Baked Brie with Honey and Almonds Recipe

There’s something truly magical about the combination of warm, gooey cheese, the sweetness of honey, and the satisfying crunch of toasted almonds. This Baked Brie with Honey and Almonds recipe, credited to Liz Della Croce, has become a staple in our home, and for good reason. From impromptu weeknight treats to elegant holiday appetizers, it has never failed to impress. The first time I made it, I was honestly surprised by how effortlessly it came together. Within minutes, the aroma of melting brie and toasting almonds filled the kitchen, creating an anticipation that was almost as delightful as the appetizer itself. My family, usually a tough crowd to please when it comes to new dishes, devoured it with gusto, spreading the warm, honey-drizzled brie onto crusty baguette slices. The rave reviews were unanimous – from my cheese-loving teenager to my more discerning adult palate, everyone was hooked. Since then, this recipe has become my go-to for any gathering, big or small. It’s the perfect balance of sophistication and simplicity, proving that sometimes the most delicious things are also the easiest to prepare. If you’re looking for an appetizer that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and requires minimal effort, look no further. This Baked Brie with Honey and Almonds is a true winner, and I’m excited to share my experience and guide you through making this delectable treat yourself.

Ingredients

This recipe boasts a short and sweet ingredient list, highlighting the quality and simplicity at its core. Each element plays a crucial role in creating the harmonious blend of flavors and textures that make this baked brie so irresistible. Let’s delve deeper into each ingredient and explore why they are essential for achieving the perfect baked brie experience.

• 1 Wedge of Brie (Approximately 8 ounces): The star of the show, the brie, needs to be of good quality. When choosing your brie, opt for a wheel or wedge that feels slightly firm to the touch, indicating it’s not overly ripe. Overripe brie can become too runny and lose its shape when baked. You can find brie in most supermarkets, often in the cheese section near other specialty cheeses. For this recipe, a standard 8-ounce wedge is ideal for serving a crowd of around 16 people as an appetizer. Consider the type of brie as well. While any brie will work, a double or triple cream brie will result in an even richer and more decadent experience due to its higher fat content. However, a standard brie offers a wonderful balance of flavor and texture that works beautifully in this recipe. Experimenting with different types of brie can also be fun – try a brie with herbs for a subtle flavor variation or a brie with a slightly stronger flavor profile if you prefer a more pronounced cheese taste. Remember to remove the brie from its packaging and discard any paper wrapping before baking. The rind of the brie is perfectly edible and contributes to the overall texture and flavor of the baked dish, so there’s no need to cut it off.
• 3 Tablespoons of Honey: Honey is the perfect partner to brie, adding a touch of natural sweetness that complements the rich, creamy cheese beautifully. The type of honey you choose can subtly alter the final flavor profile of the baked brie. A mild, floral honey like clover or wildflower honey will provide a delicate sweetness that allows the brie’s flavor to shine through. For a richer, more robust honey flavor, consider using buckwheat or chestnut honey, which have deeper, more complex notes. Manuka honey, with its distinct medicinal flavor, can also be interesting if you enjoy its unique taste. Local honey is always a great option, offering a unique flavor that reflects the local flora. Beyond flavor, honey also contributes to the beautiful golden-brown glaze on top of the brie as it bakes, creating an appealing visual element. When drizzling the honey, aim for even distribution over the surface of the brie to ensure every bite gets a touch of sweetness. If you prefer a less sweet option, you can slightly reduce the amount of honey, but 3 tablespoons is generally considered the perfect balance for most palates.
• ¼ Cup Raw Sliced Almonds: Almonds provide a delightful textural contrast to the soft, melty brie and the smooth honey. Their subtle nutty flavor also complements both the cheese and the sweetness of the honey. Raw sliced almonds are recommended as they will toast in the oven as the brie bakes, developing a lovely golden-brown color and a satisfying crunch. You can find sliced almonds in the baking aisle of most supermarkets. If you only have whole almonds, you can easily slice them yourself using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, though pre-sliced almonds save time and effort. For an even more intense almond flavor, you can toast the almonds lightly in a dry pan before adding them to the brie, but this is not strictly necessary as they will toast sufficiently in the oven alongside the brie. Consider variations with almonds as well. Blanched sliced almonds will have a milder flavor, while skin-on sliced almonds will offer a slightly more rustic and nutty taste. If you’re looking for a different nut altogether, walnuts or pecans would also work well, offering similar textural crunch and complementary nutty flavors. Make sure to distribute the sliced almonds evenly over the brie, ensuring that each slice gets a generous sprinkle of these crunchy delights.
• Sliced Baguette, for Serving: The perfect accompaniment to baked brie is something sturdy and flavorful that can scoop up the warm, melted cheese. A sliced baguette is a classic choice, offering a crisp crust and a soft, airy interior that’s ideal for spreading with brie. When choosing a baguette, opt for a fresh, crusty loaf. You can slice the baguette into rounds or diagonal slices, depending on your preference. To enhance the baguette even further, you can lightly toast the slices in the oven or under a broiler until they are golden brown and slightly crisp. This adds another layer of texture and flavor that complements the baked brie perfectly. Beyond baguette, other bread options include crostini, crackers, or even slices of toasted sourdough bread. For a gluten-free option, consider serving the baked brie with gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks like carrots and celery. The key is to have something that can easily be dipped into or spread with the warm, melted brie, allowing your guests to fully enjoy this delectable appetizer.

