Baked Brie with Apples Recipe

The Creamiest Baked Brie with Apples Recipe for Cozy Gatherings

Baked brie refines ordinary appetizers into extraordinary culinary experiences that spark instant conversation at gatherings.

Creamy cheese melts into golden, bubbling perfection when nestled with sweet, caramelized fruit companions.

Rich, decadent flavors create a harmonious blend of textures that dance between soft and crisp elements.

Elegant yet surprisingly simple, this recipe elevates casual entertaining with minimal effort and maximum impact.

Sophisticated palates and comfort food lovers alike will appreciate the delightful contrast of warm, gooey cheese against fruity undertones.

Strategic ingredient selection makes this dish adaptable to various taste preferences and seasonal variations.

The magic of this appetizer lies in its ability to surprise and delight guests with minimal preparation.

Baked Brie with Apples That Melts Just Right

  • Elevate Cheese Experience: Transform an ordinary brie wheel into a gourmet appetizer with caramelized apples that bring deep, rich flavor complexity to every bite.
  • Quick and Easy Elegance: Prepare this stunning dish in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for surprise guests or spontaneous dinner parties without complex cooking skills.
  • Sensational Texture Contrast: Enjoy the creamy, melted brie paired with crisp, golden-brown apple pieces and crunchy walnuts, creating a delightful mouthfeel that tantalizes taste buds.
  • Seasonal Comfort Delight: Capture autumn's warmth with classic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg that infuse the dish with cozy, nostalgic flavors reminiscent of home-style cooking.

Ingredients for Baked Brie with Apples and Texture Contrast

Cheese Base:
  • Brie Wheel: Rich, creamy cheese with a soft texture that melts beautifully when baked, best when at room temperature for even melting.
Fruit and Spice Mixture:
  • Apples, Lemon Juice: Tart apples add sweetness and freshness, with lemon juice preventing browning and balancing flavors.
  • Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that create a classic sweet and aromatic coating for the apples.
Finishing Touches:
  • Butter: Helps caramelize apples and adds rich, golden color to the fruit.
  • Honey: Natural sweetener that provides glossy finish and extra depth of flavor.
  • Walnuts: Crunchy nuts that add texture and nutty complexity to the dish.

How to Assemble and Bake Brie with Apples

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 350°F. Line a small baking dish with parchment paper, creating a cozy spot for your cheese.

Step 2: Prep the Apple Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Chopped apples
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the mixture and let it sit for 5 minutes to develop flavors.

Step 3: Caramelize the Apples

Heat a pan over high heat. Melt butter and add the apple chunks (leaving behind the liquid). Sauté the apples, stirring constantly until they turn golden brown and slightly crispy, about 7 minutes.

Step 4: Create the Apple Sauce

Transfer the caramelized apples back to the original bowl. Drizzle honey over the warm apples and gently mix until each piece is beautifully coated.

Step 5: Bake the Brie

Place the entire brie wheel in the prepared baking dish. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes until the cheese becomes wonderfully soft and slightly melted.

Step 6: Assemble and Garnish

Carefully transfer the baked brie to a serving plate using a flat spatula. Generously spoon the caramelized apple mixture over the top. Sprinkle chopped walnuts for a delightful crunch.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Present the brie while it’s warm, inviting everyone to dive into this heavenly combination of creamy cheese and sweet, caramelized apples.

Serving Suggestion: Pair with crusty bread or crackers for the perfect appetizer or casual gathering treat.

Tips for Smooth, Melted Brie Every Time

  • Select the Right Brie: Choose a soft, ripe wheel that yields slightly when gently pressed to ensure maximum creaminess.
  • Prevent Apple Browning: Toss chopped apples with lemon juice immediately after cutting to maintain their fresh, bright color and prevent oxidation.
  • Caramelize Apples Perfectly: Use high heat and stir frequently to achieve golden-brown edges without burning, creating deep, rich flavor.
  • Control Cheese Melting: Watch brie closely during baking to achieve a soft, gooey texture without completely liquefying.
  • Serve Immediately: Enjoy the dish warm for the best taste and texture, as brie and caramelized apples are most delicious when fresh from the oven.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Baked Brie

  • Refrigerate: Place leftover baked brie in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover the dish with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
  • Reheat Gently: Warm the brie in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes until the cheese softens. Avoid microwaving to maintain its creamy texture and prevent rubbery edges.
  • Best Consumed Fresh: While you can store leftovers, baked brie tastes best when served immediately after preparation. The melted cheese and warm apples create the most delicious experience when fresh.

