SHARE Herb Baked Brie – an easy appetizer for your holiday gathering or any occasion!
Herb Baked Brie –
Wow with Easy Appetizer!
Here’s a super easy appetizer that takes cheese and crackers to the next level! My bible study gang were enticed by the aromas wafting from the oven when they arrived for our annual holiday potluck. What was I concocting they wondered? 20 minutes later I presented this herb baked cheese platter to oohs and aahs all around. I decided to branch out and use both Brie and Camembert this time around. Both were great!
First the cheese is firmed up in the freezer for 30 minutes before the rind is cut off the top. Then the cheese is placed on fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs which have been tossed with olive oil. After 20 minutes in the oven, the delicious cheese is ready for spreading on your favorite crackers or crostini. Before serving, as the cheese briefly cools, the crisped herbs are crumbled over the top for a wonderful pop of flavor.
Embellishments
- Crackers – I am particularly fond of Raincoast Crisps which I’ve found at HyVee and Lund’s & Byerly’s in the Twin Cities. Sweet and nutty, the Cranberry and Hazelnut flavor hits all the right notes with the warm herby cheese.
- Crostini – I generously spray thinly cut baguette slices with olive oil cooking spray and broil on low for a few minutes per side. Keep a close eye on them because they go from light brown to burnt quickly!
- Fruit – Thinly sliced apples are great layered on top of the cheese and crackers. Grapes, sliced pears and a variety of other fruits would also work.
- Nuts – Rosemary Pecans and Thyme-Roasted Walnuts would be delightful additions as well.
Herb Baked Brie – Easy Appetizer!
Ingredients
- 2 wheels of Brie or Camembert 8 oz. each
- 6 sprigs of rosemary
- 6 sprigs of thyme
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- crackers
- toasted bread slices
- thinly sliced apple
- grapes
- additional sprigs of herbs for garnish if desired
Instructions
- Place brie on a plate and put in freezer for about 30 minutes, until firm.
- Preheat oven to 350°. Cut off top rind of brie with a sharp knife (it’s okay if you can’t get the rind off in one piece; brie will smooth out as it bakes).
- Toss rosemary, thyme, and oil on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet until coated. Spread herbs evenly on parchment. Place brie in the center so that it covers about half of the herbs. Bake until cheese is melted, 15–20 minutes. Remove from oven and let rest to firm up slightly, about 3-5 minutes (if you skip this step, you risk spilling molten cheese all over your cutting board).
- Strip leaves from uncovered herbs and sprinkle over brie. Using parchment and a wide spatula, carefully slide brie onto a cutting board or serving plate. Surround cheese with crackers, toasted bread and fruit. Garnish with fresh herb sprigs if desired. Enjoy!
This looks yummy, I want to be eating it right now!