The Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe is a true showstopper that marries the ooey-gooey decadence of warm Brie with the bold, comforting embrace of garlicky, herbed butter. This irresistible appetizer delivers an explosion of flavors in every bite, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for holidays, dinner parties, or those blissful evenings when you just need a little something special. With a golden, bubbling top and gooey center, this dish is proof that a handful of simple ingredients can create pure magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe comes together with a short list of everyday ingredients, but don’t let the simplicity fool you! Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of rich flavor and perfect texture. Get ready for a harmonious blend of creamy, savory, and just a hint of sweetness.
- Brie cheese (1 wheel, 8 oz): Brie is the star, offering a creamy, dreamy texture and subtle tang that melts beautifully when baked.
- Unsalted butter (2 tbsp): Butter brings richness and helps create that classic, golden garlic topping.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses every bite with robust, savory flavor.
- Fresh thyme leaves (1 tsp) or dried thyme (½ tsp): Thyme adds earthy, aromatic notes that balance the cheesy decadence.
- Salt (¼ tsp): A pinch of salt amplifies all the other flavors, ensuring not a single note is missed.
- Black pepper (¼ tsp): Pepper lends a gentle warmth and subtle kick to the dish.
- Honey (1 tbsp, optional): A drizzle of honey brings just a touch of sweetness that plays beautifully with the garlic and cheese.
- Sliced baguette or crackers: These are the perfect vehicles for scooping up the molten, garlicky cheese.
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
First things first, get your oven nice and hot at 375°F. Grab a small oven-safe dish or a mini cast-iron skillet—either will cradle your Brie perfectly. Place the whole wheel of Brie right in the center. You can even score the top rind in a crisscross pattern if you like; this extra step not only looks gorgeous but also helps the garlic butter soak right in.
Step 2: Melt the Garlic Butter
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt your unsalted butter until silky and smooth. Stir in the minced garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper, letting the flavors mingle for just a minute or two. Don’t skip this step—even a brief sizzle brings the garlic and thyme to life! You can also melt the butter and mix everything together in a microwave-safe bowl if you’re short on time.
Step 3: Dress the Brie
Pour that fragrant, herby garlic butter all over the top of your Brie wheel, letting it cascade down the sides. If you’ve scored the top, you’ll see it seep enticingly into the cracks. This is where the magic starts!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the Brie develops a gentle golden hue, and if you nudge the top, you’ll feel that irresistible jiggle indicating it’s molten and gooey inside. Don’t overbake—it goes from perfect to runny in a flash!
Step 5: Optional Honey Drizzle and Serve
Pull the Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe from the oven and, if you love a hint of sweetness, drizzle the top with honey. Serve immediately with plenty of sliced baguette or crisp crackers for scooping up every melty, garlicky bite.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe
Garnishes
For a final flourish, sprinkle on extra fresh thyme leaves, a handful of chopped toasted walnuts or pecans, or a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper. If you’re feeling fiery, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle, unexpected heat that pairs beautifully with all that creamy Brie.
Side Dishes
Serve your Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe with a platter of accompaniments, like sliced crisp apples or pears, tangy cornichons, or dried figs. Their fresh, fruity flavors and crunch make every bite even more delightful and offset the richness just perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this appetizer into a centerpiece by baking the Brie in a gorgeous enameled dish surrounded by bread pieces. Alternatively, slice a baguette and fan the pieces around the sizzling brie for a stunning display that’s impossible to resist. For a twist, serve with rosemary skewers or place roasted garlic cloves on the side for extra flavor power!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If by some miracle you have leftovers, carefully transfer the cooled Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to three days. The cheese will firm up when chilled but remains wonderfully flavorful.
Freezing
It’s generally best to enjoy your Brie fresh from the oven, but you can freeze any leftovers if needed. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Keep in mind that the texture may change a bit after thawing, becoming slightly grainier or less creamy, but the flavor will still be fantastic.
Reheating
To revive your Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe, place it in an oven-safe dish and warm in a 325°F oven until fully heated and gooey again (about 10 minutes). Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can cause the cheese to separate or become too runny.
FAQs
Can I make the Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble everything up to a day ahead—just prepare the Brie, pour the garlic butter over, and cover tightly in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, pop it in the oven and bake as directed. This makes it super convenient for parties and gatherings.
Do I need to remove the rind from the Brie?
No need! The rind is completely edible and helps hold all that molten cheese together when baked. Scoring it on top lets the flavors soak in and creates a beautiful look, but leave the rind on for best results.
What kind of honey should I use?
Any honey you love will work—classic clover is mild, wildflower brings more floral notes, or try a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet, spicy twist. The honey is optional, but it adds a sophisticated finish to the Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Absolutely! Top the baked Brie with chopped toasted walnuts, pecans, or even pistachios for crunch, or sprinkle on a few dried cranberries or currants. These little extras elevate both presentation and taste.
How long does it stay melty after baking?
Once baked, the Brie will remain gooey and warm for about 15–20 minutes, so try to serve it straight from the oven. If it cools and solidifies, just pop it back in a warm oven for a few minutes to bring back the magic!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something unforgettable about sharing a decadently melty wheel of brie with good friends and crusty bread. This Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe always delivers comfort, elegance, and that kitchen magic we all crave. Give it a try for your next special evening or gathering—you’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients can taste so extraordinary!
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Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, gooey goodness of this Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe. A luscious wheel of Brie cheese is bathed in a savory garlic butter, baked to melty perfection, and served with slices of warm baguette for the ultimate savory indulgence.
Ingredients
Baked Brie:
- 1 wheel (8 oz) Brie cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
For Serving:
- Sliced baguette or crackers
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Prepare the Brie: Place the Brie wheel in a small oven-safe baking dish or cast-iron skillet.
- Make the Garlic Butter: Melt the butter in a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Brie: Pour the garlic butter mixture over the Brie, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake: Bake the Brie uncovered for 12–15 minutes until soft and gooey.
- Finish: Optionally, drizzle honey over the baked Brie. Serve hot with baguette slices or crackers.
Notes
- For easier serving, score the top rind of the Brie before baking.
- Enhance with chopped nuts or red pepper flakes for added texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
