Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe

Imagine this: a gooey, melty wheel of Brie, baked to perfection, topped with golden, garlicky butter, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Is your mouth watering yet? This Garlic Butter Baked Brie is the ultimate crowd-pleaser and the perfect appetizer for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, having a cozy night in, or just craving a little indulgence, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds (or thirds!). The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make, and it’s ready to serve in under 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Baked Brie

This is one of those recipes that combines elegance with simplicity. It feels fancy enough for a celebration but easy enough for any casual get-together. Here’s why you’re going to fall in love with this Garlic Butter Baked Brie:

Quick and Simple

With only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a show-stopping appetizer ready in no time. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want something impressive but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Decadent and Flavorful

The combination of creamy Brie, rich garlic butter, and fresh herbs creates a mouthwatering dish that will melt in your mouth. The buttery richness is balanced perfectly with the subtle tang of the Brie, making it the ultimate indulgence.

Customizable

Want to give it a personal twist? You can easily adjust the garlic and herb levels to suit your taste. If you’re a fan of rosemary, thyme, or even a little honey drizzle, feel free to get creative!

Crowd-Pleasing

This is a guaranteed hit with guests, whether they’re cheese lovers or not. It’s one of those appetizers that brings people together, and the best part? It’s so easy to make you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.

Versatile

Serve it with crackers, sliced baguette, fresh fruit, or even veggies. There’s no wrong way to enjoy this brie—it’s all about pairing it with what you love!

Ingredients

For this Garlic Butter Baked Brie, you only need a few ingredients to create a delicious masterpiece. Here’s the breakdown:

Brie Cheese

The star of the show! You’ll need a whole wheel of Brie cheese. The creaminess of the Brie makes it the perfect choice for baking, as it melts beautifully and has a mild, buttery flavor.

Garlic

Fresh garlic is key here. When roasted and combined with butter, it adds a deep, aromatic flavor that elevates the Brie to new heights.

Butter

You’ll need unsalted butter to make the garlic butter topping. It adds richness and helps create that beautiful golden glaze.

Fresh Herbs

I love using fresh thyme or rosemary for this recipe. They bring a lovely, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the Brie. But feel free to experiment with what you have on hand!

Honey (Optional)

A drizzle of honey adds a touch of sweetness that balances out the savory garlic butter perfectly. It’s not essential, but it’s a lovely finishing touch.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to bake some magic? Here’s how to make your Garlic Butter Baked Brie:

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the Brie bakes evenly and becomes beautifully melted and gooey.

Prepare the Brie

Place your Brie wheel on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you want to make it easier to serve, you can remove the rind from the top of the Brie (it’s optional, though—the rind is totally edible!).

Make the Garlic Butter

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden (but be careful not to burn it!).

Pour Over the Brie

Once the garlic butter is ready, pour it over the top of the Brie, making sure to drizzle the garlic and butter all over the wheel.

Add Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary over the Brie, making sure to coat it evenly. You can also tuck a few sprigs of herbs underneath the Brie for added flavor.

Bake the Brie

Place the Brie in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and gooey inside. You’ll know it’s ready when the Brie feels soft to the touch, and the top has a beautiful golden brown color.

Drizzle with Honey (Optional)

Once out of the oven, drizzle the baked Brie with a touch of honey for a perfect balance of savory and sweet.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Garlic Butter Baked Brie hot with your favorite crackers, toasted baguette slices, fresh fruit, or veggies. Enjoy the ooey-gooey goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350 calories
Total Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total Carbohydrates: 6g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 15g
Vitamin A: 18%
Vitamin C: 2%
Calcium: 15%
Iron: 2%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Brie

This Garlic Butter Baked Brie is the perfect appetizer, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments:

Crackers or Baguette

The classic pairing for this baked Brie is a crunchy, neutral-flavored cracker or a slice of toasted baguette. The crunch complements the creamy Brie perfectly.

Fresh Fruit

Serve with sliced apples, pears, or grapes for a fresh, juicy contrast to the rich, melted cheese. The sweetness of the fruit balances the savory garlic butter.

Veggies

Fresh vegetables, such as sliced carrots, cucumber, or bell peppers, make a great crunchy, refreshing contrast to the soft, warm cheese.

Salads

Pair with a fresh, simple salad. A light arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette works wonders to cut through the richness of the cheese.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to elevate your Garlic Butter Baked Brie:

Experiment with Herbs

Try mixing and matching different herbs to suit your taste. Tarragon, sage, or even a little parsley can change up the flavor profile and keep things interesting.

Use Different Cheeses

If you’re not a fan of Brie, you can swap it out for Camembert or any soft cheese that melts well. Just be sure it’s a cheese that will get gooey when baked!

Make It Ahead

You can prepare the Brie and garlic butter ahead of time, then pop it in the oven right before serving. It’s a great time-saver for parties or gatherings.

Add a Crunchy Topping

For some added texture, sprinkle crushed nuts (like walnuts or pecans) over the top of the Brie before baking. It gives a nice crunch and extra flavor.

Serve It Warm

This dish is best enjoyed warm. Serve it straight from the oven while the cheese is gooey and the garlic butter is still bubbling!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can prepare the Brie and garlic butter in advance and refrigerate it. Just bake it right before serving for the best results.

Q2: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A2: Absolutely! You can use other soft cheeses like Camembert, goat cheese, or even a brie alternative if you prefer.

Q3: Can I serve this with something other than crackers or bread?
A3: Definitely! Fresh fruit, sliced veggies, or even pretzels would all be great accompaniments.

Q4: Can I add some extra toppings to the Brie?
A4: Yes! Chopped nuts, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can all add a fun twist to this recipe.

Q5: How can I make it spicier?
A5: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce along with the garlic butter for a spicy kick.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store any leftover baked Brie in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently in the oven to preserve the cheese’s creamy texture.

Q7: Can I freeze baked Brie?
A7: It’s not recommended to freeze baked Brie, as the texture may change when reheated. However, you can freeze unbaked Brie and bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Q8: What’s the best way to reheat leftover Brie?
A8: Reheat leftover Brie in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking.

Q9: Can I use salted butter?
A9: If you use salted butter, be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning accordingly, as the butter will add more salt to the recipe.

Q10: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A10: The Brie itself is gluten-free, but make sure to serve it with gluten-free crackers or bread if you’re catering to gluten-sensitive guests.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Baked Brie is the epitome of indulgent simplicity. It’s rich, savory, and guaranteed to impress at any gathering. Whether it’s for a holiday dinner, a casual snack, or a special occasion, this appetizer is sure to steal the show. So grab your Brie, get your garlic butter ready, and enjoy the irresistible melty goodness!

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