If you’re searching for the kind of appetizer that disappears in minutes and earns you endless compliments, look no further than this Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe. Imagine golden, gooey Brie cheese blanketed in garlicky, herb-infused butter, finished with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It’s sophisticated yet effortless, the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and sweet—all baked up in under 20 minutes. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or treating yourself on a cozy night in, this baked Brie is destined to become your new favorite indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients, each one playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and irresistible texture. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few handy tips on getting the most out of every component:
- Brie cheese (1 wheel, 8 oz): The star of the show; choose a high-quality Brie for the creamiest, melt-in-your-mouth result.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Melts into a luscious sauce that bathes the Brie in richness—unsalted lets you control the seasoning.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the butter with deep, savory flavor and a warm, inviting aroma.
- Fresh thyme leaves (1 teaspoon, or ½ teaspoon dried): Adds earthy, aromatic notes that complement the cheese beautifully.
- Freshly cracked black pepper (½ teaspoon): A touch of spice to balance the creaminess and round out the flavors.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): A drizzle of honey brings just the right hint of sweetness to contrast the savory elements.
- Chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, optional): For a pop of color and a fresh, herby finish—totally optional but highly recommended.
- Baguette slices or crackers for serving: The perfect vehicles for scooping up every melty, flavorful bite.
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unwrap your Brie and set it in a small oven-safe dish or place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If you want to take things up a notch, lightly score the top of the Brie in a crisscross pattern with a sharp knife—this helps the garlic butter seep into the cheese for extra flavor.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and thyme, stirring constantly for about 1 to 2 minutes. You want the garlic to become fragrant but not browned, so keep an eye on it! Once it’s ready, remove from the heat and stir in the freshly cracked black pepper and honey. The mixture should smell absolutely divine.
Step 3: Pour, Bake, and Melt
Carefully pour your warm garlic butter mixture all over the top of the Brie, making sure it drips down the sides. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. When it’s done, the Brie should be soft and gooey inside—give it a gentle poke to check. Don’t overbake, or the cheese can lose its structure.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Remove your baked Brie from the oven and immediately sprinkle the top with chopped fresh parsley, if using. Serve it right away with warm baguette slices or your favorite crackers. The cheese will be gloriously melty, so gather everyone around—it won’t last long!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe
Garnishes
A final flourish of chopped fresh parsley or even a sprinkle of extra thyme leaves adds a pop of color and freshness to your Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe. If you love a little heat, try dusting the top with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. A few toasted walnuts or pecans can also be scattered over the top for crunch.
Side Dishes
This decadent Brie pairs wonderfully with crisp, sliced apples or pears, which add a sweet contrast to the richness of the cheese. Roasted grapes, dried apricots, or even a tangy cranberry sauce on the side can elevate your appetizer spread. Don’t forget plenty of sliced baguette and an assortment of crackers to scoop up every bit of melted cheese and garlicky butter.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe into a true showstopper by serving it on a rustic wooden board surrounded by colorful accompaniments—think fresh herbs, sliced figs, nuts, and edible flowers. For a cozy touch, bake the Brie in a small cast iron skillet or a pretty ceramic dish. Hosting a party? Make mini baked Bries in ramekins for individual servings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the Brie cool to room temperature, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for the Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe, as it can alter the creamy texture of the cheese and cause the butter to separate. If you must freeze, wrap the cooled Brie tightly and store for up to 1 month, but be aware the texture may not be quite as dreamy when reheated.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers, place the Brie in a small oven-safe dish and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until gooey again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cheese tough and rubbery. Serve with fresh bread or crackers and enjoy a second round of melty goodness!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Appetizer
While Brie is the classic choice for its creamy texture and mild flavor, you can substitute with Camembert or another soft-ripened cheese. Just keep in mind that the baking time may vary slightly depending on the size and type of cheese.
Is it necessary to remove the rind before baking?
No need to remove the rind—the rind is entirely edible and helps the cheese hold its shape as it bakes. If you’re not a fan, you can slice off the very top after baking for easier dipping.
Can I prepare the Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble the Brie with the garlic butter up to a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What are some fun ways to customize this recipe?
Try adding a spoonful of fig jam, a handful of chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of dried cranberries on top before baking. You can also swap the thyme for rosemary or add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth.
How do I know when the Brie is perfectly baked?
The Brie is ready when it feels soft and melty to the touch—about 15 to 18 minutes in the oven. If you gently press the center and it gives easily, it’s time to take it out and serve right away!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe enough—it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser and a guaranteed way to bring people together over delicious, melty cheese. Give it a try at your next gathering or treat yourself to a little luxury at home. You’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so spectacular!
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Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Butter Baked Brie recipe offers a warm, melty wheel of Brie cheese infused with fragrant garlic, thyme, and honey, baked to perfection and served with crispy baguette slices or crackers. It’s a simple yet elegant appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Cheese
- 1 wheel (8 oz) Brie cheese
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon honey
Garnish and Serving
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Baguette slices or crackers for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the Brie.
- Prepare the Brie: Unwrap the Brie cheese and place it in a small oven-safe baking dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Make garlic butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and fresh thyme, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add seasonings: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in freshly cracked black pepper and honey, blending the flavors well.
- Pour over Brie: Drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly over the Brie cheese in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the Brie in the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes until the cheese is soft and melty inside.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the baked Brie from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately with warm baguette slices or crackers for dipping.
Notes
- Score the top rind of the Brie in a crisscross pattern before baking to allow the garlic butter to seep in more deeply.
- For an added kick of flavor, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the garlic butter mixture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 wheel
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
