Baked Brie – An Easy Christmas Appetizer Recipe

When you need a quick and easy appetizer recipe for your next party or holiday gathering, baked brie is your answer. An impressive display of melted cheese served with fruit, crackers and/or toasted baguettes.

Best of all, there is literally no work to this recipe. Simply place the round disc in the oven and in 15 minutes the appetizer is ready to serve!

Once you cut into the cheese wheel the center will ooze out, making for a spectacular appetizer to share with family and friends. Not only is it delicious, it is honestly addicting!

But what I really love about making this as an appetizer, is that you can adapt the toppings to fit whatever occasion that you are celebrating. For instance, because this recipe is focusing on serving this as Christmas appetizer, I have added some red and green ingredients to make it look festive and to also add flavor and texture.

However, if you are serving baked brie for your Thanksgiving appetizer, you can spruce it up and make Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie. Or a simple drizzle of honey over the top works well for any gathering.

As you can see the possibilities are endless!

What Is Brie Cheese?

Before I get to the actual recipe, let me take a minute to explain a little more about this popular variety of cheese. Originating in France it is the most popular and sought after type of cheese, and with good reason.

Traditionally made out of cow’s milk the cheese is soft and has a creamy and mild buttery taste. It is also famous for its small round shape.

As the cheese ages it forms a thin, white outer layer. The rind is actually a type of mold, but is 100% edible in both its raw form and when you make baked brie.

It is best to serve it at room temperature or warmer. When heated properly it will retain its shape, however the inside will be gooey, dippable and spreadable.

Its unique shape and texture makes for an impressive addition to any charcuterie board.

Where To Buy Brie

Because of its gain in popularity, brie is pretty easy to find at large grocery stores or wholesale clubs. However, most often you won’t find it where you buy shredded cheese.

Instead, look in the speciality cheese section of the supermarket. Brie comes in both small wheels and in wedges.

For this recipe you are looking for a 10 to 12 ounce wheel of cheese. It will most often be wrapped in a white package and will even sometimes be placed inside a round wooden box.

Brie vs. Camembert

However, before you purchase that round wheel of cheese, take a second look at the label. There is a very similar type of cheese that looks identical to brie.

Camembert cheese will also be in the speciality cheese section of the grocery store. And just like brie, it is in the shape of small, round wheels.

However, there is a distinct difference between the two cheeses. Although both can be used to make this Baked Brie appetizer, the taste is different.

Brie is very mild tasting and is often served with sweet or savory ingredients to compliment the flavor. On the other hand, camembert cheese has a stronger, earthy flavor.

Although both types of cheese are delicious in their own right, I would recommend sticking with brie for this recipe.

Can You Bake Brie In Its Wooden Box?

Some brands of brie are sold inside a wooden box and some are inside a plastic wrap. If you purchased one without a box, you will need to bake the brie in a baking dish that is just slightly bigger than the round wheel.

However, you may not need the baking dish if the cheese came inside a wooden box. If the box is secured with staples, it is safe to put it in the oven.

If it is held together with glue remove the cheese from the box and place it in a baking dish. The glue will melt during the heating process and the brie is at risk for oozing out across the baking sheet.

Although, there are many times that I make baked brie that is placed on parchment paper, this is not ideal for this recipe. That is because this appetizer has a Christmas theme and will be decorated with an edible wreath on top.

Easy Baked Brie Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 10 to 12 ounce wheel of Brie cheese
• 3/4 cup pomegranate arils
• 1/3 cup roasted shelled pistachios, roughly chopped

Serving Ingredients

• Toasted baguette slices
• Crackers
• Toasted bread sticks
• Fruit slices

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Then line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Unwrap the Brie and discard the plastic wrap. If the Brie came in a wooden box that is secured with staples, remove the lid and place the unwrapped cheese inside the box.

However, if the Brie came in a wooden box secured with glue or came only in plastic wrap, place the cheese in an oven safe baking dish slightly larger than the wheel of cheese.

Place the container with the Brie on the prepared baking sheet and then place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.

Bake Time For Brie

Bake for approximately 12-15 minutes or until the brie is softened in the center but not melted. You want to be able to push the center of the cheese and if you can easily push down, but not break through, the cheese is ready.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully transfer the brie to a serving platter. Mound the pomegranate arils and pistachios in a ring around the top edge of the Brie, resembling a wreath.

Because some will fall off, arrange another layer of pomegranate arils and pistachios at the base of the brie as well.

Serve immediately with toasted baguettes, crackers, bread sticks, or fruit slices. If you are looking for dessert recipes to go with this delicious appetizer, be sure to check out The Best Christmas Dessert Recipes – 17 Recipes You Will Love!

Enjoy! Mary

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