If you’re craving a delightfully gooey and elegant appetizer that tastes like it was made with so much love, look no further than this Baked Brie with Honey, Thyme, and Crostini Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and herbaceous flavors that come together effortlessly to wow your guests or just elevate your cozy night in. This classic baked brie gets a charming twist with the subtle earthiness of fresh thyme, a drizzle of golden honey, and the crisp crunch of crostini that makes every bite absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every single item in this Baked Brie with Honey, Thyme, and Crostini Recipe is simple yet essential, playing a crucial role in creating those unforgettable layers of flavor and texture. From the buttery softness of brie to the aromatic punch of thyme, each ingredient brings something special to the party.
- 250 – 500g round brie or camembert: The star of the show, creamy and smooth, ready to melt perfectly in the oven.
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional): Adds a luscious sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory cheese.
- 1 thyme sprig (optional): Offers a fresh, herbal note that elevates the whole dish.
- Crostini: Crunchy, toasted bread slices great for scooping up that melty cheese bliss.
- 1 bunch purple grapes (optional): Juicy, slightly tart bites that bring refreshing pops of color and flavor.
How to Make Baked Brie with Honey, Thyme, and Crostini Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 180°C (350°F). This temperature is just right for melting the brie slowly, so it becomes perfectly gooey without losing its shape.
Step 2: Prepare the Brie
Unwrap your brie carefully and place it in a small, shallow ovenproof dish that’s just a bit bigger than the cheese itself. If you don’t have one, crumpled parchment paper on a baking sheet works great for later transferring. This simple prep keeps the cheese cozy as it bakes.
Step 3: Bake Until Melty
Bake the brie for 15 to 20 minutes if you’re using around 250g (8 oz), or about 25 minutes if it’s closer to 500g (1 lb). You’ll know it’s ready when the center feels soft to the touch, like it could gently collapse. Resist peeking too often to keep that warm oven magic going strong.
Step 4: Quick Microwave Option
If you’re short on time, pop the brie in the microwave for 2 minutes on high, checking every 30 seconds. The cheese will melt nicely, and no one will guess you didn’t use the oven. Just be extra careful handling it afterward!
Step 5: Transfer and Garnish
This step requires gentle hands because melty brie is delicate. If you baked it on parchment, slide the paper onto a serving plate; otherwise, use a spatula. Then, drizzle the honey over the warm cheese and add the thyme sprig on top for that vibrant fragrance and charming look.
Step 6: Serve with Crostini
Bring out your crostini alongside the baked brie so everyone can scoop up dollops of cheesy goodness. Offer knives for cutting through the rind and spreading cheese onto the crostini, enhancing the experience.
How to Serve Baked Brie with Honey, Thyme, and Crostini Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up this indulgent appetizer by adding purple grapes or a handful of fresh herbs. The grapes add juicy bursts that cut through richness, while extra thyme or rosemary sprigs visually pop and enhance aroma as you serve.
Side Dishes
Pair this warm, melty brie with crisp green salads, roasted nuts, or a fresh fruit platter for balance. Crunchy veggies or light charcuterie boards complement the creamy texture nicely, turning this recipe into a centerpiece for your spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the baked brie right in its baking dish on a wooden cheese board with an array of crackers, sliced baguette, or even apple slices for dipping. Wrapping the brie in puff pastry before baking also amps up the drama and adds buttery flakiness if you want to mix it up.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked brie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep its creamy texture, bring it back to room temperature before serving or gently warm it slightly.
Freezing
This dish doesn’t freeze very well because the texture of cheese changes after thawing. It’s best to enjoy baked brie fresh for that gooey, melty magic, but you can freeze the crostini separately for later use.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a low-temperature oven (about 150°C/300°F) for 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese softens again. Avoid microwaving to keep the best texture and prevent overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of brie?
While brie and camembert are ideal because of their creamy melt, you can experiment with mild, soft cheeses like triple-cream or even a mild goat cheese for a different twist, but the texture and taste may vary.
Do I have to use honey and thyme?
Honey and thyme really elevate this recipe, but if you don’t have them, feel free to swap honey with maple syrup or omit herbs. A drizzle of fruit preserves or a sprinkle of nuts can also work beautifully.
What’s the best bread for crostini?
A classic French baguette sliced thin and toasted makes perfect crostini—crispy but light. You can also use rustic sourdough or rye bread depending on your flavor preference.
Can I prepare this recipe for a large gathering?
Yes! You can bake multiple small rounds of brie or a larger wheel using a longer baking time. Just make sure to provide plenty of crostini and accompaniments so everyone can enjoy.
Is it okay to serve baked brie warm or at room temperature?
Warm is best to enjoy that luscious, melty center. You can let it sit for a few minutes after baking if needed, but serve it before it cools completely for optimal flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Baked Brie with Honey, Thyme, and Crostini Recipe because it’s one of those wonderfully indulgent yet simple dishes that instantly feels special. Whether it’s for a casual night in or a festive occasion, this recipe brings joy to the table in every gooey, golden bite. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a treasured favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Baked Brie with Honey, Thyme, and Crostini Recipe
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 6 – 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
This Baked Brie recipe is a simple yet elegant appetizer featuring creamy, melted brie cheese baked to perfection and served with honey or maple syrup, fresh thyme, and crostini for scooping. It is perfect for entertaining or a cozy evening indulgence, offering a delightful blend of warm, gooey cheese and sweet, fresh accompaniments.
Ingredients
Cheese
- 250 – 500g (8 – 16 oz) round brie or camembert
Toppings (Optional)
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 thyme sprig
To Serve
- Crostini
- 1 bunch purple grapes (or green grapes, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) suitable for all oven types to prepare for baking the brie.
- Prepare Brie: Unwrap the brie and place it into a small, shallow ovenproof dish slightly larger than the cheese to allow for serving. Alternatively, place it on a piece of crumbled baking or parchment paper if you plan to transfer it later.
- Bake Brie: Bake the brie in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes if using 250g (8oz), or until the cheese is melted and very soft in the center. For larger brie around 500g (1lb), increase baking time to about 25 minutes. To test doneness, gently press the center to ensure it feels soft and nearly collapsing.
- Microwave Alternative: If in a hurry, microwave the brie on high for 2 minutes in 30-second increments until melted. This method is a quick alternative but note traditional baking yields better texture.
- Transfer Carefully: After baking, carefully transfer the brie to a serving plate or board. If you used parchment paper, transfer along with it as the brie will be delicate.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle the warm melted brie with honey or maple syrup and place a sprig of thyme on top if using for added aroma and flavor.
- Serve: Serve immediately with crostini for dipping and scooping. Provide a knife for cutting through the rind and a cheese or pate knife to scoop the gooey cheese onto crostini or crackers, which can be plain or fruit/nut flavored.
Notes
- Using a baking dish that fits snugly around the brie helps maintain its shape during baking.
- Optional toppings like honey or maple syrup and thyme add a wonderful contrast to the cheese’s richness.
- Grapes are an excellent fresh accompaniment that provide a burst of sweetness alongside the baked cheese.
- For alternative methods, microwaving is a faster option but careful attention is needed to avoid overheating.
