cold wheel of brie from its packaging and place it directly onto the parchment paper. Keeping it cold ensures that it holds its shape during baking.

Score the Rind: To enhance the melting process and add aesthetic appeal, use a sharp knife to make shallow crosshatch cuts across the top rind, spacing cuts about ½ inch apart. This isn’t necessary, but it does help the preserves seep in better.

Add Preserves: Spoon ⅓ cup of your chosen fruit preserves onto the top of the brie, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon. The preserves will melt into the cheese, forming an irresistible layer of flavor.

Sprinkle Nuts: Evenly sprinkle ¼ cup of chopped nuts over the preserves. The nuts not only add texture but also contribute a lovely earthy flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness of the jam.

Bake: Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You want the cheese to soften and start oozing at the edges while still retaining its shape.

Resting Time: When it comes out of the oven, let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes. The waiting can be the hardest part, but this helps avoid any messy spills when you serve it.

Drizzle & Garnish: If desired, drizzle 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup over the top for extra sweetness. A fresh herb sprig or berries add a nice touch for presentation.

Serve: Use the parchment paper to carefully transfer the brie to a serving platter. Arrange sliced baguette, crackers, and fresh fruit slices around it, inviting everyone to dig in while it’s still warm.

Storing & Reheating

If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s rare!), store the brie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven at 350℉ for about 5 minutes, just until warmed through. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly, losing some of its original meltiness, but it will still be delicious.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure your brie is cold before baking. This helps it maintain its shape while melting.
Avoid overbaking; keep an eye on it to prevent the cheese from leaking too much.
Feel free to mix and match the nut types for added flavor. Almonds or seasonal nuts can also work well!
When scoring the rind, don’t cut too deep; just enough to break the surface for aesthetic purposes.
If serving at a later time, prepare all ingredients ahead of time and bake right before serving.

Baked Brie and Preserves is truly an impressive dish with ease at its core. The rich creaminess of the brie, paired with the fruity sweetness of the preserves and the crunch of the nuts, creates a balance that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, there’s something magical about gathering around a warm cheese dish. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors or pairings that speak to you, and enjoy the exploration!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make Baked Brie in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything ahead of time by assembling the brie with preserves and nuts, wrapping it tightly, and storing it in the fridge. Just be sure to bake it fresh right before you plan to serve it.

What types of nuts work best?

Chopped nuts truly elevate the dish! Popular choices include pistachios for their pop of color, walnuts for added earthiness, or pecans for their natural sweetness. Feel free to experiment with whatever you have on hand.

Is there a vegan version of Baked Brie?

Yes! You can use vegan cheese that mimics brie. Just check the packaging for melting instructions, as they may vary. Pair it with fruit preserves and nuts for a delightful vegan appetizer.

What preserves work best?

The beauty of Baked Brie and Preserves is its versatility. Fig preserves offer a classic pairing, while berry jams can add a tart burst. Apricot is another deliciously sweet option. Choose whichever flavors you love the most!

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Baked Brie and Preserves

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Desserts & Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French

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Description

This baked brie with preserves combines creamy cheese with fruity sweetness, topped with crunchy nuts. It’s simple to prepare and ideal for gatherings or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale

1 wheel of brie cheese 8 ounces or about 225 grams, cold from refrigerator
⅓ cup good-quality fruit preserves or jam such as fig, mixed berry, or apricot
¼ cup chopped nuts such as pistachios, pecans, or walnuts
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, optional
1 small sprig fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme or a few fresh berries for garnish, optional
sliced baguette, crostini, crackers, apple slices, or pear slices

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350℉ and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper, allowing it to extend beyond the brie.
Place the wheel of brie on the parchment paper, keeping it cold.
Make shallow crosshatch cuts across the top rind if desired, spacing cuts about ½ inch apart.
Spoon the fruit preserves onto the top of the brie, spreading evenly with a spoon.
Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the preserves layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the cheese is soft and starts to ooze, keeping its shape.
Let the brie rest for 2 to 3 minutes after removing from oven.
Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the top and garnish with herbs or berries if desired.
Transfer the brie to a serving platter using the parchment paper, and surround with bread, crackers, and fresh fruit slices. Serve warm.

Notes

For a sweeter touch, use honey or maple syrup as a drizzle before serving.
Experiment with different types of fruit preserves to find your favorite combination.
Allow brie to soften slightly before baking for a creamier texture.