There are few appetizers more universally adored than a pool of warm, molten cheese. This Garlic and Herb Baked Brie takes that concept and elevates it to an effortlessly elegant dish that’s guaranteed to disappear in minutes. Imagine a wheel of creamy brie, scored and infused with fragrant garlic, fresh rosemary, and thyme, then baked until irresistibly gooey. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for holiday parties, cozy nights in, and everything in between.
This Garlic and Herb Baked Brie is perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings at home. You can serve it with fresh baguette or crackers, making it a delightful treat for all.
This is truly the best savory brie appetizer recipe you’ll ever make. It strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated flavor and ridiculously simple preparation, making you look like a culinary genius with minimal effort.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Easy: With just a few simple steps and under 30 minutes, you can have a show-stopping appetizer ready to serve.
- Minimal Ingredients: This recipe relies on the quality of a few key ingredients to create a truly memorable flavor.
- Elegant & Impressive: The aroma of garlic and herbs combined with the visual appeal of oozing cheese makes this dish a centerpiece.
- Versatile Flavors: Easily customized to be purely savory or with a touch of sweetness, this baked brie with herbs can suit any palate.
Choosing the Best Brie: An Expert’s Guide
Selecting the right cheese is the most important step. While any brie will work, a few expert tips will guarantee a luxuriously creamy result.
- Prioritize Triple Cream: For the ultimate gooey texture, always choose a Triple Cream Brie. Its higher fat content results in an ultra-creamy, decadent melt that is simply unmatched. A standard double cream brie is also a great choice.
- How to Inspect the Cheese: Look for a wheel with a smooth, uniform, and bloomy white rind. It should feel soft and yielding when gently pressed, but not overly mushy.
- Avoid Overripe Brie: A perfectly ripe brie smells earthy and mushroom-like. If you detect a strong, sharp smell of ammonia, the cheese is past its prime and will have a bitter flavor.
- Affordable Options Work Great: You don’t need to splurge on expensive imported brie for this recipe. Many high-quality and affordable store brands are perfect for baking.
How to Make Garlic and Herb Baked Brie
This recipe is as simple as assemble, bake, and serve. Scoring the top is the most crucial step—it allows all that delicious garlic and herb-infused oil to seep into the cheese as it bakes. Studies continue to highlight understanding the role of monounsaturated fats like olive oil in a balanced diet, and beyond its amazing taste, research points to the powerful health benefits of fresh garlic and allicin.
Ingredients
- One (13 to 16 oz) wheel of Brie cheese (Triple Cream preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- Pinch of black pepper
- Crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh fruit (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the wheel of brie in a small, oven-safe baking dish or brie baker that is just slightly larger than the cheese.
- Using a sharp knife, gently score the top rind of the brie in a criss-cross or grid pattern, being careful not to cut all the way through the cheese. This is essential for flavor penetration and even melting.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil (or melted butter), minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, and black pepper.
- Spoon the oil and herb mixture evenly over the scored brie wheel, ensuring some seeps into the cuts.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is visibly softened, gooey, and beginning to ooze. Do not overbake, as it can cause the cheese to leak entirely.
- Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. If using the sweet variation, immediately drizzle the honey or maple syrup over the hot baked brie.
- Serve immediately while hot with baguette slices, crostini, assorted crackers, or fresh fruit like apple or pear slices.
Expert Tips for Perfect Baked Brie
The secret to the best Garlic and Herb Baked Brie lies in the quality of the ingredients, especially the cheese. Always choose premium brie for a rich flavor and creamy texture.
- Use a Snug Baking Dish: Placing the brie in a small baker or cast-iron skillet that just fits the wheel helps contain the cheese as it melts, preventing it from spreading out and cooling too quickly.
- Don’t Overbake to Prevent Leaks: Keep a close eye on it! You want it soft and molten, but the rind should still hold its shape. Overbaking causes the rind to split, resulting in a cheese puddle. Very ripe brie will melt faster, so reduce the baking time by a few minutes.
- Serve Immediately: Baked brie is at its peak right out of the oven. Have your dippers ready to go for the best experience.
- High-Effort, High-Reward Variation: For a truly next-level flavor, use Garlic Confit. Slowly poach garlic cloves in olive oil until soft and sweet, then mash them into a paste to spread over the brie. This creates a deeper, caramelized garlic flavor with zero harshness.
