If you are searching for a warm, irresistible snack to share with friends or elevate your next gathering, this Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe is an absolute must-try. The creamy, melty Brie cheese pairs beautifully with the fragrant garlic butter infused with fresh herbs, resulting in a luxurious combination that melts in your mouth. Each bite delivers rich, savory flavors with a subtle hint of sweetness from optional honey, making it a perfect appetizer to impress any crowd. This dish is so simple yet elegant, turning a humble wheel of Brie into a show-stopping delicacy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is what makes this Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe so special. Each component brings a unique element that balances taste, texture, and aroma, ensuring every bite is pure delight.
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese (8 oz): The star of the dish, providing creamy richness that melts beautifully.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds a silky base for the garlic and herbs to infuse the cheese.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic sharpness that enhances the buttery flavor wonderfully.
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme): Introduces a subtle earthy, floral note to balance the richness.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Offers a burst of fresh greenery and crispness as a garnish.
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for drizzling): Adds a gentle sweetness that complements the garlic butter perfectly.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to brighten and finish the flavors.
- Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving: Provides the perfect crunchy vessel for scooping the melted cheese.
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s perfectly heated by the time you’ve prepared your Brie, so the cheese melts evenly and achieves that delightful gooey texture without losing its form.
Step 2: Prepare the Brie
Place the wheel of Brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet or into a small baking dish. Using parchment here helps catch any melted cheese spills and makes cleanup a breeze. Keeping the Brie whole allows it to soften beautifully in the oven while maintaining that signature shape.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter gently. Add the minced garlic and thyme, stirring and sautéing for about 1 to 2 minutes until the aroma becomes irresistible. This step infuses the butter with the garlic’s pungency and thyme’s earthiness, creating the flavorful foundation of this baked Brie.
Step 4: Bake the Brie
Pour the fragrant garlic butter mixture directly over the Brie. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper to elevate the taste. Place the Brie in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the cheese to soften and become wonderfully oozy while still holding its round shape beautifully.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the Brie from the oven and if you’re feeling a touch indulgent, drizzle with a bit of honey for a note of sweetness that contrasts the savory garlic butter. Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley on top to add color and freshness. Serve immediately alongside your choice of crackers or sliced baguette to delight everyone with every dip.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t be shy about garnishing your Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe. Fresh parsley is a classic choice that adds a pop of vibrant green, but you can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for an exciting kick or add toasted nuts for a lovely crunch. The aesthetics and additional flavor layers make this dish feel festive and personalized.
Side Dishes
This baked Brie pairs beautifully with a handful of complementary sides. Fresh fruit like apple slices, grapes, or figs offer a sweet counterbalance to the richness, while crisp vegetables like cucumber or radishes provide refreshing bites between cheesy indulgence. For something heartier, a light green salad with a citrus vinaigrette helps cut the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can turn this simple baked Brie dish into a truly memorable centerpiece. Try serving it inside a small cast-iron skillet or wrapped loosely in puff pastry for an elevated look. You might also build a cheese board around it with charcuterie, olives, and nuts, making your Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe the star attraction that invites everyone to share and savor together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, wrap the Brie tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. The cheese will firm up, so it’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days for maximum freshness and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing this baked Brie isn’t recommended since the texture and flavor of the cheese and garlic butter can be compromised when thawed. It’s best to prepare this dish fresh for a delectable experience that holds its promise every time.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the Brie in a low oven at around 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes, just until softened again. Avoid overheating as it can cause the cheese to separate or become oily. This quick reheating brings back that perfect melty consistency to enjoy once more.
FAQs
Can I use aged Brie for this recipe?
Absolutely! Aged Brie will bring a stronger, more complex flavor to the dish. Just be gentle while baking since aged Brie can melt faster and become runnier, but it pairs beautifully with the garlic butter toppings.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
You can try using a plant-based Brie alternative along with vegan butter and garlic to mimic the flavors. Keep in mind the texture will be slightly different, but it can still be a delicious option for those avoiding dairy.
Can I add other herbs besides thyme?
Yes! Rosemary, sage, or even a bit of oregano can be wonderful alternatives or additions. Each herb will bring its own unique aroma and flavor, so feel free to experiment with what you love most.
What crackers work best for serving with this baked Brie?
Choose sturdy crackers that can hold the melted cheese without breaking easily. Water crackers, multigrain crisps, or thinly sliced toasted baguette pieces are all fantastic choices to scoop up every flavorful bite.
How long can I leave the baked Brie at room temperature?
It’s best to serve the baked Brie immediately after baking for optimum gooeyness and freshness. If left out longer than two hours, especially in warm environments, it’s safer to refrigerate any leftovers promptly to maintain quality and food safety.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe is a delightful way to transform a simple wheel of cheese into an unforgettable appetizer that both beginners and seasoned cooks will love making. Its rich, garlicky, buttery charm is perfect for cozy nights, celebrations, or anytime you want to impress with minimal fuss. Give it a try soon—your taste buds and guests will thank you!
Print
Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
This Garlic Butter Baked Brie is a luscious and savory appetizer featuring creamy Brie cheese topped with aromatic garlic butter and fresh herbs, baked until irresistibly soft and perfect for dipping. Finished with a drizzle of honey and fresh parsley, it pairs beautifully with crackers or sliced baguette for an elegant starter or party snack.
Ingredients
Brie and Toppings
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese (8 oz)
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for drizzling)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving
Garlic Butter
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the Brie.
- Prepare the Brie: Place the wheel of Brie cheese on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a small baking dish to catch any melting cheese.
- Make Garlic Butter: Melt the unsalted butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and thyme and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat.
- Bake the Brie: Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of the Brie. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and soft but maintaining its shape.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the baked Brie from the oven. Drizzle with honey if desired and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately alongside crackers or sliced baguette for dipping.
Notes
- For a stronger garlic flavor, increase the garlic to 4 cloves.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried thyme can be substituted if necessary.
- Serve immediately for the best melty texture; reheating may cause the cheese to become too runny.
- Try adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a subtle heat variation.
- If you prefer a crust, wrap the Brie in puff pastry and bake until golden for a different take.