Instructions

The beauty of this Baked Brie with Honey and Almonds recipe lies not only in its incredible taste but also in its remarkable simplicity. With just a few straightforward steps, you can transform these humble ingredients into a show-stopping appetizer in under 15 minutes. Let’s break down each instruction in detail to ensure you achieve perfect baked brie every time.

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Preheating the oven is a crucial step in almost every baking recipe, and baked brie is no exception. A preheated oven ensures that the brie cooks evenly and melts properly without becoming overly runny or losing its shape. Setting the oven to 350°F (175°C) provides the ideal temperature for melting the brie gently and toasting the almonds to a golden brown without burning them. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you place the brie inside. Oven thermometers are inexpensive and can be very helpful in ensuring your oven temperature is accurate, as oven temperatures can sometimes vary. While the oven is preheating, you can prepare the brie and other ingredients, making the whole process even more efficient. Starting with a properly preheated oven is the foundation for perfectly baked brie.
2. Place brie in a baking dish and drizzle with honey and sprinkle with almond slices. Choosing the right baking dish is important for both cooking and presentation. A small, oven-safe dish that is just slightly larger than the brie wedge is ideal. This prevents the brie from spreading out too much as it melts and keeps the honey and almonds contained. You can use a ceramic baking dish, a small cast iron skillet, or even an oven-safe ramekin. The dish should be shallow enough to allow for even heat distribution and easy access for serving. Once you’ve placed the brie in the dish, the next step is to drizzle it generously with honey. Aim for even coverage, ensuring that the honey coats the top surface of the brie. You can use a spoon or simply drizzle directly from the honey container. After the honey, sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the brie. Distribute them so that each bite is likely to have a few almonds for that satisfying crunch. Ensure the almonds are spread in a single layer to promote even toasting in the oven. At this stage, you can also add any optional flavor enhancers, such as a sprinkle of cinnamon, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary for an herbaceous note.
3. Bake for 6-8 minutes or until brie is starting to melt and almonds start to lightly brown. Baking time is relatively short for this recipe, which is another reason why it’s such a quick and easy appetizer. The goal is to bake the brie just until it’s warm and gooey in the center, but not completely melted and runny. The almonds should also be lightly toasted and golden brown, adding a visual appeal and enhancing their nutty flavor. Start checking the brie at around 6 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the brie feels soft to the touch and slightly puffed up. The edges might just start to soften and ooze slightly. The almonds should have taken on a light golden-brown color and smell toasty. Be careful not to overbake the brie, as it can become too runny and lose its shape. Baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven and the type of baking dish you use. Darker baking dishes tend to heat up faster, so you might need to reduce the baking time slightly. Keep a close eye on the brie during the last few minutes of baking to ensure it reaches the perfect level of meltiness and the almonds are toasted to your liking.
4. Serve with sliced baguette or apples. Once the baked brie is out of the oven, it’s ready to be served immediately while it’s still warm and gooey. Transfer the baking dish carefully to a serving platter or trivet, as it will be hot. Arrange the sliced baguette or apple slices around the baking dish, creating an inviting and visually appealing presentation. Encourage your guests to help themselves, spreading the warm, melted brie onto the baguette slices or apple wedges. Provide small appetizer plates and knives or spreaders for easy serving. For an elegant touch, you can garnish the platter with a few sprigs of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. The warm, aromatic baked brie is best enjoyed immediately, while the cheese is still melted and the almonds are crunchy. The contrast of warm brie with cool baguette or crisp apple slices is part of the delightful experience of enjoying this appetizer. Serve it as part of a larger appetizer spread or as a standalone starter before a meal.

