Baked Brie: The Cheesiest and Easiest Party Appetizer

 

As we find ourselves hurtling into the heart of party season, a familiar question arises: What should I serve or bring to the gathering? Fear not; I have the perfect solution – baked brie. Yes, bake a wheel of brie cheese.

We all adore easy, quick, and budget-friendly appetizers, and baked brie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re attending a casual beer keg bash or a black-tie affair, one thing remains constant – everyone loves cheese.

Baked brie becomes especially inviting during the colder months when the thought of warm, gooey cheese seems irresistibly comforting. This rich and creamy delight stands out as a simple yet elegant appetizer, thanks to its remarkable versatility – it pairs flawlessly with both sweet and savory toppings.

But . . . isn’t brie expensive?

A typical  4-4 1/2 inch wheel (6 to 8 ounces) is the most common size you’ll find in your grocery store A wheel this size usually costs around a mere $5 (at the time of writing this) . Combine it with a baguette or some day-old French bread, a selection of crackers, and a few sliced apples, and you’ve crafted a sophisticated appetizer that serves to four to six people, all for well under $10. It certainly beats settling for a couple of bags of chips.

You can bake a wedge of brie and it’s a wonderful appetizer but the wheel just looks more festive and fancy pants, in my opinion. I would be more likely to employ a wedge if I wasn’t baking it, but slicing it on a cheese board.

For larger gatherings either double the recipe with two small wheels or buy a larger wheel. This is where it gets fun! Brie also comes in larger wheels, typically 16 ounce and 19 ounce wheels. Or go really big with 24 ounce or 32 ounce wheels. Those are showstoppers! Let the party begin!

How much brie do I need?

When planning your Brie appetizer for a gathering, a general rule of thumb is to aim for about 1 to 3 ounces of Brie per person. This portion allows guests to savor the creamy richness without overindulging. Of course, you can adjust the quantity based on the size of your gathering and the variety of other appetizers you plan to serve. If you’re serving lots of accompaniments and other cheese, estimate on the low side. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a larger soirée, this serving size strikes a harmonious balance between indulgence and practicality.

Why are some brie cheeses so much more expensive than others?

Short answer – use the cheap stuff for party appetizers!

Officially, there are two renowned types of French Brie: Brie de Meaux and Brie de Melun. However, the world of Brie offers a wide array of varieties, including imported and domestic options, such as triple cream or even goat’s milk Brie. Where the cheese is made determines some of the cost as imported cheese has to be brought into the country. also, the longer the cheese ages and the higher the quality of the ingredients the higher the cost will be.

When it comes to baking Brie for your culinary creations, there’s no need to break the bank. Any type of Brie, including Camembert, can be baked to perfection. However, a handy rule of thumb is to use an affordable wheel for baking, reserving the pricier selections for your cheese board. The oven’s gentle heat will transform it into a delectably soft and gooey delight, often topped with flavorful accompaniments. So, save your splurge for other dishes, as the economical brands are more than sufficient for this delightful treat. It’s the perfect example of how quality meets frugality in the world of cheese.

How long can I refrigerate brie?

A sealed wheel of Brie boasts an impressive shelf life, often extending well beyond its labeled date. This makes it a holiday season must-have, as a couple of wheels tucked away in your fridge and a box of good crackers in the pantry ensure you’re always prepared for impromptu gatherings with a delightful appetizer that’s ready to impress.

How do I bake brie?

Creating baked brie couldn’t be easier. Start by placing the brie on a sheet of parchment paper, then gently score the top with a paring knife. Bake at 350°F for approximately 15 minutes or until the cheese reaches a soft, melty consistency, and it’s ready to be served – delicious as it is.

If you go with larger than 16 ounce, you’ll need to bake the cheese longer, typically 30 to 40 minutes for a 24 ounce or 32 ounce wheel.

How can I make brie cheese even better?

However, there’s another option that elevates the experience even further – topping the brie with something sweet or savory before baking it to melted perfection.

For sweet toppings, consider options like various jams, fruit compotes, chutneys, dried fruits, fresh berries, figs, or even cranberry sauce. On the savory side, indulge in caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, olive tapenade, bacon, roasted peppers, herbs, or sautéed mushrooms.

And here’s a secret to elevate your baked brie game further: the creaminess of brie pairs splendidly with salty, crunchy nuts. Mix something sweet, something savory, and something crunchy, and you’ve got yourself a delectable appetizer that will impress your guests.

Now, if preparing brie at home is new to you, let’s address some common questions:

Is the white rind edible?

Absolutely yes! While some may prefer to remove it, it’s not necessary. Scoring the top rind of the brie allows it to be easily scooped up with the melty inner cheese after baking.

Do you have to bake brie?

No, it’s not mandatory, but it’s best enjoyed at room temperature or warmer to savor its full flavor.

Why does my brie sometimes smell funny?

Brie falls into the category of cheeses with a “bloomy rind.” That slightly ammonia-like scent is a natural by-product of the cheese aging and ripening process. When the cheese is packaged for sale, this aroma gets trapped by the plastic. To fully enjoy your brie, remove the plastic and let it “breathe” for about half an hour before indulging.

Here’s a Recipe to Delight Your Guests: Baked Brie with Jam and Nuts

Yield: 4 servings | Time: 15 minutes

What You’ll Need:

• 8 ounces Brie
• 2 tablespoons fruit jam
• 2 tablespoons nuts, toasted and chopped
• 1 tablespoon honey
• A pinch of Kosher salt

Here’s How:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place your brie on a piece of parchment paper, and set it on a baking sheet. Use a small, sharp knife to score the top of the rind in a crosshatch pattern.
2. Spoon the jam or fruit spread evenly across the top of the brie, creating a luscious layer. Sprinkle the chopped nuts uniformly over the top, then drizzle with honey and add a pinch of salt.
3. Bake, uncovered, for 13-15 minutes, or until the brie becomes bubbly. Let it cool slightly, serve with an assortment of crackers, and savor the delight.

Diva Tip – If time allows, take the cheese out of the refrigerator, unwrap it and let it sit on the counter for an hour before baking. This is optional but highly recommended as it  helps the cheese bake more evenly.

In the accompanying photo, I used apricot jam and pistachios, with a few dried cranberries for an eye-catching pop of color. Be creative; most combinations of jam and nuts will work wonders.

So, the next time you’re in need of a delectable appetizer that effortlessly dazzles your guests, just say cheese – baked brie, that is!

You may also enjoy – Tuscan White Bean Bruschetta and Diva’s Bacon Jam