Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping appetizer that’s both sophisticated and ridiculously easy, look no further than Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs. This crowd-pleasing recipe transforms a humble wheel of Brie into a bubbling, aromatic delight—lavishly crowned with garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Best of all, it comes together in just 20 minutes, delivering a creamy, melty centerpiece perfect for festive gatherings, lazy evenings in, or any time you crave a touch of fuss-free indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs is refreshingly short, but each component plays a starring role. Every element adds a unique flavor or texture, ensuring the final dish is layered with irresistible aromas and taste.
- Brie Cheese (8-ounce wheel): Choose a quality Brie for that signature creamy interior and subtle tang; slightly chilling it helps with perfect melting.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Drizzled over the top, it helps infuse the Brie with the flavors of garlic and herbs while encouraging even browning.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Nothing beats the sharp, savory punch of fresh garlic as it bakes to golden perfection.
- Fresh Rosemary (1 teaspoon, chopped): This aromatic herb delivers a deep, piney note that pairs beautifully with gooey cheese.
- Fresh Thyme Leaves (1 teaspoon): Thyme adds a subtle earthiness, balancing the richness of the Brie.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just the right amount of kick to set off the creamy flavors.
- Pinch of Salt: A tiny enhancement that draws all the other flavors together.
- Baguette Slices or Crackers (for serving): Crisp bread or crackers are essential vehicles for scooping up the molten, herb-infused cheese.
How to Make Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs
Step 1: Prep the Brie
Preheat your oven to 375°F. While it warms up, place the Brie wheel in a small oven-safe baking dish or simply use a parchment-lined baking sheet for fuss-free cleanup. If your Brie has been chilling in the fridge, you’re in good shape—this keeps it from melting out completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Herb Topping
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, black pepper, and just a pinch of salt. Stir it well so the garlic and herbs are evenly dispersed in the oil. This fragrant blend is the heart of your Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs, infusing every bite with irresistible flavor.
Step 3: Top the Brie
Spoon your garlic and herb mixture generously over the top of the Brie, letting the oil and seasonings run down the sides. Don’t worry if some spills onto the dish—those extra bits get beautifully roasted and are perfect for scooping up later!
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbling
Pop the Brie into the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese feels soft to the touch and starts to bulge ever so slightly. The goal is a melted, oozy interior while the cheese still holds its shape.
Step 5: Let it Rest and Serve
Remove your Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs from the oven and let it sit for 2–3 minutes. This brief pause ensures that the molten cheese sets just enough for glorious, oozy slices that hold together. Serve warm with plenty of baguette slices or crackers, and watch it vanish!
How to Serve Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs
Garnishes
For a beautiful finish, scatter a few extra sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme over the baked Brie. A light drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze adds an unexpected twist—subtle sweetness melds seamlessly with the savory notes, turning the whole dish into something truly memorable.
Side Dishes
Pair your Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs with crisp seasonal crudités, juicy grapes, or tangy dried fruits to balance the creaminess. A bright arugula salad or marinated olives on the side offer a fresh counterpoint, while assorted charcuterie takes this appetizer into full-on grazing territory.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving straight from the baking dish for rustic charm, or transfer the Brie onto a wooden board surrounded by dippers. For an extra-special touch, nestle the wheel in a round of freshly baked bread—just hollow a bit of the loaf, bake the Brie inside, and invite your guests to tear and dip. The aroma alone will bring everyone to the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs (a rare treat!), let it cool completely before covering with foil or transferring to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The residual flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers especially delicious spread on toast or folded into omelets.
Freezing
While fresh is always best, you can freeze baked Brie for future cravings. Wrap any leftover cheese tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to one month, then thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
To restore leftover Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs to melty perfection, bake in a preheated 325°F oven for about 8–10 minutes, or until warmed through. Individual portions can be microwaved in short bursts, just watch closely to avoid over-melting.
FAQs
Can I make Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep everything in advance by assembling the Brie with its garlic-herb topping. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake—just add a few minutes to your oven time if baking from chilled.
What’s the best way to keep the Brie from melting too much?
Start with Brie that’s cold from the fridge. This helps it heat through gently without spilling out or losing its shape. Keeping an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking also ensures that perfectly gooey, not liquid, center.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! Substitute about half the amount if using dried rosemary and thyme. Fresh herbs are more fragrant, but dried will still deliver a burst of savory flavor in a pinch.
What breads or crackers work best with this dish?
Baguette slices are a classic choice for Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs thanks to their crispy crust and tender center. Try sourdough, multigrain, or a mix of whole-grain crackers for variety. Gluten-free options work great too!
Can I add other toppings or flavors?
Definitely! Chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), sun-dried tomatoes, or even a spoonful of fruit preserves make wonderful additions. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make this recipe your own signature appetizer.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s both effortless and truly special, Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs is ready to become your new favorite. Each gooey, herb-scented bite feels like a celebration. So gather your friends, pour some wine, and let this irresistible appetizer be the highlight of your next get-together!
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Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, gooey goodness of this Savory Baked Brie with Garlic and Herbs. A French-inspired appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
Brie with Garlic-Herb Topping:
- 1 (8-ounce) wheel of Brie cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of salt
For Serving:
- Baguette slices or crackers
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Prepare the Brie: Place the Brie wheel in a small oven-safe dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Make the Topping: In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, pepper, and salt. Spread over the Brie.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until soft but holding shape.
- Serve: Let it sit for 2–3 minutes before serving with bread slices or crackers.
Notes
- Enhance with honey or balsamic glaze before serving.
- Chill the Brie slightly to prevent over-melting.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 wheel with topping (without bread)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