Nutrition Facts

Understanding the nutritional content of what we eat is increasingly important. While Baked Brie with Honey and Almonds is undeniably a delicious indulgence, it’s helpful to be aware of its nutritional profile, especially when considering it as part of a balanced diet. Please note that these are approximate values and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

(Per Serving – Serves 16)

• Servings: 16
  • As indicated in the original recipe, this dish is designed to serve approximately 16 people as an appetizer. Serving sizes for appetizers are typically smaller than main courses, and this recipe is intended to provide a small, flavorful bite for each person. When considering portion sizes, remember that baked brie is rich and decadent, so a little goes a long way. A small wedge or a few spoonfuls of the melted brie with baguette or apple slices constitutes a serving. If you are serving this as part of a larger appetizer spread, smaller servings are appropriate. If it’s the main focus of your appetizer offering, slightly larger servings might be desired.
• Calories: Approximately 150-200 calories per serving
  • Calorie counts for recipes like this are estimations, as they depend on the specific brands and types of ingredients used. Brie cheese is relatively high in fat and calories, contributing the bulk of the calorie count in this recipe. Honey adds sugar and calories, while almonds contribute healthy fats, protein, and some calories as well. The baguette adds carbohydrates and calories, depending on the size of the serving. The range of 150-200 calories per serving is a reasonable estimate for a small appetizer portion. If you are calorie-conscious, you can adjust the serving size accordingly or enjoy this treat in moderation as part of a balanced eating plan. To reduce calories slightly, you could use a smaller amount of honey or opt for a lower-fat brie, although this might affect the overall flavor and texture. Remember that these calories are primarily from healthy fats in the brie and almonds and natural sugars in the honey, making it a more wholesome indulgence compared to highly processed snacks.

(Note: These are approximate values and can vary. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.)

Preparation Time

One of the most appealing aspects of this Baked Brie with Honey and Almonds recipe is its incredibly short preparation and cooking time. In today’s busy world, recipes that are both delicious and quick to make are highly valued. This recipe truly delivers on both fronts, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • The prep time for this recipe is remarkably minimal, clocking in at just around 5 minutes. This primarily involves gathering your ingredients – the brie, honey, and sliced almonds – and placing the brie in a baking dish. There’s no chopping, slicing, or extensive measuring required, making it incredibly efficient. Even if you’re not a seasoned cook, you can easily manage the prep work in this timeframe. This quick prep time makes it an ideal appetizer for impromptu gatherings or when you’re short on time but still want to serve something impressive and homemade. You can even prepare it just before your guests arrive, ensuring it’s served warm and fresh right out of the oven.
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • The cook time is equally brief, taking only about 8 minutes in a preheated oven. This short baking time is sufficient to melt the brie to a perfect gooey consistency and toast the almonds to a golden-brown crunch. Since the baking time is so short, it’s important to keep a close eye on the brie to prevent overbaking. The quick cooking time also means that you can prepare this appetizer relatively close to serving time without needing to start hours in advance. Combined with the minimal prep time, the short cook time makes this recipe a true time-saver.
• Total Time: 13 minutes
  • From start to finish, the total time for this Baked Brie with Honey and Almonds recipe is a mere 13 minutes. This includes both the 5 minutes of prep and the 8 minutes of cooking. In just over a quarter of an hour, you can have a warm, elegant, and incredibly flavorful appetizer ready to serve. This speed and simplicity are what make this recipe so appealing and practical for busy individuals or anyone who appreciates delicious food without spending excessive time in the kitchen. The total time of 13 minutes truly underscores its designation as “the easiest appetizer you’ll ever make.”

