If you’re searching for show-stopping party food, let me introduce you to the amazing Garlic Butter Baked Brie, a swoon-worthy appetizer that’s as easy as it is impressive. Imagine a perfectly creamy wheel of Brie, basking in golden, fragrant garlic butter, all bubbling away until gooey perfection. Served with crisp baguette or crackers, this dish is the definition of cozy-luxe and transforms any gathering—holiday, date night, or Netflix marathon—into an occasion. Best of all, it comes together in just 20 minutes, so you can wow your guests without breaking a sweat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Garlic Butter Baked Brie is how just a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients can create a truly unforgettable bite. Each one has a role to play, from robust flavor to irresistible texture and aroma.
- Brie Cheese (1 wheel, 8 oz): Select a whole wheel for maximum melt-factor and a rich, creamy center every time.
- Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): This is the base of your garlic butter magic, ensuring the brie bakes into an oozy dreamscape.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic packs all the bold savoriness that sets this appetizer apart—don’t be shy!
- Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Just a sprinkle adds color and a bright finish to balance the richness.
- Fresh Thyme Leaves (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a woodsy, aromatic lift—totally optional, but highly recommended if you have it.
- Salt (1/8 teaspoon): A small pinch emphasizes all the best flavors without overpowering the cheese.
- Black Pepper (1/8 teaspoon): Adds a mild zing, making every bite just a bit more interesting.
- Sliced Baguette or Crackers: The essential vehicle for scooping up gooey, buttery brie—choose your favorite and pile them high!
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Brie
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Brie
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While your oven heats up, place your whole Brie wheel in a small, oven-safe baking dish or a trusty cast-iron skillet. The dish should be just large enough so the Brie feels cozy but not cramped—this helps that creamy center melt evenly.
Step 2: Make That Irresistible Garlic Butter
In a small saucepan or skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted and gently bubbling, add the minced garlic and sauté for just one or two minutes. Keep an eye out—the goal is for the garlic to become fragrant but not browned, which helps it stay sweet rather than bitter!
Step 3: Season and Finish the Butter
Take your pan off the heat, then stir in the chopped parsley, fresh thyme (if you’re using it), salt, and pepper. These simple seasonings turn your garlic butter into a flavor-packed pour-over for the star of the show.
Step 4: Drizzle and Bake
Pour the warm garlic butter mixture generously all over the waiting Brie. No need to be shy—let it pool around and on top. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center looks soft, gooey, and absolutely irresistible.
Step 5: Let It Rest and Serve
Remove the sizzling Garlic Butter Baked Brie from the oven and let it sit for 2–3 minutes. This brief rest keeps things from being overly molten and helps the flavors settle. Serve it warm, spooning the extra garlic butter over the top with plenty of sliced baguette or crackers alongside. Watch it disappear!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Brie
Garnishes
Adding a flourish is half the fun! Sprinkle on a handful of extra chopped parsley, a quick twist of black pepper, or even a drizzle of honey for a sweet-salty surprise. If you like subtle heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes works wonders—just enough to get everyone’s attention without stealing the show from your Garlic Butter Baked Brie.
Side Dishes
Pair this beauty with simple sides that let its richness shine. Think tart, crisp apple slices, fresh grapes, or a crunchy autumn salad to balance the flavors. Crusty bread, salty crackers, or even thin breadsticks are ideal dippers—let guests mix and match for every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to turn heads? Wrap the Brie in a sheet of ready-made puff pastry (just seal the seams, brush with egg, and bake) for an extra-elegant touch. Serve the Garlic Butter Baked Brie on a rustic wood board, surrounded by fruit, nuts, and charcuterie for an eye-catching holiday display. Or, bake and serve mini Brie wheels for individual portions—so much fun for a party!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, carefully spoon any remaining Garlic Butter Baked Brie into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. While the texture will firm up when chilled, a quick reheat brings back its gooey charm!
Freezing
Brie doesn’t freeze perfectly—it often turns crumbly as it thaws—so it’s best enjoyed fresh from the oven. However, if you must, freeze the unbaked Brie (without the herbs) tightly wrapped for up to one month. Let it thaw in the fridge before topping with garlic butter and baking as usual.
Reheating
To reawaken that creamy center, place leftover Garlic Butter Baked Brie in a small oven-safe dish. Warm it in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes, or until softened and heated through. Avoid microwaving if you can—it often makes the cheese rubbery rather than silky.
FAQs
Can I make Garlic Butter Baked Brie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter mixture and store it separately, then assemble and bake just before serving. For the freshest texture and best presentation, always bake and serve Brie the day of your event.
Can I use a different type Appetizer
Certainly! While Brie’s soft, creamy texture is classic, you can try Camembert or even a triple-cream cheese for a similar melt-in-your-mouth effect. Just make sure it’s a soft-ripened cheese in a wheel shape.
What’s the best way to slice and serve?
Let guests use a small cheese knife or spoon to dip right into the center, scooping up melted cheese and plenty of the luscious garlic butter. Pair each bite with crackers or sliced bread for maximum flavor.
Can I skip the herbs?
Absolutely! If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, the Garlic Butter Baked Brie will still be deliciously savory. Dried herbs also work in a pinch—just use about half the quantity.
Is it safe to eat the Brie rind?
Yes, the white rind on Brie is completely edible and adds a subtle earthy note. Once baked, it becomes soft and merges with the melted cheese. Most people enjoy it, but you can always scoop the inside if you prefer!
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Baked Brie is the appetizer you’ll want to make again and again—whether you’re celebrating something big or just savoring a cozy night in. Its simple, luxurious flavors have a way of bringing everyone to the table. I hope you love sharing (and maybe sneaking a few extra bites of) this show-stopper as much as I do!
Print
Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy decadence of Garlic Butter Baked Brie, a luscious appetizer that pairs the rich flavors of gooey Brie cheese with aromatic garlic butter. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for entertaining or simply treating yourself to a gourmet snack.
Ingredients
Brie Cheese:
- 1 wheel (8 oz) Brie cheese
Garlic Butter:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- sliced baguette or crackers
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Brie: Place the Brie wheel in a small oven-safe baking dish or cast-iron skillet.
- Make the Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in parsley, thyme (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Brie: Pour the garlic butter mixture over the Brie in the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until the Brie is soft and gooey.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let sit for 2–3 minutes before serving. Serve warm with sliced baguette or crackers.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider topping with honey or crushed red pepper flakes.
- To elevate presentation, wrap the Brie in puff pastry before baking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 wheel with garlic butter
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
