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An easy hot appetizer to serve at parties, holidays, get-togethers, and more!
Need a last-minute appetizer for cocktail parties or the holidays? This Baked Brie with Apricot Preserves, Rosemary, and Almonds can be assembled and baked within 20 minutes and only needs 5 ingredients! It’s one of the best and easiest appetizers, and your guests won’t be able to get enough.
Baked brie with jam is the ultimate snack to serve at both formal and casual events because:
- It’s a breeze to assemble.
- You can mix up the toppings in endless ways.
- Everyone always loves it!
You really can’t go wrong, no matter if you decide to top the gooey baked cheese with apricots and herbs, cranberry sauce and citrus, pears and honey, or fig jam and pistachios.
Apricots, in particular, are one of brie’s best friends. Their natural sweetness cuts right through the rich cheese and adds balance to every bite. Fresh rosemary, brandy, and almonds are the finishing touch here. They’re mixed together with the preserves, giving this easy snack plenty of charisma!
Ingredients needed to make this easy recipe
This appetizer gets its fancy-ish presentation and depth of flavor from a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you need:
Brie
Brie is a cow’s milk cheese from France with a renowned reputation. It has a bloomy rind on the outside and a creamy and soft inside, and every bite tastes like butter. Feel free to spring for the good stuff or stick to your budget - any brie you choose will taste amazing.
Whichever brand you choose, make sure to pick up an 8-ounce wheel of double cream brie. This should be enough for yourself and a few guests. If you’re serving a crowd, go ahead and double the recipe.
Apricot preserves or jam
Brie and apricots go hand in hand. Perhaps it’s the stone fruit’s natural sweetness that pairs so well with the buttery cheese or the lovely contrast of the orange against the white. Regardless, the two together are impeccable!
If you’re aiming for the quick and easy route, buy your favorite apricot jam or preserves from the grocery store. Otherwise, learn how to make it yourself to take the brie appetizer up a notch.
Pro Tip!
- Brie is great with lots of different types of jam or preserves! Try this combo with grape jam, strawberry jelly, or orange marmalade!
Rosemary
A little fresh rosemary goes a long way. Chop it very finely and don’t use too much or else its woody and floral notes will overpower the cheese and jam.
No fresh rosemary at home? Use fresh thyme or sage leaves in its place.
Brandy
A tiny splash of brandy is stirred together with the preserves, rosemary, and salt. This pairing also makes an appearance in my Baked Brie With Apricot Preserves and Crispy Prosciutto because the brandy adds a wonderful depth and richness next to the apricots.
The brandy is, of course, optional. Simply omit it to make this appetizer alcohol-free.
Salt
Just a pinch to round out the sweetness!
Roasted almonds
The crunch from the almonds makes every bite deliciously interesting. Use lightly or unsalted almonds and feel free to roast them yourself in the oven or a pan on the stove.
If you don’t want to use almonds, feel free to use walnuts, pistachios, or pecans instead. You can’t go wrong pairing baked brie and nuts!
How to make baked brie with apricot jam
It may look fancy, but baking brie with fruit toppings is easy! This is all you need to do:
Step 1: Stir the preserves, rosemary, brandy, almonds, and salt together in a medium bowl.
Step 2: Top the wheel of brie with the jam mixture.
Step 3: Bake the cheese until the sides are soft to the touch.
Let it rest for 5 minutes, then serve.
Frequently asked questions
Do you take the rind off the brie before baking?
No, you need to leave the rind intact. Not only is it edible (and considered a delicacy), but it’s also necessary for preventing the baked cheese from melting all over the place.
Did you already cut off the rind? No problem! Just wrap the wheel of cheese in a sheet of defrosted puff pastry dough (baked brie en croûte). Brush the outside with melted butter and bake until golden brown.
What do you serve with baked brie?
While the brie with apricot jam is in the oven, fill a serving tray or meat and cheese board with all kinds of goodies for dipping. Include hearty crackers, crostini, sliced fruit (like apples and pears), fresh bread, and anything else you love dipping into melted brie.
How do you make individual servings?
To make individual apricot brie bites instead, add a slice of brie and the toppings on homemade crostini and bake until the cheese melts.
Can it be reheated?
Absolutely! You can pop any leftovers back in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes or until the cheese is soft and gooey again.
Can you bake brie ahead of time?
The only way to prepare this appetizer ahead of time is to make the jam mixture. It can be stirred together 3 days ahead and kept in the fridge until it’s time to bake the brie.
Baked brie is best when it’s hot and melty, which is why I recommend serving it a few minutes after it comes out of the oven. If your guests are running a little late, just keep the brie on the hot baking tray or a warm cast iron pan until they arrive.
Recipe
Baked Brie with Apricot Preserves Rosemary and Almonds
Ingredients
- 8 ounce wheel double cream brie
- ¼ cup apricot preserves
- 2 tablespoon chopped roasted salted almonds
- ½ teaspoon brandy optional
- ¼ teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
Garnish
- additional fresh rosemary sprigs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place the wheel of brie on an oven-safe serving dish or a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Combine preserves, rosemary, brandy (if using), almonds, and salt together in a medium bowl.
- Top brie with jam mixture and bake until the sides of the brie are soft to the touch, 12 to 15 minutes.
- Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving, then serve with crackers.
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