Alternative Cooking Methods
No oven? No problem. This savory baked brie recipe is easily adapted for other appliances.
Air Fryer Baked Brie
For the fastest results, the air fryer is your best friend.
- Prepare the brie as directed in steps 2-4.
- Place the brie on a small piece of parchment paper inside the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 6-8 minutes, or until the center is melted and gooey.
Grilled/BBQ Baked Brie
Add a delicious smoky flavor by cooking your brie on the grill.
- Prepare the brie as directed in steps 2-4.
- Place the brie in a small cast-iron skillet or on a double layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- Place on the grill over indirect heat and close the lid.
- Grill for 8-12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully softened.
Perfect Pairings & Party Planning
This appetizer is the perfect start to a comforting meal, like our reader-favorite Baked Chicken Hindquarters.
- How Much Brie Per Person? For an appetizer, a good rule of thumb is to plan on 3-4 ounces of brie (about 1/4 of a standard wheel) per 4-6 guests. If it’s the main event on a cheese board, you may want to plan for more.
- Perfect Wine Pairings:
- Sauvignon Blanc: Its crisp acidity and herbal notes cut through the richness of the cheese beautifully.
- Sparkling Brut: The effervescence of a dry sparkling wine like Cava or Champagne cleanses the palate between bites.
- Pinot Noir: A light-bodied red with earthy notes complements the rosemary and thyme without overpowering the brie.
- What to Serve with Baked Brie:
- For a full appetizer spread, serve it alongside a zesty Black Bean and Corn Relish or our popular Artichoke, Spinach, and White Bean Dip.
- For a heartier dipping option, serve with small, crispy Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes.
- It’s also a fantastic, low-effort addition to any holiday table, saving you time much like our other Easy Halloween Treats.
The Ultimate Garlic and Herb Baked Brie
Ingredients
- One 13 to 16 oz wheel of Brie cheese (Triple Cream preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced or thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup optional, for sweetness
- Pinch of black pepper
- Crackers sliced baguette, or fresh fruit (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the wheel of brie in a small, oven-safe baking dish or brie baker that is just slightly larger than the cheese.
- Using a sharp knife, gently score the top rind of the brie in a criss-cross or grid pattern, being careful not to cut all the way through the cheese. This is essential for flavor penetration and even melting.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil (or melted butter), minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, and black pepper.
- Spoon the oil and herb mixture evenly over the scored brie wheel, ensuring some seeps into the cuts.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is visibly softened, gooey, and beginning to ooze. Do not overbake, as it can cause the cheese to leak entirely.
- Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. If using the sweet variation, immediately drizzle the honey or maple syrup over the hot baked brie.
- Serve immediately while hot with baguette slices, crostini, assorted crackers, or fresh fruit like apple or pear slices.
Notes
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 280kcal
- Protein: 11g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Sugars: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to cut the rind off the brie before baking?
No, absolutely not! The rind is completely edible and essential for holding the cheese together as it bakes. If you remove it, you’ll end up with a puddle. Scoring allows flavor in while the rind provides structure.
What is the best type of brie for baking, and can I use Camembert?
Triple cream brie is the gold standard for its ultra-rich texture. Camembert is an excellent substitute; it has a slightly deeper, more earthy flavor but will bake just as beautifully.
Should I add honey or keep it savory?
This is purely up to you! The recipe is fantastic as a purely savory baked brie. If you enjoy a sweet and savory combination, drizzling honey or maple syrup after baking adds a delicious complexity. The baked brie with garlic and rosemary pairs exceptionally well with that touch of sweetness.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance. Place the scored and topped brie in its baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready, bake directly from the fridge, adding 3-5 minutes to the baking time.
When serving Garlic and Herb Baked Brie, consider offering a variety of dippers such as fruits, nuts, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added flavor.
Enjoy your Garlic and Herb Baked Brie fresh out of the oven for the best experience. The aroma and taste are simply irresistible!
Don’t forget that you can customize your Garlic and Herb Baked Brie by adding different herbs or spices based on your personal preference.
Assembling your Garlic and Herb Baked Brie ahead of time makes hosting much easier! Just bake it when your guests arrive.