What to Serve with Baked Brie and Apples

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to complement the creamy brie and sweet caramelized apples. These wines cut through the richness and balance the warm, spiced fruit flavors.
  • Match with Rustic Bread Selection: Grab a crusty sourdough or artisan baguette to scoop up the melted cheese and caramelized apples. The bread's texture provides a perfect crunch against the soft, gooey brie.
  • Enhance with Sparkling Beverage: Open a bottle of prosecco or champagne to elevate the appetizer's elegance. The bubbles will cleanse the palate between bites and highlight the dish's sweet and savory notes.
  • Serve with Nutty Side Salad: Create a simple green salad with mixed nuts, arugula, and a light vinaigrette. The salad's peppery greens and crunchy nuts will echo the walnuts on the brie and provide a fresh contrast.

Tasty Twists on the Classic Baked Brie with Apples

  • Savory Pear Swap: Replace apples with caramelized pears, using rosemary instead of cinnamon for an elegant herbal touch. Swap walnuts for toasted pine nuts to enhance the sophisticated flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Olive Remix: Substitute apples with sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives. Add crumbled feta cheese and fresh thyme leaves for a Greek-inspired baked brie experience that delivers rich, tangy notes.
  • Spicy Peach Paradise: Use fresh peaches instead of apples, incorporate jalapeño for heat, and drizzle with chili-infused honey. Sprinkle with toasted pepitas for a crunchy southwestern-style appetizer that brings vibrant complexity.
  • Berry Bourbon Fusion: Mix diced strawberries and blackberries with a splash of bourbon. Caramelize the berries with dark brown sugar and top the brie with this decadent mixture, garnishing with crushed pecans for added texture.
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Baked Brie with Apples Recipe

Baked Brie with Apples Recipe


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4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Baked Brie with Apples offers a luxurious blend of creamy cheese and sweet, caramelized fruit. Melted brie nestled with cinnamon-spiced apples creates an irresistible appetizer that warms hearts and delights senses, inviting you to savor each rich, comforting bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) brie cheese wheel
  • 2 apples, cored and chopped
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) walnuts, chopped

Sweeteners and Spices:

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Juice of ½ lemon

Instructions

  1. Arrange the oven rack to the middle position and warm the oven to 350°F, creating an ideal environment for melting cheese.
  2. Carefully position a sheet of parchment paper inside a small baking dish, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom surface.
  3. Gently place the entire brie wheel onto the prepared parchment paper, positioning it centrally within the dish.
  4. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and allow the cheese to transform for approximately 15 minutes until soft and slightly puffy.
  5. While the cheese bakes, craft the apple topping by dicing fresh apples into uniform, bite-sized pieces.
  6. In a separate mixing container, combine the apple chunks with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a whisper of nutmeg to create a fragrant mixture.
  7. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the apple mixture, which will prevent browning and enhance the overall flavor profile.
  8. Let the seasoned apples rest and macerate for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
  9. Select a skillet and heat it over high temperature, melting butter until it shimmers and becomes fragrant.
  10. Transfer the apple pieces into the hot skillet, carefully reserving the accumulated liquid from the earlier mixing bowl.
  11. Sauté the apples vigorously for approximately 7 minutes, stirring consistently to achieve a golden, caramelized exterior.
  12. Return the caramelized apples to the original mixing bowl, reuniting them with their reserved juices.
  13. Drizzle honey generously over the warm apples, gently folding to ensure each piece receives a luxurious coating.
  14. Extract the baked brie from the oven, using a flat spatula to carefully transfer the melted cheese onto a serving plate.
  15. Crown the soft cheese with the glistening caramelized apple mixture, creating an enticing visual and flavor contrast.
  16. Scatter chopped walnuts across the top, adding a delightful crunch and nutty dimension to the dish.
  17. Present immediately while warm, inviting guests to savor the harmonious blend of melted cheese and caramelized fruit.

Notes

  • Bake brie precisely at 350°F for perfect melting consistency without burning the cheese.
  • Caramelize apples separately to develop deep, rich flavor and prevent excess moisture on the cheese.
  • Use high-quality, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and tartness.
  • Allow the brie to rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to stabilize its melted structure before adding toppings.
  • Choose fresh walnuts for a crunchy contrast and added nutty depth to the sweet and creamy dish.
  • Serve immediately while warm to experience the most luxurious, gooey cheese texture and vibrant apple flavors.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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