Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs Recipe
If there’s ever a dish guaranteed to make friends and family drool before it even hits the table, it’s Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs. Imagine a round of creamy Brie cheese, gently perfumed with fresh herbs, garlic, and a glistening drizzle of olive oil, then baked until lusciously gooey in the middle. This appetizer brings a sense of French elegance right into your kitchen, yet it only takes a handful of everyday ingredients and twenty minutes from start to finish. When you slice into that melty wheel and see the fragrant herbs and garlic tucked into every nook, you’ll understand why this is the first thing to disappear at every party!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs is how it wows with just a few well-chosen components. Each ingredient has a starring role, from infusing luscious flavor to adding beautiful touches of color and aroma.
- Brie Cheese: Always choose a good-quality, 8-ounce wheel for unapologetically rich texture and flavor.
- Garlic: Thinly sliced garlic cloves nestle into the Brie, infusing every bite with a warm, savory kick.
- Fresh Rosemary: Chopped rosemary brings an earthy, piney aroma that pairs perfectly with creamy cheese.
- Fresh Thyme: These tiny leaves add a subtle brightness and a hint of floral freshness.
- Olive Oil: A generous drizzle helps all the savory flavors meld, plus adds beautiful gloss and depth.
- Black Pepper: Just a pinch of freshly ground pepper ties everything together with gentle heat.
- Toasted Baguette Slices or Crackers: The essential vehicle for savoring every bit of oozy, herbaceous Brie.
How to Make Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Brie
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s at the perfect temperature for melting the cheese without overcooking it. Place your Brie wheel into a small oven-safe dish, or set it on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup. This step is where anticipation starts building, because you know something wonderful is coming.
Step 2: Score and Infuse with Garlic
Using a sharp knife, gently score the top of the Brie in a crosshatch pattern. These lines do more than look pretty — they allow all the flavors to seep deep into the cheese. Tuck the thin slices of garlic right into those cuts, ensuring you’ll get that subtle savory taste in every bite as the cheese bakes.
Step 3: Add Herbs and Pepper
Sprinkle the chopped rosemary and fresh thyme leaves generously over the top, and don’t forget the quarter teaspoon of black pepper. The herbs bring vibrant color and aroma, while the pepper adds a subtle kick to your Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs, ensuring it never tastes one-note.
Step 4: Drizzle with Olive Oil
Give the whole wheel a lovely drizzle of olive oil. This not only helps the herbs and garlic roast beautifully but also gives the cheese a glossy, inviting finish. Trust me, the olive oil is that little touch that elevates your Brie from good to swoon-worthy.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it — when the Brie is soft to the touch and irresistibly gooey in the center, it’s ready! Let it cool for a minute (if you can resist), then serve warm with plenty of toasted baguette slices or crackers. Take a bow, because you’ve just made the ultimate Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs!
How to Serve Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs
Garnishes
Fresh is best when it comes to garnishes for your Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs. Try a scattering of extra fresh thyme or rosemary leaves on top, or even a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a little crunch and pop of flavor just before serving. If you want to add some color, thinly sliced scallions or a handful of chopped chives work beautifully too.
Side Dishes
This glorious Brie pairs perfectly with lots of things. Serve it with crisp apple slices, pears, or grapes for a touch of sweetness that balances the savory richness of the cheese. Roasted nuts like almonds or pecans add irresistible crunch, while assorted olives round out a classic French-inspired spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Individual Brie bites are always a hit: simply slice the baked cheese and serve each portion on its own cracker or round of toasted bread. Or, make your Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs the centerpiece of a board, surrounded by seasonal fruits, nuts, and plenty of crusty bread for a showstopping appetizer presentation at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If by some miracle you have leftovers, let the cheese cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavor of the herbs will continue to meld with the cheese as it sits, making every little leftover bite even more magical.
Freezing
While Brie is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, you can freeze cooked leftovers in a pinch. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to a month. Expect the texture to be a bit softer after thawing, but it’s still delicious spread on toast!
Reheating
To bring your Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs back to life, place chilled leftovers in an oven-safe dish and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or until just gooey again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cheese rubbery instead of creamy and molten.
FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh rosemary and thyme truly shine in this recipe, but in a pinch, use half the amount of dried herbs. The flavor will be a bit different, but still warmly aromatic and delicious.
Do I need to remove the rind before baking?
No need at all! The Brie rind is completely edible and actually helps the cheese hold its shape as it bakes. Plus, it adds wonderful savory flavor to the finished dish.
What’s the best way to transport baked Brie to a party?
Bake your Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs right in the dish you plan to serve it in, then wrap it loosely with foil for transport. Rewarm at your destination if needed for that irresistible melty texture.
Is Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs gluten free?
The cheese itself is naturally gluten free; just be sure to use gluten free crackers or bread for serving if you have guests with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this ahead for entertaining?
You can assemble the Brie with garlic, herbs, and olive oil several hours ahead, then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Simply pop it in the oven just before guests arrive for freshly-baked bliss!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s as easy as it is elegant, you simply have to try Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs. It’s a surefire way to add a little “wow” factor to your next gathering and make everyone feel deliciously spoiled. Give this recipe a whirl and watch it become the new star of your appetizer spread!
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Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free (with GF crackers)
Description
Indulge in the rich, gooey goodness of this Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs. Perfect for a cozy gathering or a festive appetizer, this dish combines the creamy decadence of Brie with the bold flavors of garlic and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
Baked Brie:
- 1 wheel (8 oz) Brie cheese
Herb and Garlic Topping:
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Serving Suggestions:
- toasted baguette slices or crackers for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the Brie wheel in a small oven-safe baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Score the top rind of the Brie in a crosshatch pattern. Tuck garlic slices into the cuts.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the top with rosemary, thyme, and black pepper. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the Brie is soft and melty in the center.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with toasted baguette slices or crackers.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes before baking.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately while the cheese is warm and gooey.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 2 oz
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
