If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing and easy appetizer that will elevate any party spread, you can’t go wrong with baked Brie. Perfect for holiday parties and special occasions, it’s a rich and indulgent treat that’s also incredibly versatile, and it will look beautiful on your party table!
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What is Brie?
Brie is a soft cheese that originated in France. Usually made with cow’s milk, Brie has a soft interior and an edible rind made of white mold. It has a high fat content, giving it a delicious buttery and nutty flavor and a rich and creamy texture.
Although you can certainly enjoy this treat at room temperature, Brie is particularly delicious and makes an amazing party appetizer when baked. Simply place the entire wheel of Brie on a parchment paper lined baking sheet in the oven for about 15 minutes and bake it to warm and gooey perfection.
You can wrap it in pastry or phyllo dough if you’re feeling extra fancy or just leave it as is. You’ll then top the melted cheese with all sorts of delicious things like honey, jam, fruit, and more.
If you’re looking for a great baked Brie recipe to impress your friends and party guests, my family loves this one for Baked Brie en Croute.
But the beauty of baked Brie is in its versatility. It can be served in so many different ways, so you can make up your own simple recipe and rest assured that it will be delicious. To get you started, we’ve compiled some of our favorite basic ideas for what to serve with baked Brie, so you can start making your own delicious appetizer creations.
Bread and Crackers
If you serve nothing else with your Brie, you’ll want to have some delicious and high-quality bread or crackers. Delicious bread topped with melty cheese alone would make a simple and delicious appetizer plate that your guests will love.
There’s no need to get too fancy here – the Brie should be the star of the show, so avoid seed crackers and flavored breads and go for a delicious crusty bread or cracker that won’t compete with the delicate flavor of the cheese, like some baguette slices, buttery crackers, or melba toast.
Fruit and Jam
Fresh fruit and fruit preserves are classic pairings with Brie, as the acidity in the fruit helps to bring out the smooth and creamy texture of the Brie. Try serving your baked Brie alongside pear or apple slices, grapes, or some dried apricots or cherries. Fruit preserves are another great addition – you can pour them directly on top of the Brie wheel or choose several varieties and serve them on the side. I like raspberry, strawberry, or apricot preserves. Honey, fig jam, and cranberry sauce are also great choices.
Olives and Nuts
Nuts and olives are a great choice to serve alongside your Brie when you want to add some color and texture to your cheese platter. They’re also great when you want to provide something a bit more substantial and filling. You can choose any variety of olives, or use a mixture of seasoned olives and peppers marinated in olive oil.
Nuts are also a great pairing, bringing out the slightly nutty flavor of the cheese. Try serving some pecans or walnuts – either the plain unsalted variety or candied nuts would be delicious.
Other Fun Ideas
Create a Cheese Platter
If you’re still looking for more options, why not serve your baked Brie with even more cheese! You can’t go wrong with a cheese board and your guests will appreciate the variety. I find that 3 to 5 cheese varieties are best for creating a nice presentation, depending on the size of your platter.
It’s a good idea to have a wide variety of flavors and textures and to arrange them so that your guests can enjoy them in order from the mildest to strongest flavor. Your Brie will be one of the milder options, so it would be delicious when paired with a heartier aged cheddar or Manchego, and a stronger bleu cheese.
Veggies
It’s always nice to have a lighter option on your party platter, so feel free to place some light and healthy veggies alongside your cheese. As an added bonus, they add lots of pretty color and some nice crunch to your plate, and they’re good for guests who may be watching their carbs or looking for a healthier option.
Try some crisp bell peppers cut into strips, carrot sticks, celery hearts, or even some fresh tomatoes. You can also make caramelized onions or buy some marinated veggies in a jar.
Meats
There are a variety of meat options that you can serve with your baked Brie. A charcuterie board always looks fancy and sophisticated and is another great option when you want to provide an appetizer that can double as a main dish.
Some thinly sliced deli ham would be a delicious option and would pair beautifully with the Brie, although you could also go with chicken, turkey, or roast beef. Cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and chorizo are also great options.
Wine Pairings
If you’re serving your baked Brie at a party, you won’t want to forget the wine! Brie pairs well with white wines, due to their milder flavor, lower tannins, and higher acidity. Sparkling wines like champagne, prosecco and cava are a great choice to pair with Brie, and are always great for bringing a celebratory feel to any party.
Still white wines like Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay would also be great choices. If you prefer reds, I’d recommend a lighter and fruitier option such as a Pinot Noir or a Beaujolais Nouveau.
If you’ve never made baked Brie before, I hope these delicious options will inspire you to give it a try. There are so many great pairings for this crowd-pleasing dish that one of them is sure to be a perfect addition to your next party!
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