Baked Brie with Honey and Almonds

Baked Brie with Honey and Almonds is the ultimate elegant-yet-effortless appetizer — a dish that transforms a simple wheel of brie into a warm, gooey, creamy delight topped with golden honey and crunchy almonds. The result is a perfect balance of rich, savory, sweet, and nutty flavors, all in one bite.

When baked, brie becomes luxuriously soft and molten inside its rind, making it irresistible when scooped up with a cracker, toasted baguette slice, or crisp apple wedge. Drizzling it with honey adds a delicate sweetness, while toasted almonds bring texture and a hint of earthy richness.

Why I Love This Recipe

I adore this recipe because it feels fancy but is effortlessly simple. You only need a few ingredients and 15 minutes to create something that looks straight out of a gourmet bistro.

It’s the kind of appetizer that brings people together — as soon as you slice into that molten cheese, everyone gathers around the platter.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Elegant yet easy — only 4–5 ingredients and minimal prep.
• Perfect for entertaining — serves beautifully with wine or champagne.
• Combines sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures perfectly.
• Ready in 15 minutes — ideal for last-minute guests.
• A crowd-pleasing appetizer that always disappears first!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 15–17 minutes

Servings and Calories

• Servings: 6–8 people (as an appetizer)
• Calories: Approximately 180 kcal per serving

Cuisine and Course

Cuisine: French / European

• Course: Appetizer / Party Snack

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 wheel of Brie cheese (8 oz / 225 g)
• 2 tablespoons honey (preferably floral or wildflower honey)
• ¼ cup sliced almonds (toasted)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
• Crackers, crostini, or apple slices – for serving

Optional Garnishes:

• Dried cranberries or figs
• A drizzle of balsamic glaze
• Sea salt flakes

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Place the brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a small baking dish.
3. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until soft and slightly oozing.
4. Top with honey, toasted almonds, and thyme.
5. Serve warm with crackers or bread.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper or use an oven-safe dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Brie

• Unwrap the wheel of brie and place it on the prepared baking dish.
• (Optional) Score the top lightly with a sharp knife in a crisscross pattern — this helps the honey seep in.

Step 3: Toast the Almonds

• In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sliced almonds for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant.
• Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 4: Bake the Brie

• Place the brie in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese feels soft in the center when gently pressed.
• Be careful not to overbake — it should be gooey inside but still hold its shape.

Step 5: Add Toppings

• Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle honey over the top.
• Sprinkle with toasted almonds and fresh thyme if using.

Step 6: Serve

• Transfer the baked brie to a serving platter (carefully — it’s soft!).
• Surround it with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or apple wedges for dipping.

How to Serve

• Serve warm, right out of the oven, while the cheese is still gooey and spreadable.
• Place a small knife or spoon for guests to scoop the melted brie onto crackers or bread.
• Pair it with a glass of white wine, rosé, or champagne for a perfect flavor match.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overbake — 10–12 minutes is perfect. Too long, and it may burst open.
• Toast nuts ahead of time to save prep.
• Use high-quality brie — the flavor makes a big difference.
• If serving at a party, keep it on a warm platter or baking stone to maintain the soft texture.
• Add a pinch of sea salt on top to enhance sweetness and balance flavors.

Variations

Honey-Walnut Brie: Substitute almonds with chopped walnuts for a richer flavor.
Fig and Pistachio Brie: Add fig jam and crushed pistachios before baking.
Berry-Topped Brie: Add raspberry or cranberry compote for a fruity contrast.
Savory Version: Skip the honey and top with caramelized onions and herbs.
Herbed Brie: Add rosemary, thyme, or lavender before baking for aromatic notes.

Freezing and Storage

Storage:

• Store leftover baked brie (if any!) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 5–7 minutes until soft again.

Freezing:

• It’s not recommended to freeze baked brie, as the texture can become grainy when thawed.
• You can, however, freeze unbaked brie (without toppings) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet or oven-safe dish
• Parchment paper
• Small skillet (for toasting almonds)
• Serving platter
• Small cheese knife or spreader

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Do I need to remove the rind before baking?
No — the rind holds the cheese together while baking. It’s edible and adds flavor.

Q2. Can I use other cheeses instead of brie?
Yes! Camembert works wonderfully as a substitute.

Q3. How do I know when the brie is done baking?
Gently press the center — it should feel soft and slightly jiggly, not firm.

Q4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the brie on the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

Q5. What can I serve with baked brie?
Crackers, toasted baguette, apple or pear slices, grapes, or figs pair beautifully.

Conclusion

Baked Brie with Honey and Almonds is the definition of simple elegance. In under 20 minutes, you can create a warm, gooey, luxurious appetizer that feels gourmet but couldn’t be easier. The combination of creamy melted brie, golden honey, and toasted almonds is pure bliss — every bite is rich, smooth, and delicately sweet.

Whether for the holidays, a romantic dinner, or a wine night with friends, this dish never fails to impress. Serve it once, and it’s guaranteed to become a signature appetizer in your kitchen repertoire.