When it comes to simple yet delightful appetizers, nothing quite compares to Baked Brie with Jam. With its warm, gooey cheese and sweet, flavorful topping, this dish is a surefire way to impress your guests. As someone who enjoys hosting, I’ve found that this appetizer is not only easy to prepare but always leaves people asking for the recipe.
Preparing baked brie feels a bit like creating a work of art. You combine ingredients like creamy brie cheese with your choice of jam—such as fig, apricot, or mixed berry—and top it with nuts. The magic truly happens when you pop it in the oven.
The beauty of Brie with Jam is in its versatility; you have the freedom to customize it to your taste preferences and that of your guests.
Every time I serve Baked Brie, it becomes the talk of the party. Its perfect balance of salty and sweet, along with its inviting aroma, makes it a memorable treat. Whether paired with crusty bread or assorted crackers, this appetizer transforms a casual get-together into a special occasion with minimal effort.
Why You Will Love Baked Brie With Jam
I adore baked brie with jam for its amazing mix of sweet and savory flavors. Baked brie is gooey and creamy, while the jam adds a touch of fruity sweetness. Together, these flavors create a balance that is simply delightful.
Making this easy appetizer recipe doesn’t take a lot of time or effort. I just need to bake brie in the oven for a few minutes, and it transforms into a luscious treat. This simplicity is key, making prep for a dinner party or Thanksgiving appetizer a breeze.
This dish is a real crowd-pleaser. Guests always seem excited to dig into this warm, melty cheese dip. Special touches like adding herbs or spices can elevate it further, giving it an extra dimension of taste that everyone enjoys.
Whether I’m hosting a holiday appetizer spread or a casual dinner party, baked brie with jam fits right in. Its versatility is fantastic, allowing me to pair it with crackers, bread, or fruit. This flexibility makes it perfect for various settings.
Because it’s such an easy to make dish, I often find myself relying on it when I’m short on time. Yet, despite its simplicity, it never fails to impress and satisfy.
How To Make Baked Brie With Jam
I’ve developed a clear step-by-step way to prepare Baked Brie with Jam that promises a delightful experience every time. Let’s explore everything you need for this simple yet elegant dish.
Ingredients
To make Baked Brie with Jam, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Start with a wheel of brie cheese, about 8-12 ounces in size. Choose your favorite jam such as fig jam, raspberry jam, or cranberry jam. You may also use various preserves or raspberry preserves for extra flavor.
For a delicious crust, I sometimes use puff pastry. Optional toppings include chopped pecans or other nuts. These enhance the texture and flavor. It’s a versatile dish, and you can get creative with the flavors.
Instruments
The tools needed are basic kitchen staples. You’ll require a baking dish or an oven-safe pan. A brie baker or mini cast iron skillet works perfectly for even heating. Sharp knives are essential for preparing the brie cheese.
I also keep a small bowl nearby for mixing the jam with additional ingredients, like herbs or crushed pepper. Ensure you’ve got a baking sheet for the puff pastry, if used. You probably have everything handy already.
Step By Step Instruction
Begin by preheating the oven to about 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the brie by scoring the rind. Use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts across the top. This helps the cheese melt evenly. Place it in the baking dish.
Spread your choice of jam or preserves on top of the brie cheese. Feel free to add toppings like chopped pecans. If using puff pastry, wrap it around the brie now.
Pop everything into the oven for about 10-15 minutes until the cheese becomes soft and gooey. If using puff pastry, allow extra time for it to become golden brown.
Serve immediately with sliced baguette, crackers, or fresh fruit to dip into the melting, savory cheese.
Ingredient Substitute
Sometimes, I find myself short on specific ingredients for baked brie with jam. Thankfully, there are plenty of alternatives.
Instead of Brie, you can try using Camembert or even goat cheese, which gives a tangy flavor.
Jam varieties are versatile. When I don’t have fig jam, options like apricot jam, raspberry, or cranberry sauce work wonderfully.
For sweetness, honey is my go-to if I run out of maple syrup. It’s rich and blends beautifully with the cheese. In a pinch, brown sugar can also create a nice glaze.
Incorporating nuts like walnuts or substituting with slivered almonds or crushed pecans adds a delightful crunch. I love experimenting with these variations to find new favorite combinations.
What To Serve With Baked Brie With Jam
When I’m serving Baked Brie with Jam, I love adding a variety of tasty accompaniments to make it a standout appetizer. A serving platter filled with options lets everyone pick their favorites.
For a classic touch, I often include an assortment of bread and crackers. Toasted baguette slices add a crispy texture, while buttery crackers balance the creamy brie.
Nuts like pecans, walnuts, and pistachios add a bit of crunch. I enjoy using sliced almonds and crunchy pecans, which pair nicely with the fruity jam. If I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll sprinkle some pumpkin seeds on top.
