If you’re searching for a warm, irresistible appetizer that brings together creamy cheese and fragrant herbs in perfect harmony, look no further than this Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs Recipe. It takes a simple wheel of Brie cheese and transforms it into a luscious, aromatic treat that’s oozing with flavor and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or just craving something special, this dish is guaranteed to become a beloved favorite quickly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs Recipe plays a crucial role, from the creamy Brie that melts to perfection, to the fresh herbs that add vibrant aroma and flavor. These simple essentials come together beautifully to create an elegant yet approachable appetizer.
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese: The star of the dish, it melts into a creamy, luscious center that’s pure indulgence.
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced: Adds a warm, earthy depth that complements the cheese perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped: Offers a fragrant and piney note that brightens the whole dish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped: Brings a subtle, herbal earthiness that pairs wonderfully with both Brie and garlic.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps meld the flavors and adds a silky richness as the herbs toast.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning to enhance all the natural flavors.
- Optional: 1 teaspoon honey: Provides a gentle, sweet contrast that balances the savory notes.
- To serve: crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables: Perfect vehicles for scooping up every ooey-gooey bite.
How to Make Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature ensures the Brie softens beautifully without drying out, creating that luscious melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes this recipe special.
Step 2: Prepare the Brie
Place your wheel of Brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a small oven-safe dish. This setup helps with easy clean-up and keeps the cheese from sticking while it bakes to creamy perfection.
Step 3: Dress the Brie with Garlic and Herbs
Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the top of the Brie wheel. Next, sprinkle the finely minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme generously over it. This fresh, fragrant herb blend infuses every melted bite with an irresistible savory aroma.
Step 4: Season and Add Optional Sweetness
Sprinkle salt and black pepper to taste, balancing the flavors with just the right amount of seasoning. If you love a hint of sweetness to contrast the herbs and garlic, drizzle a teaspoon of honey lightly across the top before baking.
Step 5: Bake Until Soft and Oozy
Pop the Brie into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for that golden softness and the cheese just beginning to ooze out at the edges—pure heaven waiting to be enjoyed.
Step 6: Rest and Prepare to Serve
Once baked, allow your Brie to rest for a couple of minutes. This little pause lets the cheese settle slightly, making it easier to scoop while still warm and irresistibly gooey.
How to Serve Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs Recipe to the next level, consider sprinkling a few extra fresh herb leaves on top just before serving. A tiny drizzle of honey or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also add a delightful twist and gorgeous visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This baked Brie pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread, an assortment of crunchy crackers, or even fresh, crisp vegetables like sliced cucumbers or bell peppers. These accompaniments add texture contrast and allow you to customize each bite to your liking.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive occasions, consider placing the baked Brie on a wooden cheese board adorned with clusters of grapes, nuts, and dried fruits. Alternatively, you can serve it inside a hollowed-out bread bowl or wrapped in puff pastry for a stunning presentation that impresses every guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to save any leftovers of your Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs Recipe, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within 2 days to enjoy the fresh flavors and creamy texture.
Freezing
Baked Brie doesn’t freeze well because its creamy texture changes after thawing. Instead, freeze the unbaked Brie with garlic and herb toppings separately if you want to prepare in advance, then bake fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, warm the Brie gently in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes to soften without overcooking. Avoid the microwave to prevent the cheese from turning rubbery or separating.
FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh for this recipe?
While fresh herbs provide the best aroma and flavor for the Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs Recipe, you can use dried herbs in a pinch. Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs since they are more concentrated, and sprinkle them evenly over the cheese before baking.
Is it necessary to add honey, or can I skip it?
The honey is completely optional but adds a lovely subtle sweetness that balances the savory garlic and herbs. If you prefer a fully savory bite, feel free to omit it without affecting the overall deliciousness of the dish.
What’s the best type of bread to serve with baked Brie?
A crusty baguette or sourdough bread is ideal because their firm texture contrasts beautifully with the soft, creamy Brie. The sturdy slices hold up well when scooping up the melty cheese, making every bite satisfying.
Can I prepare this appetizer ahead of time?
You can assemble the Brie with garlic and herbs up to a few hours before baking and keep it refrigerated. Just allow it to come to room temperature briefly before baking to ensure even melting and the best results.
How do I know when the Brie is perfectly baked?
Look for the cheese to be soft and slightly bubbling around the edges, with a golden tint on top. It should be warm and oozing when gently pressed but not fully collapsed or greasy.
Final Thoughts
This Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs Recipe is one of those magical dishes that’s both incredibly simple and utterly impressive. It invites everyone to gather around, share stories, and savor the rich, comforting flavors that only warm, melted Brie can bring. If you want an appetizer that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this recipe is your new best friend. Go ahead, give it a try, and watch it become a star on your table!
Print
Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
This Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs is a simple yet elegant appetizer perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in. A wheel of creamy Brie cheese is infused with fragrant freshly minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme, then baked to a luscious, soft texture. A drizzle of olive oil and optional honey adds a delightful balance of savory and sweet. Serve warm with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Ingredients
Cheese
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese
Herb and Garlic Topping
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon honey
To Serve
- Crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat to ensure even cooking of the Brie.
- Prepare the Brie: Place the entire wheel of Brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Add toppings: Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the top of the Brie. Sprinkle the finely minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme over the cheese to infuse it with aromatic flavors.
- Season and drizzle: Season the Brie with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste. If desired, add a light drizzle of honey for a subtle sweetness that complements the herbs.
- Bake the Brie: Place the Brie in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The cheese should become soft, warm, and just starting to ooze, signaling it’s perfectly melted inside.
- Rest and serve: Remove the Brie from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes to allow it to set slightly. Serve warm with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping and enjoy.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for the best aroma and flavor; dried herbs will alter the taste.
- Be careful not to overbake the Brie to prevent it from becoming too runny.
- If you don’t have parchment paper, a lightly greased oven-safe dish will work.
- Honey is optional but adds a nice sweet contrast to the savory garlic and herbs.
- Letting the Brie rest after baking helps it hold its shape better when serving.
