Garlic Baked Brie Recipe

Garlic baked brie topped with herbs and golden melted cheese—rich, gooey, and elegant, perfect for appetizers, parties, or cozy date nights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Garlic Baked Brie comes from just a handful of ingredients, each one playing a starring role. Every component brings a unique touch—whether it’s the decadence of brie, the nuttiness of browned garlic, or the aromatic pop of parsley. Here’s what you’ll need and why you truly need all of them:

• Brie cheese wheel (8 oz): The heart and soul of this dish, brie turns incredibly gooey and decadent when baked.
• Butter (2 tablespoons): Melts into a luscious base for the garlic, infusing the cheese with richness.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic brings pungency and warmth—don’t skimp, it’s the star flavor!
• Salt and pepper (pinch): A humble pinch draws out the flavors and balances all the richness.
• Fresh parsley (1 teaspoon, chopped): Adds a splash of color and a fresh, herbal finish, brightening every bite.

How to Make Garlic Baked Brie

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cleanup (trust me, you’ll appreciate it when the cheese starts to melt). This simple step ensures your Garlic Baked Brie lifts right off the tray without sticking, and keeps things looking tidy.

Step 2: Get the Brie Ready

Unwrap your brie and set it right in the center of the prepared sheet. There’s no need to remove the rind; it keeps the cheese contained as it bakes and is totally edible! Make sure it’s positioned flat and even, so the cheese melts uniformly and doesn’t ooze off to one side.

Step 3: Bake Until Deliciously Melty

Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it—the goal is a soft, molten center that jiggles like soft custard when you poke it with a toothpick. If you go much longer, you risk bursting the brie (still delicious, just a touch messier!).

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Topping

While your Garlic Baked Brie is working its magic in the oven, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once the butter foams, add the minced garlic and sauté for just about 30 seconds—enough for it to become fragrant and golden, but not brown or bitter. Take it off the heat as soon as the color pops, and get ready for instant temptation!

Step 5: Assemble and Finish

Carefully move the hot, gooey brie to your favorite serving plate. Pour the warm, garlicky butter right over the top (don’t leave any behind in the pan). Sprinkle with a generous pinch of salt, a dash of black pepper, and the vibrant chopped parsley for that just-from-the-garden finish. Serve immediately, while the cheese is still marvelously runny, with your favorite crackers or crispy bread.

How to Serve Garlic Baked Brie

Garnishes

After you pour that glorious garlic butter, a light dusting of fresh chopped parsley adds color and freshness without overpowering the richness. For a little extra flair, try a few thyme leaves or a quick sprinkle of lemon zest—either gives Garlic Baked Brie a bright, appealing finish.

Side Dishes

This appetizer is dreamy when paired with slices of toasted baguette, rustic bread, or a crunchy cracker selection. For contrast, grab crisp apple or pear slices, which lend a sweet-tart snap against the creamy, savory brie. Even a small bowl of mixed olives or a handful of roasted nuts works wonders for variety and color on the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Let Garlic Baked Brie become the centerpiece by serving it on a wooden board surrounded by different dippers—think breadsticks, crostini, crudités, and fruits. Another showstopper: bake the brie in a small cast iron skillet, then set it right on the table so everyone can delight in its rustic, bubbling beauty. For mini portions, try slicing the baked brie into wedges after topping; guests can help themselves for easy mingling and conversation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If there’s any chance you’ll have leftovers (unlikely, but sometimes restraint happens!), simply wrap the cooled Garlic Baked Brie in foil or transfer it to an airtight container. Pop it in the refrigerator and it’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 days. The texture will firm up as it chills, but a quick warm-up brings it back to its gooey glory.

Freezing

While technically you can freeze baked brie, the texture may become grainy once thawed and reheated. For the freshest result, enjoy Garlic Baked Brie within a couple of days of baking. If you must freeze, wrap the cooled brie tightly in plastic wrap and foil, freeze for up to a month, and thaw in the refrigerator before gently reheating.

Reheating

To bring leftover Garlic Baked Brie back to life, set it in a small baking dish and warm it gently at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes, just until melty again. Skip the microwave, as it can make the cheese rubbery instead of creamy and inviting.

FAQs

Can I add other toppings to Garlic Baked Brie?

Absolutely! While garlic and parsley are classic, you can try adding a drizzle of honey, chopped toasted nuts, or a scattering of sun-dried tomatoes for an extra-special twist. Just make sure the topping complements the savory richness of the cheese and garlic.

Do I need to remove the brie rind before baking?

Nope—the rind acts as a natural casing that helps the brie hold its shape while baking. It’s completely edible and actually adds a subtle earthy note to each mouthful. Simply leave it on and enjoy the contrast between melty middle and delicate exterior.

What type of bread is best for serving with Garlic Baked Brie?

Crusty French baguette, sourdough slices, or sturdy crackers are all excellent choices. The key is to choose something that’s firm enough to scoop up the soft cheese and flavorful enough to let the brie shine. Bonus points for bread toasted until golden and crispy!

Can I use pre-chopped garlic or garlic powder?

Fresh garlic is definitely preferred here. It releases loads of flavor and aroma as it sautés in butter. If you’re in a pinch, pre-chopped garlic will work (use a little extra), but garlic powder won’t deliver the same wow factor in Garlic Baked Brie.

Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?

Yes! Simply use a larger wheel of brie or bake two side by side. Double the butter, garlic, and parsley to ensure every inch gets that delicious flavor treatment. Just keep an eye on the bake time—larger wheels may take a few minutes longer to become perfectly gooey.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never experienced the magic of Garlic Baked Brie, now’s the perfect time to treat yourself and your favorite people. It’s warm, flavorful, and almost absurdly easy to make for something that tastes so special. Give it a try at your next get-together—you’ll quickly understand why Garlic Baked Brie has a way of disappearing in minutes and earning rave reviews every single time!

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