If you are searching for a show-stopping appetizer that brings warmth, gooey cheese, and irresistible flavor to any gathering, this Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. The rich creaminess of baked Brie melds perfectly with fragrant garlic butter and earthy thyme, creating an indulgent bite that melts effortlessly and beckons for another slice of crusty baguette. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just craving a cozy snack, this recipe delivers pure comfort and elegance in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe shines because of its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role—from the luscious Brie cheese that transforms when baked, to the garlic butter that infuses every melting morsel with savory goodness, and the thyme that adds just the right herbal touch.
- Brie cheese (1 wheel, 8 oz): Choose a high-quality Brie for the creamiest, most flavorful results.
- Unsalted butter (2 tbsp): Melts smoothly to carry the garlic and herbs over the Brie’s surface.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Fresh garlic provides a bright, savory punch that’s simply irresistible.
- Fresh thyme leaves (1 tsp) or dried (½ tsp): Thyme adds a subtle earthy aroma that complements the richness.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the delicate cheese.
- Black pepper (¼ tsp): Adds a gentle kick and depth to the butter mixture.
- Honey (1 tbsp, optional): A drizzle of honey after baking lends a delightful touch of sweetness.
- Sliced baguette or crackers: For scooping up the molten Brie, choose your favorite crunchy accompaniments.
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Gently place the wheel of Brie into a small oven-safe dish or a cozy cast-iron skillet. This setup will cradle the cheese as it bakes and contains all that lovely, melted goodness.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter until it is fully liquid and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic, thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper. This simple garlic butter mixture is the star seasoning that transforms the Brie from just good to absolutely divine.
Step 3: Pour and Score
Pour the garlic butter evenly over the top of the Brie wheel, making sure every bit gets a touch of that herby, buttery flavor. For easier serving and to let the flavors penetrate deeper, lightly score the rind on top in a crisscross pattern with a sharp knife.
Step 4: Bake to Gooey Perfection
Bake the Brie uncovered in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or just until the center is beautifully soft and oozy. Watch closely—the cheese should be melty but still hold its shape enough to scoop.
Step 5: Add Sweet Finishing Touch (Optional)
Once out of the oven, you can drizzle the warm Brie with honey for a subtle, balancing sweetness that perfectly contrasts the savory garlic and herbs. Serve immediately with slices of your warm baguette or favorite crackers for an indulgent experience.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe
Garnishes
Consider topping the baked Brie with a handful of chopped toasted walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that complements the creamy texture. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a fun little zing for those who love a hint of heat. Fresh thyme sprigs make for a pretty and fragrant garnish that sets off the rustic charm.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe pairs beautifully with fresh fruit like apple or pear slices, which provide a crisp sweetness that cuts through the richness. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also be a refreshing contrast. For a heartier spread, charcuterie items such as cured meats and olives round out the platter nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Brie right in the skillet it was baked in for an irresistible rustic appeal. Alternatively, place it on a wooden board surrounded by colorful spreads, nuts, and fruit for a festive party centerpiece. For a touch of whimsy, try stuffing the baked Brie inside puff pastry before baking for a golden, flaky surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover baked Brie, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because it’s already melted and soft, it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
Freezing
Baked Brie is a bit delicate for freezing once cooked, as the texture can change upon thawing. It’s better to freeze the raw Brie wheel if needed and prepare this Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe fresh when ready.
Reheating
To gently reheat, place the Brie back into a small oven-safe dish and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes until warm and gooey again. Avoid using a microwave as it can cause uneven heating and toughness in the cheese.
FAQs
Can I use flavored butter instead of making garlic butter?
While garlic butter adds a fresh, homemade touch, you can certainly experiment with herb or compound butter varieties. Just be sure the flavors complement the Brie without overpowering it.
Is it necessary to score the Brie before baking?
Scoring the rind helps the garlic butter seep into the cheese more effectively and makes serving easier, but it’s optional. If you prefer a cleaner presentation, you can skip this step.
Can I add other herbs besides thyme?
Definitely! Rosemary, sage, or a sprinkle of oregano can work beautifully with baked Brie, giving your Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe a personalized twist.
What is the best bread to serve with baked Brie?
A crusty baguette or rustic country bread works best because it holds up well against the creamy cheese and adds a satisfying crunch to each bite.
Can this recipe be made vegan or dairy-free?
For a vegan version, consider using a plant-based Brie alternative and vegan butter. The garlic and herbs remain flavorful, making it a delicious option for those avoiding dairy.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe, it will become your go-to for impressing guests or treating yourself to something truly comforting. It’s quick to make, requires just a handful of pantry staples, and fills your home with an utterly inviting aroma that signals good times ahead. So grab your Brie, butter, and garlic, and get ready to create a melty, savory masterpiece to share and savor!
Print
Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Butter Baked Brie recipe offers a warm, gooey cheese experience perfect for entertaining. Featuring a wheel of creamy Brie topped with flavorful garlic butter and fresh thyme, baked to perfection and optionally drizzled with honey. Serve with sliced baguette or crackers for an irresistible appetizer that blends French and American tastes.
Ingredients
Cheese
- 1 wheel (8 oz) Brie cheese
Garlic Butter Topping
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Additional
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
- Sliced baguette or crackers for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the Brie evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare Brie: Place the Brie wheel in a small oven-safe baking dish or cast-iron skillet, ensuring it’s centered for even heat exposure.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Apply Garlic Butter: Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the Brie wheel, coating the surface to infuse flavor during baking.
- Bake Brie: Bake the Brie uncovered in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the center is soft and gooey, indicating perfect melting.
- Add Honey (Optional): Remove the Brie from the oven and, if desired, drizzle with honey for a touch of sweetness that complements the savory garlic butter.
- Serve: Serve immediately with warm slices of baguette or your favorite crackers for dipping and enjoying the melted Brie.
Notes
- Score the top rind of the Brie in a crisscross pattern before baking to make serving easier and allow flavors to penetrate better.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans atop the Brie before baking for a delightful crunch.
- For a bit of heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes over the garlic butter before baking.
