Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both indulgent and bursting with flavor, this Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe is your golden ticket. Picture a luscious wheel of creamy brie, tenderly scored and bathed in fragrant garlic butter, then baked to gooey perfection. Each bite delivers a heavenly mix of buttery richness, aromatic garlic, and a subtle hint of thyme—all melting together into pure comfort. It’s effortless to prepare yet impressive enough to steal the show at your next gathering or cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward making your Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe truly shine. These simple essentials each play a crucial role in layering flavor and creating that irresistible texture.
- Brie (8-12 oz, 227-340g): Choose a creamy, high-quality wheel for the perfect melt and buttery flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses that beautiful aromatic punch that defines this recipe.
- Butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Adds richness and helps carry the garlic and thyme flavors into the cheese.
- Thyme leaves (1/2 teaspoon, fresh or dried): Offers a subtle herbal note that balances the cheese’s richness.
- Fresh cracked black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat and complexity.
- Crackers, bread, nuts, and/or fruit (for serving): These provide texture and flavor contrasts that make each bite unforgettable.
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is optimal for melting the brie slowly, allowing it to soften perfectly without becoming greasy or separated.
Step 2: Score the Brie
Using a sharp knife, make crisscross cuts about half an inch deep across the top of the brie wheel. This step isn’t just decorative—it helps the garlic butter seep deeper, infusing the cheese with every bite.
Step 3: Prepare Garlic Butter Mixture
Combine the minced garlic with the melted butter in a small bowl. This blend is the heart of your Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe, delivering that luxurious garlic flavor in every luscious drizzle.
Step 4: Assemble the Brie
Place your scored brie in a small, oven-safe baking dish. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the top. Then sprinkle thyme leaves and freshly cracked black pepper on the surface—those fresh herbs and pepper add inviting layers of flavor and aroma that will fill your kitchen.
Step 5: Bake to Gooey Perfection
Pop the brie into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until you see the cheese begin to melt and bubble gently. This is when your dish transitions from good to simply irresistible.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe
Garnishes
Top your warm baked brie with a scatter of toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans, or fresh fruit slices such as figs or apples. Garnishes not only enhance the visual appeal but also add delightful texture and flavor contrasts to every bite.
Side Dishes
Serve with a selection of crunchy crackers or slices of crusty bread to scoop up the molten cheese. Fresh fruit and a handful of nuts complement the richness with natural sweetness and crunch, offering a balanced tasting experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate this Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe by placing it on a wooden cheese board surrounded by colorful fruit and charcuterie. For a festive touch, drizzle with honey or sprinkle a pinch of chili flakes to add a gentle kick that surprises and delights your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers—which might be rare!—wrap the cooled baked brie tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days for maximum freshness and flavor.
Freezing
This Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the cheese and the delicate garlic butter topping can change upon thawing, potentially becoming watery or grainy.
Reheating
To enjoy your stored baked brie, warm it gently at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until soft and melted again. Avoid microwaving, which can heat unevenly and affect the creamy texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of brie?
Brie’s creamy, mild character makes it ideal for this recipe, but you could try camembert for a similar effect. Harder cheeses won’t melt the same way, so the texture and experience would change significantly.
Is it possible to add other herbs or spices?
Absolutely! Rosemary or sage can work wonderfully alongside thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice warmth. Just be careful not to overpower the delicate garlic butter flavor.
What should I serve with Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe for a party?
Offer a variety of crackers, baguette slices, fresh fruit like grapes and apple slices, and some roasted nuts. These give guests multiple delicious ways to enjoy the melted brie.
Can I prepare this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
For dairy-free alternatives, try using vegan cheese that melts well, and swap butter for plant-based margarine or olive oil. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will differ from traditional brie.
How long should the baked brie be allowed to cool before serving?
Serve it right out of the oven while still warm and gooey. If you wait too long, it will start to firm up and lose that luscious molten texture we all crave.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe is a timeless favorite that never fails to impress, whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner or indulging in a cozy treat at home. The combination of melted brie infused with garlic butter and thyme is simply irresistible. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—it’s an easy way to elevate any occasion and create delicious memories with friends and family.
Print
Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Garlic Butter Baked Brie is an irresistible appetizer featuring creamy brie cheese infused with savory garlic butter and fragrant thyme, baked to perfection until warm and melty. Perfect for serving with crackers, bread, nuts, or fresh fruit for an elegant and easy-to-make snack or party dish.
Ingredients
Cheese
- 1 round brie (8–12 oz / 227–340 g)
Garlic Butter Topping
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves, fresh or dried
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
For Serving
- Crackers, bread, nuts, and/or fresh fruit
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the brie evenly.
- Score Brie: Using a sharp knife, score the top of the brie about 1/2 inch deep with criss-cross cuts. This helps the garlic butter and flavors to penetrate the cheese during baking. Place the brie in a small oven-safe baking dish.
- Prepare garlic butter: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic with the melted butter, mixing well to evenly distribute the garlic flavor.
- Top Brie: Pour the garlic butter mixture over the scored top of the brie. Sprinkle the thyme leaves and freshly cracked black pepper evenly over the top for aromatic seasoning.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the brie for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and soft to the touch.
- Serve warm: Remove the baked brie from the oven and serve immediately with an assortment of crackers, bread, nuts, or fresh fruit to balance the rich flavors.
Notes
- Use a high-quality brie for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- Fresh garlic provides a sharper taste; adjust quantity according to preference.
- Try adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Serve promptly to enjoy the cheese at its meltiest and most flavorful.
- Compatible with gluten-free crackers for a gluten-free option.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