How to Serve Baked Brie with Honey and Almonds

Serving baked brie is all about creating an inviting and enjoyable experience for your guests. The warm, melted cheese is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. Presentation also plays a key role in enhancing the appeal of this simple yet elegant appetizer. Here are some ideas on how to serve your Baked Brie with Honey and Almonds to perfection:

• Classic Baguette Slices:
  • As mentioned in the original recipe, sliced baguette is a quintessential pairing for baked brie. Its crisp crust and soft interior provide the ideal texture for scooping up the warm, melted cheese.
  • Toasting: Lightly toast the baguette slices for extra crunch and flavor. You can do this in the oven, under a broiler, or even in a toaster oven. Toasting enhances the baguette’s texture and adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the brie.
  • Presentation: Arrange the toasted baguette slices artfully around the baking dish of brie on a serving platter. This makes it easy for guests to help themselves and creates an appealing visual display.
• Crisp Apple Slices:
  • The sweetness and slight tartness of apple slices create a wonderful contrast to the rich, savory brie and sweet honey. The crisp texture of the apples also provides a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy cheese.
  • Varieties: Choose firm, slightly tart apple varieties like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp. These apples hold their shape well and offer a balanced flavor profile.
  • Preparation: Slice the apples thinly just before serving to prevent browning. You can brush them with a little lemon juice to further prevent oxidation and add a touch of brightness.
• Crackers and Crostini:
  • For variety and texture, offer an assortment of crackers and crostini alongside the baguette and apples. Choose crackers that are sturdy enough to hold the brie without breaking.
  • Options: Consider water crackers, multigrain crackers, sesame crackers, or even flavored crackers like rosemary or olive oil crackers. Crostini, which are small toasted bread slices, are another excellent choice.
  • Arrangement: Arrange the crackers and crostini in baskets or on small plates around the brie platter, offering guests a range of options.
• Fresh Fruit and Berries:
  • In addition to apples, other fresh fruits can complement baked brie beautifully. Grapes, pears, and berries like strawberries or raspberries add sweetness and freshness.
  • Seasonal Fruits: Use seasonal fruits for the best flavor and visual appeal. Figs, for example, are a wonderful pairing in the fall.
  • Garnish: Scatter fresh berries or grape clusters around the brie platter as a colorful and flavorful garnish.
• Vegetable Sticks:
  • For a lighter and healthier option, offer vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, cucumber, or bell peppers. The crispness of the vegetables provides a refreshing contrast to the rich brie.
  • Preparation: Cut the vegetables into uniform sticks and arrange them attractively on a platter. You can also offer a light dip like hummus or a yogurt-based dip alongside the vegetables.
• Cheese Board Integration:
  • Baked Brie with Honey and Almonds can be a fantastic addition to a larger cheese board. It adds a warm, melted cheese element to a board that typically features firmer cheeses.
  • Variety: Include a selection of hard cheeses, soft cheeses, and perhaps a blue cheese on your cheese board to create a diverse and interesting spread.
  • Placement: Position the baked brie in the center of the cheese board or slightly off-center, allowing space for other cheeses and accompaniments.
• Serving Utensils:
  • Provide small appetizer plates, cheese knives, and spreaders for easy serving. Guests can use the knives to cut pieces of brie and the spreaders to apply it to their chosen accompaniments.
  • Napkins: Don’t forget to provide plenty of napkins, as baked brie can be a bit messy (in the best way possible!).

By offering a variety of accompaniments and paying attention to presentation, you can elevate the simple Baked Brie with Honey and Almonds into a truly memorable and delightful appetizer experience for your guests.

Additional Tips for Perfect Baked Brie

While this Baked Brie with Honey and Almonds recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few extra tips can help you achieve absolute perfection and even customize it to your liking. Here are five additional tips to elevate your baked brie game:

