How to Make Baked Brie Appetizers

Knowing how to make baked brie appetizers can make holiday party menus easy and impressive. Baked brie or brie en croute is an elegant way to begin a dinner party or a fabulous addition to the buffet.

Brie Cheese

Brie is a favorite amongst those who love good cheese and it is known internationally for its mild, nutty flavor. It is a soft cheese from France that is made with unpasteurized cow's milk. The flavor is mild and creamy.  As it ages, or ripens, it softens and gets melty.  It is at its best when fully mature and soft all the way through. You can remove the rind from the cheese if you like but it is edible.

The United States prohibits the use of raw milk cheese ages less than two months so the true French brie is unavailable here. The brie that is available is very good, just not quite the same as the imported.

There are several ways to make baked brie appetizers. Each is slightly different and provides unique flavors for your table. It is up to you which you choose. Once you know how to make basic brie en croute you can expand your repertoire and try different recipes.

Basic Baked Brie

This is a simple brie without a bread casing. It is simple and preparation time is very low.

Ingredients

• 1-  8 oz wheel of brie
• ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce or other topping
• Crackers, bread, breadsticks

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350F
• Remove the outer wrappings from the cheese.
• Cut the rind from the top of the wheel with a sharp knife.
• Place the cheese in an oven proof serving dish
• Spread the cranberries over the top of the cheese almost to the edge
• Bake the brie for 12 to 15 minutes until heated all the way through

Carefully transfer to a serving dish or leave in the pan. Serve warm with the crackers and bread to dip into it

12 appetizer sized servings

Encasing the brie in pastry makes it "en croute". It is an extra step but adds both texture and flavor to the dish.  You can use pie dough, frozen puff pastry, or even refrigerated crescent rolls. If using a frozen product allow it to thaw before using.

Roll the dough out so that it is big enough to encase the wheel of cheese. Place the brie in the center of the pastry and add the toppings to it. Fold the pastry up around the cheese, covering it completely and sealing the seams by pinching them together. Brush with egg yolk beaten with 1 teaspoon of water to ensure that it is golden brown and shiny when it is done.

Bake at 350F for 25 to 30 minutes. Allow the appetizer to stand for ten minutes or so before cutting into it.

Toppings for Baked Brie

Brie goes very well with fruit, dried fruit, nuts, and sweet items. Some great toppings for baked brie are:

• Cranberries
• Raspberries
• Glazed pecans
• Raspberry Chipotle Sauce
• Chutney
• Pesto
• Garlic and mushrooms
• Fig Jam

 A festive baked brie appetizer is not difficult at all. You can put together the recipe up to two days before your event and bake it just before your party. When you know how to make baked brie appetizers you can have a gourmet appetizer anytime.