A gluten-free holiday appetizer, baked brie with jam, is one of my favorite things. It is delicious, crowd-pleasing, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. You don’t need any special equipment to make this baked brie. It still looks amazing while being effortless. It’s definitely something I like to have on hand as it’s great for entertaining last-minute guests.
And, who doesn’t enjoy warm, melted cheese?! Plus, it’s ideal for the rush holiday season because all you have to do is pop it in the oven, and it is ready in a few minutes, allowing you to spend more time with your guests. Keep reading to learn how to bake brie with jam.
What Is Brie?
Brie is a soft-ripened, off-white cheese made primarily from cow’s milk. It has a bloomy, white mold rind that is considered a delicacy. Brie is a soft farmhouse cheese that originated in Seine-et-Marne, France. Brie has a creamy, buttery, fruity flavor that becomes increasingly earthy with age. It is runny and creamy in texture with a strong earthy scent.
Can I Eat Brie Rind?
Yes! And, in my opinion, it’s the best part. It has the most delightful tangy flavor, and I adore how it complements the creamy brie with its texture. Some people prefer to eat just the inside brie cheese since it’s milder, but you may eat the full wheel, rind, and all!
The brie rind is entirely edible and contributes to the deliciousness of this baked brie appetizer. It enhances the flavor of the dish significantly.
The rind doesn’t totally dissolve, which is something you’ll notice. This is beneficial because it keeps the brie from popping during baking. Because the rind mixes in with other textures, it does not affect the structure of the jam-topped brie.
How To Bake Brie With Jam?
Ingredients
- Brie wheel (8 ounces)
- 3 tablespoons fig jam
- 2 tablespoons pistachios, chopped
- 1-2 tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
- For serving, crostini, crackers, and sliced baguette
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place the brie wheel on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cut a crosshatch pattern using a sharp knife on the brie’s top.
- Spread fig jam on top of the brie wheel.
- Add thyme and pistachios.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the inside is gooey and melty. Gently push the rind’s top with a spoon to determine whether it has melted inside.
- Serve with crackers, crostini, or sliced crusty French bread.
How to Bake Brie with Jam
Ingredients
- Brie wheel 8 ounces
- 3 tablespoons. fig jams
- 2 tablespoons pistachios chopped
- 1-2 tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
- For serving crostini, crackers, and sliced baguette
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place the brie wheel on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Using a sharp knife, cut a crosshatch pattern on the top of the brie.
- Spread fig jam on top of the brie wheel.
- Add thyme and pistachios.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the inside is gooey and melty. Gently push the rind's top with a spoon to determine whether it has melted inside.
- Serve with crackers, crostini, or sliced crusty French bread.
What Jam Goes Well With Brie?
I used fig jam in this recipe because I had plenty of fresh figs, so it was easy.
Because fig jam is more difficult to come by than other jams, look for it in specialty stores. In certain cases, it is referred to as fig paste or even fig butter.
You can prepare your own fig jam using fresh or dried figs if you want.
Fig jam is my favorite, but peach, apricot, strawberry, or even raspberry jam will go well with brie cheese. Another favorite addition to baked brie in our family is honey. Basically, you’re trying to balance out the brie’s earthy flavor with a bit of sweetness.
Serving Ideas for Baked Brie
So many of your kitchen and pantry items will work nicely with this simple snack, making it an excellent choice for enjoying.
This baked brie with jam goes great with the following:
- Fresh sliced pears
- Freshly sliced baguette
- Fresh figs
- Grapes
- Crostini
- Prosciutto
- Tart apple slices
Instructions For Making-Ahead, Storage, And Reheating
- Prepare Ahead Of Time: You can make this baked brie with jam up to three days ahead of time. Before baking, refrigerate or cover the dish with plastic wrap or another airtight container. When ready to eat, simply follow the recipe directions and bake for about 8-10 minutes or until well warmed. Because it’s straight from the refrigerator, you might need to bake it for a few minutes longer.
- Storage: Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Reheating: Leftovers can be warmed in the oven the same way they were initially baked or in the microwave, depending on your preference.
Recipe Tips
- Keep the brie in its original wooden container—this aids in the brie’s shape retention after baking and serving. If the wood container is more flimsy, I like to flip the lid over and insert the bottom of the wooden container, creating two layers of wood.
- If your brie does not come packaged in a wooden box, set it straight on the parchment-lined baking sheet or in a little cast iron pan. Once the brie’s rind is split, melty cheese will quickly spread. For that, the wooden container is useful, as it prevents the spread of the cheese.
- Avoid overbaking the brie. Even if you overcook it for more than 10 minutes, it won’t ruin your life, but it will get super melty. You have to melt it just a little because you want the brie to be creamy but not soupy.
- Keep baking until the nuts are done. If they start to get brown too quickly, cover the cheese with a piece of tin foil and keep baking. This will cause the browning process to be slowed.
FAQs
What Does Brie Taste Like?
Brie has a rich, creamy texture and a slightly tangy flavor. It’s often described as buttery and earthy, with a subtle hint of mushrooms. As the cheese ages, its flavor deepens and becomes more robust.
Can You Freeze Brie?
Yes, you can freeze brie for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that freezing can affect the texture, so it’s best to serve thawed brie in cooked dishes like baked brie or grilled cheese.
What To Serve With Baked Brie?
There are plenty of delicious options to serve with baked brie:
- Crackers, sliced baguette, or crostini
- Apples, grapes, or pears
- Dried apricots or figs
- Nuts: almonds, walnuts, or pecans
- Honey, jams, or chutney
Is Brie Gluten-Free?
Brie cheese is naturally gluten-free, as it’s made from milk, rennet, and bacterial cultures. However, items served with brie, such as crackers or baguettes, may have gluten. Always double-check labels to ensure gluten-free status if you have dietary restrictions.
Can You Eat Brie Cold?
Yes, you can enjoy brie cold straight from the fridge. Cold brie has a firmer texture and a more delicate flavor.
