Baked Brie with Strawberry Preserves
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I absolutely love baking brie cheese, and this Baked Brie with Strawberry Preserves recipe is a favorite in our home. The way the cheese transforms as it melts is nothing short of magical! Spread over a crunchy baguette or enjoyed with fresh fruit, it’s a delight that I can’t resist. The combination of creamy brie and sweet strawberry preserves creates a flavor explosion that is perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in. It’s simple yet sophisticated, and it never fails to impress.
I discovered this recipe for Baked Brie with Strawberry Preserves at a family gathering, and it quickly became our go-to appetizer. One tip I’ve learned is to allow the brie to sit at room temperature for a bit before baking; this helps achieve that gooey texture everyone loves.
After experimenting with various toppings, I found that strawberry preserves provide the perfect harmony of sweetness and tanginess. When paired with a crispy crusty bread, it creates an irresistible combination that keeps friends and family coming back for more!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Decadent creamy brie perfectly complemented by sweet strawberry preserves
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect last-minute appetizer
- Impressive presentation that will wow your guests
Crafting the Perfect Baked Brie
When preparing Baked Brie, selecting the right cheese is crucial. Opt for a high-quality, soft brie that has a creamy texture and mild flavor. This allows the rich creaminess to shine through when melted. If using a larger wheel of brie, adjust baking time accordingly, as it may take an additional 5-10 minutes to achieve that oozy consistency. Scoring the top is essential not just for aesthetics; it creates channels for the heat to circulate, ensuring an even melt.
The addition of spices or herbs can greatly elevate your Baked Brie experience. I often include fresh rosemary or thyme, which lends a lovely aromatic quality that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the strawberry preserves. If you prefer another flavor profile, consider incorporating crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts on top for added texture and a nutty flavor that contrasts with the rich cheese.
Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas
Presenting your Baked Brie is all about enhancing the overall experience. I recommend serving it on a wooden cheese board, surrounded by crunchy baguette slices, seasonal fruits like figs or pears, and perhaps some honeycomb for a touch of sweetness. This not only adds visual appeal but also invites guests to create their own perfect bite.
For those who wish to take it a step further, you can drizzle a little balsamic reduction over the baked brie just before serving. This adds a tangy ingredient that balances the sweetness of the preserves. Moreover, including a selection of crackers can create different textural contrasts and offer more options for pairing.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Baked Brie
- 1 round of Brie cheese (about 8 oz)
- 1/4 cup strawberry preserves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
- 1 baguette, sliced
- Fresh fruit (berries or apple slices), for serving
These simple ingredients come together to create a delightful and comforting dish that everyone will love!
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Brie
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the brie cheese on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a sharp knife to score the top of the brie in a crisscross pattern to allow it to melt evenly.
Add the Toppings
Spread the strawberry preserves evenly over the top of the brie. If desired, sprinkle chopped rosemary for a hint of freshness.
Bake
Bake the brie in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until it is soft and gooey but has not completely melted.
Serve
Remove the brie from the oven and let it cool for a minute before serving. Enjoy it warm with the sliced baguette and fresh fruit.
This warm and inviting dish will surely be a hit at any gathering!
Pro Tips
- For an extra touch, drizzle some honey over the baked brie before serving. This adds another layer of sweetness that complements the strawberries beautifully.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store the baked brie in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep for up to three days. To reheat, cover it loosely with foil and pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through, ensuring not to bake it too long to avoid overcooking the cheese.
While reheating is possible, I recommend enjoying it fresh from the oven for optimal texture. If you are planning to make it ahead of time, consider assembling the brie and toppings but bake it just before serving. This way, you can retain the delightful melt and keep the serving experience intact.
Making Ahead and Custom Variations
This Baked Brie can be customized based on your preferred flavors or dietary needs. For a savory twist, swap out the strawberry preserves for spicy pepper jelly or fig jam. Both offer a delightful contrast to the creamy cheese while bringing additional flavor depth.
For those looking to make a gluten-free version, serve the brie with gluten-free crackers or veggie sticks instead of baguette slices. This allows everyone to join in on the deliciousness. With such simplicity in the base recipe, feel free to play around with toppings, incorporating fruits or nuts that resonate more with your taste.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the brie with camembert or any soft cheese that melts well.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Wrap any leftovers in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.
→ Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the brie with strawberry preserves in advance, but it’s best to bake it just before serving for the best texture.
Baked Brie with Strawberry Preserves
I absolutely love baking brie cheese, and this Baked Brie with Strawberry Preserves recipe is a favorite in our home. The way the cheese transforms as it melts is nothing short of magical! Spread over a crunchy baguette or enjoyed with fresh fruit, it’s a delight that I can’t resist. The combination of creamy brie and sweet strawberry preserves creates a flavor explosion that is perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in. It’s simple yet sophisticated, and it never fails to impress.
What You'll Need
For the Baked Brie
- 1 round of Brie cheese (about 8 oz)
- 1/4 cup strawberry preserves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
- 1 baguette, sliced
- Fresh fruit (berries or apple slices), for serving
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the brie cheese on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a sharp knife to score the top of the brie in a crisscross pattern to allow it to melt evenly.
Spread the strawberry preserves evenly over the top of the brie. If desired, sprinkle chopped rosemary for a hint of freshness.
Bake the brie in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until it is soft and gooey but has not completely melted.
Remove the brie from the oven and let it cool for a minute before serving. Enjoy it warm with the sliced baguette and fresh fruit.
Extra Tips
- For an extra touch, drizzle some honey over the baked brie before serving. This adds another layer of sweetness that complements the strawberries beautifully.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 6g