Easy baked brie is a simple oven-warmed appetizer built around a wheel of brie and a few flexible toppings. The method is straightforward, with minimal prep and plenty of room to adjust based on what you have on hand. It works well for holiday gatherings or casual entertaining, offering something that feels complete without requiring much time or planning.

Easy Baked Brie, Four Ways

Baked brie is one of those appetizers that quietly draws everyone in. Warmed just enough to soften at the center, it invites dipping, slicing, and coming back for one more bite. Each version here starts the same way, then takes on its own character — a little sweet, a little savory, or wrapped up and golden. It’s simple food meant to be shared slowly, best enjoyed while it’s still warm and the table feels close.

Option 1: Honey, Cranberry & Thyme

Ingredients

• 1 wheel mild or classic brie (8–12 oz)
• 1–2 tbsp honey
• 2–3 tbsp dried cranberries
• Fresh thyme leaves

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven and prepare the brie:
   Heat the oven to 350°F. Place the brie on parchment paper or foil on a small baking dish or sheet pan.
2. Add the toppings:
   Drizzle the honey over the top, then scatter the dried cranberries and thyme evenly.
3. Bake until just soft:
   Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the center is soft but the rind still holds its shape.
4. Serve warm:
   Serve immediately with bread or crackers.

Option 2: Fig Jam & Black Pepper

Ingredients

• 1 wheel mild or classic brie (8–12 oz)
• 2–3 tbsp fig jam
• Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the brie:
   Preheat the oven to 350°F and place the brie on parchment or foil in a small baking dish.
2. Top simply:
   Spoon the fig jam over the brie and finish with a few turns of black pepper.
3. Bake gently:
   Bake for 12–15 minutes, until soft in the center.
4. Serve right away:
   Transfer carefully and serve warm.

Option 3: Olive Oil, Herbs & Garlic

Ingredients

• 1 wheel mild or classic brie (8–12 oz)
• 1–2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small clove garlic, finely minced
• Fresh thyme or rosemary
• Black pepper, optional

Instructions

1. Set up the brie:
   Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the brie on parchment or foil.
2. Season lightly:
   Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic and herbs. Add black pepper if using.
3. Bake until warmed through:
   Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the center is soft and spoonable.
4. Serve warm:
   Serve immediately while soft.

Option 4: Pastry-Wrapped Baked Brie

Ingredients

• 1 wheel mild brie (8–12 oz)
• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 2–3 tbsp jam (fig, apricot, or cranberry)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven and prepare the pastry:
   Heat the oven to 400°F. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
2. Wrap the brie:
   Place the brie in the center of the pastry. Spoon the jam over the top, then fold the pastry up and over the brie, sealing the seams.
3. Brush and bake:
   Brush the pastry with egg wash. Transfer to a lined baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown.
4. Rest before serving:
   Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing so the cheese doesn’t spill too quickly.

Choosing Brie by Age

Brie is often labeled by ripeness or strength. The age affects how soft it becomes in the oven.

Mild / Young Brie

(labeled mild or young; may be regular, double-cream, or triple-cream)

Texture: Soft, but still structured
Melt level: Soft center, holds its shape
Best for: Neat slices and a tidy presentation
Baking note: Most forgiving option
Cream note: Triple-cream versions will be richer but still structured when young

Classic / Medium Brie

(labeled classic, ripe, or extra creamy)

Texture: Very soft and creamy
Melt level: Extra creamy center
Best for: Spoonable baked brie
Baking note: Watch closely near the end
Cream note: Triple-cream brie melts faster at this stage

Aged / Fully Ripened Brie

(labeled aged, fully ripened, or strong)

Texture: Ultra-soft
Melt level: Fully melted, very loose
Best for: A dramatic, indulgent baked brie
Baking note: Shorter bake time to prevent spilling
Cream note: Triple-cream brie at this stage is extremely soft and should be baked very briefly

Storage

• Leftover baked brie can be covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F until just warmed through.

Note

• Mild or classic brie is the easiest choice for all options and holds its shape best when baked.
• Softer or triple-cream brie can be used, but it will melt faster and should be baked for a shorter time.
• For pastry-wrapped brie, use a firmer wheel and seal the pastry well to prevent leaking.
• Baked brie is best served right after baking, while the center is still warm and soft.

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Thank you for being here as I start this journey. I can’t wait to share more recipes, tips, and stories with you — one crumb at a time.

Stay tuned,
~ Clever Crumbs