1. Enhance the Almonds: While raw sliced almonds toast beautifully in the oven, you can intensify their flavor and texture by lightly toasting them beforehand. Spread the sliced almonds on a dry baking sheet and toast in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 3-5 minutes, or in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and lightly golden brown. Let them cool slightly before sprinkling them over the brie. Pre-toasting the almonds will give them a deeper nutty flavor and ensure they are perfectly crunchy, even if the brie melts quickly.
2. Flavor Infused Honey: Take your honey drizzle to the next level by infusing it with complementary flavors. Before drizzling the honey over the brie, warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave for a few seconds. Then, stir in a pinch of cinnamon, a dash of vanilla extract, a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary, or a few red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Let the honey infuse for a few minutes, then remove any solids (like herb sprigs or pepper flakes) before drizzling it over the brie. Flavor-infused honey adds a layer of complexity and aroma that elevates the entire dish.
3. Wrap it in Puff Pastry (for extra indulgence): For an even more decadent and visually impressive presentation, consider wrapping the brie in puff pastry before baking. Thaw a sheet of puff pastry and roll it out slightly. Place the brie in the center of the pastry, top with honey and almonds, and then bring the pastry edges up and around the brie, sealing them at the top. Brush the pastry with an egg wash (egg beaten with a little water) for a golden-brown finish. Bake according to the recipe instructions, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure the pastry is cooked through and golden brown. Puff pastry adds a buttery, flaky crust that complements the creamy brie and creates a stunning centerpiece.
4. Add a Touch of Spice or Herbs: Customize the flavor profile of your baked brie by incorporating a touch of spice or fresh herbs. A pinch of red pepper flakes sprinkled over the brie along with the almonds will add a subtle warmth and kick. Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano, finely chopped and sprinkled over the brie before baking, will add a fragrant and herbaceous note. Experiment with different spices and herbs to find your favorite flavor combinations. Consider garlic powder, onion powder, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika for different flavor dimensions.
5. Serve Immediately and Enjoy the Gooey Goodness: Baked brie is best enjoyed immediately while it’s warm and gooey. Once it cools down, the cheese will firm up again, and while still delicious, it won’t have that same melty, irresistible texture. Plan to serve the baked brie as soon as it comes out of the oven for the optimal experience. Encourage your guests to dig in right away and savor the warm, gooey goodness. If you happen to have leftovers (though unlikely!), you can reheat them gently in the oven or microwave, but be aware that the texture might change slightly upon reheating.

By incorporating these additional tips, you can not only perfect your Baked Brie with Honey and Almonds but also customize it to create your own signature version of this incredibly easy and crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Baked Brie with Honey and Almonds

Even for a recipe as simple as Baked Brie with Honey and Almonds, questions can arise. Here are five frequently asked questions to help you navigate any potential queries and ensure your baked brie experience is seamless and successful:

Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of brie?

A: While brie is the star of this recipe and provides its signature creamy texture and mild flavor, you can experiment with similar soft cheeses. Camembert is the closest substitute, offering a comparable flavor and melting profile to brie. Other options, though they will yield slightly different results, include Reblochon or a young goat cheese (chevre). Avoid using cheeses that are too firm or don’t melt well, as they won’t achieve the desired gooey texture. Ultimately, brie is highly recommended for this recipe, but feel free to explore similar soft cheeses if you’re feeling adventurous.

Q2: Can I use different nuts instead of almonds?

A: Absolutely! Almonds provide a classic crunch and flavor, but you can easily substitute them with other nuts based on your preference or what you have on hand. Walnuts and pecans are excellent alternatives, offering a similar nutty flavor and satisfying crunch. Hazelnuts would add a richer, slightly sweeter note, while pistachios would provide a vibrant green color and a unique flavor profile. Consider toasting any nuts you choose before adding them to the brie for enhanced flavor and texture. Just ensure that the nuts are sliced or chopped into smaller pieces for even distribution and easy serving.

Q3: Can I prepare baked brie ahead of time?

A: While baked brie is best served immediately, you can do some prep work ahead of time to streamline the process when you’re ready to bake. You can place the brie in the baking dish, drizzle it with honey, and sprinkle with almonds up to a few hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. However, it’s not recommended to bake the brie completely ahead of time and then reheat it, as the texture of the cheese may change and become less creamy upon reheating. For optimal results, assemble the brie ahead of time and bake it just before serving.

Q4: How do I know when the baked brie is done?

A: The visual cues and texture are the best indicators of when your baked brie is perfectly done. The brie should be starting to melt and feel soft to the touch. It might slightly puff up in the center, and the edges may just begin to soften and ooze a little. The almonds should be lightly toasted and golden brown, indicating they are cooked and adding a fragrant aroma. Avoid overbaking the brie, as it can become too runny and lose its shape. Start checking for doneness around 6 minutes of baking time and adjust as needed based on your oven and the desired level of meltiness.

Q5: What if I don’t have a baguette? What else can I serve with baked brie?

A: While baguette is a classic choice, there are many delicious alternatives to serve with baked brie. Crackers, crostini, and slices of toasted sourdough bread are all excellent options. For a lighter and gluten-free alternative, consider serving it with crisp apple slices, pear wedges, vegetable sticks (carrots, celery, cucumber), or even grapes. The key is to choose accompaniments that are sturdy enough to scoop up the warm, melted brie and offer a variety of flavors and textures to complement the rich cheese, sweet honey, and crunchy almonds. Get creative and use what you have on hand or what you and your guests enjoy!

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