Dried fruit is always a hit. Apricots, cranberries, and figs are sweet and chewy, complementing the rich flavors of the brie.
Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme enhance the aroma and add a subtle earthiness. I often tuck sprigs of fresh rosemary around the cheese.
To complete the spread, I like to add some sliced fruit. Apples and pears are my go-to choices; their crisp and juicy texture pairs beautifully with the cheese.
Finally, a charcuterie board can include extra delights like cured meats or another cheese dip. A bit of fresh thyme scattered on top adds color and flavor.
Each of these elements enhances the Baked Brie with Jam, turning it into an impressive treat that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
How To Store Baked Brie With Jam
When storing baked brie with jam, it’s important to keep it fresh. First, make sure the cheese has cooled slightly. This helps prevent moisture buildup inside the storage container.
Place the brie in an airtight container. Plastic wrap or aluminum foil can be used as a layer of protection for keeping air out. If you have leftover pistachios or other toppings, keep them separate to maintain their texture.
Store the container in the refrigerator. Baked brie can be refrigerated for up to three days.
When ready to enjoy again, carefully reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until it’s warm throughout.
If you’re planning a special occasion, like a brunch with friends, consider pairing baked brie with a glass of champagne. The bubbly effervescence complements the creamy cheese and sweet jam, creating a delightful experience.
For those with a sweet tooth, remember to enjoy baked brie while it’s warm. This ensures that you get the best taste and texture from the dish.
Avoid reheating the cheese more than once or twice, as this can affect both flavor and consistency. With these tips, you can enjoy your baked brie with jam at its best!
Is Baked Brie With Jam Healthy
I often get asked about the healthiness of Baked Brie with Jam. While its creamy and melty cheese can be a treat, moderation is key.
Brie is a type of soft cheese that is high in fat and calories. This makes it a rich source of energy but not ideal for frequent consumption if you’re watching your diet.
A typical serving of Brie can contain around 100 calories and 9 grams of fat. The creamy texture of the cheese comes from its fat content. However, it also provides some useful nutrients like calcium and protein, which are essential for bone health and muscle function.
The jam adds a sweet component, but it can also contain added sugars. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, consider using a jam with no added sugars or even fresh fruit as a topping. This can help keep the dish a bit healthier while still enjoying its delicious flavor.
For those with dietary restrictions, it’s important to note that Brie is a dairy product, so it contains lactose. Individuals with lactose intolerance might want to limit their intake or opt for lactose-free alternatives. Making smart choices with portions and ingredients can help you enjoy Baked Brie with Jam as part of a balanced diet.
Nutrition Fact In List Form
When making Baked Brie with Jam, I pay attention to the details to ensure a delicious yet informative experience. Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition information for one serving of this dish.
- Calories: Between 118 to 388
- Total Fat: Approximately 9g to 23g
- Saturated Fat: Around 5g
- Cholesterol: 28mg
- Sodium: 178mg
- Carbohydrates: 14g to 35g
- Sugars: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g to 12g
I find it helpful to share the ingredients’ specific contributions to better understand these values.
For example, Brie cheese generally provides most of the fat and protein. At the same time, the jam is a significant source of sugar and carbohydrates.
Depending on the toppings, like almonds or cranberries, nutritional content can vary slightly.
Almonds add a small amount of fat and protein, while cranberries contribute to sugars and carbs.
This snapshot offers a clearer picture of what goes into this crowd-pleasing appetizer. By using this nutrition fact list, I can adjust portions and ingredients to suit dietary needs or preferences.
Always mindful of balance, I enjoy presenting the dish to match both flavor and nutritional expectations.
Baked Brie with Jam
Equipment
- Baking dish or oven-safe pan (mini cast iron skillet or brie baker works best)
- Sharp knife (for scoring the brie)
- Small bowl (for mixing jam with other ingredients, if desired)
- Baking sheet (if using puff pastry)
Ingredients
- 8-12 oz wheel of brie cheese
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup of your favorite jam fig, apricot, raspberry, cranberry, etc.
- Optional: Puff pastry for wrapping
- Optional toppings: Chopped pecans walnuts, or other nuts
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Brie: Score the rind of the brie with shallow cuts using a sharp knife. This helps the cheese melt evenly. Place the brie in a baking dish.
- Add Jam: Spread your chosen jam over the brie. You can also mix the jam with a bit of crushed pepper or fresh herbs for added depth of flavor.
- Optional Puff Pastry: If using puff pastry, wrap the brie in the pastry and seal it well.
- Bake: Place the brie in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is soft and gooey. If using puff pastry, bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Serve immediately with crackers, sliced baguette, fresh fruit (such as apples or pears), or nuts.
Notes
- Calories: 118 to 388
- Total Fat: 9g to 23g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 28mg
- Sodium: 178mg
- Carbohydrates: 14g to 35g
- Sugars: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g to 12g
