If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s sure to impress, this Garlic Butter Baked Brie is your new best friend. Imagine gooey, melted Brie cheese, rich and buttery, with a savory hint of garlic and herbs—what could be better than that? Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or just indulging in something comforting for yourself, this dish will never disappoint. Serve it with your favorite crackers or sliced baguette, and trust me, you’ll find yourself savoring every bite.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Garlic Butter Baked Brie isn’t just your average cheese dip. It’s indulgent, but in the best way possible! Here’s why you’ll love it:
Melty Goodness: There’s something magical about hot, melty Brie. When it bakes, the cheese becomes irresistibly gooey and smooth—perfect for dipping.
Savory and Rich: The garlic butter adds a savory richness that takes the Brie to the next level. It’s a perfect balance of flavors that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Quick and Easy: You can have this appetizer ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something simple but impressive.
Versatile: Serve it as an appetizer at a dinner party, or pair it with a glass of wine for a cozy evening in. You can even enjoy it as a late-night snack!
Customizable: Add herbs, nuts, or even a drizzle of honey to make this dish your own. You can tweak it to match your taste preferences, making it even more special.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious, decadent treat:
Brie Cheese: The star of the dish. Soft, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Butter: Unsalted butter will work best to balance out the flavors.
Garlic: Fresh garlic, minced, for that savory, aromatic punch.
Fresh Thyme: Adds a touch of earthiness and herbaceous flavor.
Honey: Optional, but a little drizzle of honey adds a sweet contrast to the richness of the Brie.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of heat, if you like a little spice.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
Crackers or Baguette: For serving.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get baking and enjoy this gooey goodness:
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure the Brie bakes evenly and becomes that perfect gooey texture.
Prepare the Brie: Place your Brie cheese on a baking dish or oven-safe skillet. You don’t need to remove the rind, as it will soften and melt beautifully during baking.
Make the Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Add the fresh thyme and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, and cook for another 30 seconds.
Pour the Butter Over the Brie: Drizzle the garlic butter mixture over the Brie, making sure it’s evenly covered.
Bake the Brie: Place the Brie in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is soft and melted inside. You should be able to gently poke the center and see the cheese inside begin to ooze out.
Optional Touch: If you like a bit of sweetness, drizzle a little honey over the Brie right before serving.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Garlic Butter Baked Brie with crackers or slices of a fresh baguette. Use a spoon or knife to scoop up that warm, gooey cheese and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 300
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Brie
This dish is perfect as an appetizer, but here are a few ideas to make it even better:
With Fresh Bread: Serve it with warm, crusty bread or a sliced baguette for dipping.
With Roasted Nuts: Toasted walnuts or pecans can be a great addition for extra crunch and flavor.
As a Party Snack: This Garlic Butter Baked Brie is perfect for any gathering. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make but looks impressive when served.
Pair with Wine: A glass of crisp white wine or a light red wine pairs beautifully with this rich, savory dish.
Additional Tips
Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your Brie while it’s in the oven. You want it melted, not leaking out completely!
Add Toppings: Get creative! You can add crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or even some fig jam for added flavor.
Storage Tips: If you have any leftovers, store the Brie in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, bake at 300°F for about 5 minutes until melted again.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Brie?
A1: While Brie is ideal for this recipe, Camembert or a soft goat cheese would work well too.
Q2: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare the garlic butter and top the Brie with it in advance. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven to bake.
Q3: How do I make this dish spicy?
A3: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce for extra heat!
Q4: Can I serve this with veggies?
A4: Absolutely! Serve it with fresh veggies like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips for a lighter, healthier option.
Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: It’s best to serve this fresh, as the texture of the Brie won’t be quite the same after freezing. However, you can freeze the garlic butter mixture and use it again later.
Q6: Can I make this in a different pan?
A6: Yes! You can make it in any oven-safe dish, such as a small cast-iron skillet or a baking dish.
Q7: How long should I bake it?
A7: It typically takes 10-15 minutes to bake, but it depends on the size of your Brie. Keep an eye on it and make sure the center is soft and gooey.
Q8: Can I use pre-minced garlic?
A8: Yes, pre-minced garlic will work, but fresh garlic will give a better, more aromatic flavor.
Q9: How do I serve it if I don’t have crackers?
A9: If you don’t have crackers, serve it with fresh bread, pita chips, or even apple slices for a sweet and savory combo.
Q10: Can I add herbs to the garlic butter?
A10: Yes! Fresh rosemary, sage, or even basil would be a lovely addition to the garlic butter mixture.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Baked Brie is an indulgent, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich, melty cheese, savory garlic butter, and the option to customize with herbs or nuts, it’s a recipe you’ll keep coming back to. Serve it up with your favorite crackers or bread and enjoy the goodness!
Print
Garlic Butter Baked Brie
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French, Baking
Description
This Garlic Butter Baked Brie is the perfect quick and easy appetizer! With just a few ingredients, this creamy, garlicky, and herb-infused brie melts into cheesy perfection. Serve it warm with crostini or whole-grain crackers for a crowd-pleasing dish at any gathering!
Ingredients
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2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
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2-4 cloves garlic, minced
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21 oz wheel of brie cheese
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1/4 tsp salt (optional)
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1/4 tsp ground black pepper (optional)
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1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
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1 pack whole-grain crackers or crostini (for serving)
Instructions
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Preheat oven: Set to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Prepare brie: Unwrap the brie and score the top in a crosshatch pattern using a knife. Place it on the baking sheet.
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Add garlic butter: Mix melted butter and minced garlic, then drizzle over the brie. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme.
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Bake: Place in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until the brie is warm and slightly melted.
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Serve: Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy immediately with crackers or crostini.
Notes
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Flavor Boost: Add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra texture and taste.
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Pairings: Serve with fresh fruit like apples, pears, or grapes for a sweet-savory balance.
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Make Ahead: Prep the brie with garlic butter in advance, then bake just before serving!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg