If you are looking to impress your guests or simply indulge in a warm, savory delight, this Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe is the perfect choice. Creamy and melty brie cheese is elevated with a luscious garlic herb butter that seeps into every bite, creating a rich flavor that feels both elegant and comforting. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a special occasion, this appetizer is ready in minutes and pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or fresh veggies. You’ll fall in love with how effortless yet truly delicious this dish is!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, fresh ingredients come together effortlessly to create a flavor-packed appetizer. Each one plays a crucial role: the butter provides richness, the garlic adds a punch of aroma, and the herbs bring freshness and color.
- 1 wheel of brie cheese (8 oz): The star of the dish, creamy and meltable for that indulgent texture.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds silky richness and is the base for infusing garlic and herbs.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Brings a bold, fragrant flavor that pairs perfectly with cheese.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped): Adds a hint of freshness and vibrant green color.
- ½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ¼ teaspoon dried): Offers subtle earthiness to balance richness.
- ⅛ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity.
- Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy a little kick with their cheese.
- Baguette slices or crackers for serving: Perfect for scooping up every melty, buttery bite.
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Brie
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it reaches the perfect temperature for baking. Place your wheel of brie in a small, oven-safe dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If you want to amp up the presentation—and flavor—lightly score the top of the brie in a shallow crisscross pattern; this helps the garlic butter soak deep into that creamy center.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Herb Butter
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter gently. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant but hasn’t browned, ensuring that beautiful garlic flavor shines through without bitterness. Remove from heat, then stir in the parsley, thyme, salt, pepper, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes. This blend is what transforms the brie from ordinary to unforgettable.
Step 3: Top and Bake
Pour the warm garlic butter mixture evenly over the surface of the brie. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for the center to become soft and melty—check by gently pressing the top. The cheese should feel plush and yielding but not completely collapsed. That golden, bubbling goodness is what you want.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Remove the brie from the oven and bring it straight to the table, because this cheesy, garlicky dream is best enjoyed hot. Pair it with slices of toasted baguette, crackers, or fresh vegetables for a simple yet elegant appetizer that everyone will rave about.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe look as fabulous as it tastes, consider a few simple garnishes. A light drizzle of honey adds a delightful sweet-savory contrast while a sprinkle of additional fresh parsley or thyme leaves brings a fresh, lively touch. Crushed red pepper flakes on top can offer a pop of color and a subtle heat, creating a multi-dimensional experience.
Side Dishes
Complement this indulgent dish with fresh, crisp veggies like celery sticks, carrot ribbons, or cucumber slices. For a heartier approach, serve alongside a small charcuterie with cured meats, olives, and nuts to create a complete spread that beckons conversation and lingering. The creamy brie pairs beautifully with a variety of flavors, so feel free to get creative.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve the baked brie directly in a wooden cheese board with small cheese knives or spreaders to keep things casual yet classy. Alternatively, nestle the brie among a bed of mixed greens or edible flowers to add color and elegance. Wrapping the edges of the brie with puff pastry before baking is another fun twist to elevate this Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe into an eye-catching centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, tightly wrap the cooled baked brie in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container, then refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 2 days. Keep in mind the texture will firm up once chilled, so a gentle reheat is recommended before serving again.
Freezing
While freezing baked brie is possible, it’s not ideal because the texture can change, becoming crumbly or separating slightly upon thawing. If you want to freeze, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and use within one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Reheating
To bring leftover Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe back to life, place it in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 8–10 minutes or until it’s soft and melty again. Avoid microwaving as that can cause uneven heating and diminish texture. This gentle reheating keeps that rich, creamy charm intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of brie?
Brie is uniquely creamy and melts beautifully, which is why it’s perfect for this recipe. However, you could experiment with camembert or a soft, mild goat cheese for a different flavor and texture, but the results will vary.
Is it okay to use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, dried herbs work well in a pinch. Use about half the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. The thyme in this recipe, for example, is ½ teaspoon fresh or ¼ teaspoon dried.
Can I add other flavorings to the garlic butter?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in a teaspoon of lemon zest for brightness or a splash of balsamic vinegar for tang. A few chopped nuts like toasted walnuts sprinkled on top after baking can also add a lovely crunch.
What’s the best bread to serve with Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe?
A crusty baguette is classic because it holds up well to the rich cheese and butter. Rustic country bread, sourdough rounds, or artisan crackers are also fabulous choices and will add varying textures to enjoy.
How do I know when the brie is perfectly baked?
After about 12 to 15 minutes in the oven, gently press the center of the brie with your finger or a spoon. It should feel soft and slightly jiggly, indicating that it has melted inside but isn’t completely collapsed or hard on the outside.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe that brings warmth and flavor to any occasion. It’s simple to prepare yet delivers impressive, mouthwatering results that invite everyone to gather around and savor each bite. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night in, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this beautiful blend of creamy cheese and rich garlic butter—you won’t regret it!
Print
Garlic Butter Baked Brie Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Butter Baked Brie is a savory twist on the classic appetizer. Creamy brie cheese is baked until melty and topped with a rich, golden garlic herb butter. Perfectly spreadable and full of flavor, it pairs beautifully with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh veggies for a cozy and elegant appetizer that’s ready in minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 wheel of brie cheese (8 oz)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
For Serving
- Baguette slices or crackers
- Fresh vegetables (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the brie.
- Prepare the brie. Place the wheel of brie in a small, oven-safe dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Make the garlic herb butter. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, ensuring it releases its flavor without becoming bitter.
- Season the butter. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chopped parsley, thyme leaves, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if using for added heat and depth.
- Top the brie. Pour the warm garlic herb butter evenly over the brie wheel, covering the top fully to soak in flavors during baking.
- Bake the brie. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes until the cheese becomes soft and melty. You can gently press the center to check for softness.
- Serve immediately. Remove from the oven and serve the garlic butter baked brie right away with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- For extra presentation, score the top of the brie with a shallow crisscross pattern before baking to help the garlic butter soak in more effectively.
- For a sweet-savory combination, add a drizzle of honey over the brie before serving.
