Baked brie recipe is one of the best easy appetizers around! Bake it in 15 minutes and add your favorite toppings for a total crowd pleaser.

Some people claim a recipe can be too easy. We think not. I don’t know about you, but we’re always in need of easy ideas…like this Baked Brie! There could not be an easier appetizer recipe, folks. But often, we forget about these simple entertaining tricks. So here’s what you need to know about making a melty, delicious pile of brie. The great part? The toppings are versatile depending on your preferences, and you can make a beautiful platter with little effort. Here’s what to do!

How to bake brie

Making baked brie is so easy, you barely need a recipe. But we’re of the mindset that there’s nothing too simple to jot down as an idea for cooking inspiration. (Heck, we even wrote a book about simple recipes.) You can go to the recipe below for the full details, or just memorize this easy formula for how to bake brie:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
• Place the brie on a baking sheet or dish.
• Bake for about 15 minutes! To test whether it’s done, touch your finger in the middle of the brie. It should feel like it’s completely liquid in the center.

Yes, that’s literally zero hands on time to bake brie! Then you’ll need a few minutes to dollop the cheese with toppings. Here’s what we like to use…

Baked brie toppings!

Yes, baked brie is that easy to make. We love it for parties and entertaining, especially when we’re making multiple recipes at once and need something simple yet stunning. The toppings are the fun part for baked brie: you can customize this recipe according to your tastes and make dozens of variations. One key to topping this melty cheese: sweet is an ideal pair with gooey, savory cheese. Here are some ideas for baked brie toppings:

• Honey
• Apricot jam
• Cherry jam or cranberry jam
• Strawberry jam, raspberry jam or blackberry jam
• Cranberry sauce
• Diced apple
• Pomegranate seeds
• Pistachios, chopped
• Toasted pecans, chopped
• Toasted almonds, chopped
• Toasted walnuts, chopped
• Caramelized onions

What do you add to your baked brie? Let us know in the comments below!

Variation: cover it in puff pastry

One popular variation on baked brie is to cover it in puff pastry. If you make it this way, you don’t need any toppings. Our personal opinion? We think puff pastry is unnecessary: it adds extra effort, calories, and makes it a little harder to eat. But, you can absolutely add it if you love this 1970’s style appetizer idea! Here’s the basic idea:

• Cut the top skin off the brie wheel.
• Get a large sheet of puff pastry. Lay it out in a single layer and place the brie on top.
• Add a few tablespoons of jam on top of the brie.
• Fold the pastry up and over the brie and cut off any excess dough.
• Bake about 25 to 30 minutes at 375 degrees until the pastry is golden brown. Cool a few minutes before serving.

How to serve this baked brie recipe

How to serve baked brie? Well, the sky’s the limit! There are so many things you can add to this luscious cheese wheel to make a beautiful appetizer spread. It’s great for entertaining at any type of gathering: Christmas, Thanksgiving, or just any type of party! Here are some ideas:

• Crackers (try homemade)
• Crostini (try homemade)
• Gluten free crackers or bread substitutes
• Baguette slices
• Apple slices
• Pear slices
• Grapes
• Apricot or cranberry jam (if not using as a topping)
• Rosemary sprigs, for decoration

More easy appetizers to pair

This baked brie is the perfect centerpiece for an appetizer spread! In fact, we created it in part for a virtual cocktail party with our friend Sierra. Here are a few of the other easy appetizers we’d pair with it to make a delicious spread. In fact, you could even use this as an “appetizer dinner,” which we like to do for an easy meal concept. Here’s what we’d pair:

• Roll up some tortilla pinwheels
• Mix up Marinated olives
• Make a batch of Green hummus with veggies
• Try our fan favorite Greek yogurt ranch dip with veggies
• Go classic with dill pickle dip and potato chips
• Opt for family favorite fruit dip, peanut butter dip, or chocolate hummus with fruit
• Make easy and delicious stuffed dates
• Grab some mixed nuts, cheese or cured meats

This baked brie recipe is…

Vegetarian and gluten-free (with gluten-free crackers or bread substitutes).

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A Couple Cooks - Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes