Baked Brie with Strawberry Preserves

Name: Baked Brie with Strawberry Preserves
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 round Brie cheese (about 8 oz); 1/2 cup strawberry preserves; 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional); Fresh rosemary for garnish (optional); Crackers or sliced baguette for serving

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely adore making Baked Brie with Strawberry Preserves for gatherings. This dish combines the creamy, rich texture of baked Brie cheese with the sweet and tangy flavors of strawberry preserves. When it comes out of the oven, the cheese is perfectly gooey, and the preserves add a delightful contrast. It's a quick dish to prepare, yet it feels indulgent and special, making it an ideal starter or dessert for any occasion. Everyone loves digging in and pulling apart the melty cheese, creating a memorable experience.

Created by

Callista Green

Last updated on 2026-01-10T01:49:03.960Z

When I first tried Baked Brie, I was captivated by its simplicity and elegance. I often serve it during holiday gatherings and special occasions. The combination of warm cheese and sweet strawberry preserves is simply irresistible. Each time I make it, I find different ways to enhance it—like adding nuts or herbs—for added texture and flavor.

A unique tip I’ve discovered is to let the Brie sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This not only speeds up the melting process but also allows the flavors to meld before they hit the oven. The result is a creamy, luscious cheese that pairs beautifully with crackers or fresh fruit.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Delicious combination of gooey cheese and sweet preserves
Quick and easy to prepare for any occasion
Perfect for sharing and impressing your guests

      

The Role of Brie

Brie cheese is the star ingredient in this dish, providing its signature creamy and luxurious texture. When baked, it transforms into a gooey delight that is irresistible. Choosing a high-quality Brie is essential; look for cheese with a soft exterior and a buttery aroma. This cheese should be at room temperature before baking to ensure it melts evenly. If you're unsure about the ripeness, gently press the surface with your finger; it should give slightly without being overly soft.

If you want to switch things up, consider substituting Brie with Camembert, which has a similar texture and flavor profile, albeit with a stronger taste. For a lighter option, goat cheese can be used, but keep in mind the flavor will differ significantly. To achieve a similar gooey texture with goat cheese, bake it slightly longer, around 20-25 minutes, until softened.

Perfecting the Preserves

Strawberry preserves are a wonderful complement to the rich Brie, providing a balance of sweetness and acidity. When selecting preserves, pay attention to the ingredient list; natural fruit preserves without artificial additives yield the best flavor. You can even make your own quick strawberry compote by simmering fresh strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice for about 10-15 minutes. This homemade option allows for customization in sweetness and freshness.

For a twist on traditional flavors, feel free to experiment with other fruit preserves. Raspberry, apricot, or fig preserves can be delightful alternatives that complement the Brie in unique ways. Each will offer a different flavor profile, so choose one that aligns with your guests’ preferences. If you'd like to add a savory note, consider mixing herbs into your preserves before topping the Brie.

Serving Suggestions

The way you serve Baked Brie can elevate the experience for your guests. Arrange assorted crackers, toasted baguette slices, or even apple slices around the cheese for a beautiful presentation. This not only adds visual appeal but also allows for a variety of flavors and textures to accompany the creamy Brie. I love using a mix of crunchy and soft options to provide contrast in each bite.

If you're preparing for a larger gathering, consider adding toppings such as honey, sliced almonds, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze, all of which can take the dish to new heights. You can also scale the recipe by using multiple smaller Brie wheels instead of one large piece, allowing each guest to have their own cheesy treat. Just be sure to adjust the baking time to ensure everything is perfectly melted and ready to serve.

Ingredients

For Baked Brie

1 round Brie cheese (about 8 oz)
1/2 cup strawberry preserves
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Fresh rosemary for garnish (optional)
Crackers or sliced baguette for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Brie

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Brie on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Add Preserves

Spoon the strawberry preserves evenly over the top of the Brie. If using, sprinkle the chopped walnuts on top.

Bake

Put the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is soft and melty.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh rosemary if desired. Serve with crackers or sliced baguette.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider drizzling a little honey over the top just before serving. It enhances the sweetness and pairs wonderfully with the cheese.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you're planning a gathering, you can prepare this dish in advance. Assemble the Brie topped with preserves and walnuts, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to two hours before baking. This saves you time on the day of the event and allows for hassle-free serving. Just remember to take it out of the fridge while preheating the oven to let it come closer to room temperature for optimal melting.

For longer storage, you can freeze unbaked Brie with preserves for up to three months. Just wrap it well in foil and place it in an airtight container. When you're ready to bake, there's no need to thaw; just increase the baking time to 25-30 minutes to ensure that it heats through completely.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you notice the cheese is not melting as expected after the prescribed baking time, it may be due to oven temperature inconsistencies. Always use an oven thermometer for accuracy. If your Brie is overbaked, it can become rubbery rather than gooey, so keep a close eye on it and remove it once it's soft and bubbling at the edges.

For excessive overflow of preserves while baking, try placing a baking dish or tray underneath to catch any spills. Additionally, by lightly scoring the top of the Brie before adding the preserves, you allow the cheese to expand evenly and reduce the chance of bursting.

Variations to Try

Once you master the basic Baked Brie, you can easily create variations to suit different tastes. Consider adding a layer of caramelized onions or sautéed spinach for a savory twist. For a spicy kick, mix in some crushed red pepper flakes with the strawberry preserves. These additions can enhance the complexity of the dish and make it even more memorable.

Another fun variation is to serve the baked Brie with a selection of dipping options. Consider providing marinated olives, roasted garlic, or assorted vegetables for dipping. This transforms the dish into a shareable platter that invites collaboration and interaction among guests, turning a simple starter into a social experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different preserves?

Absolutely! You can try using fig, apricot, or even apple preserves for a unique flavor.

→ How do I store leftover baked Brie?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can reheat it in the oven for a few minutes.

→ Is the rind of the Brie edible?

Yes! The rind is completely edible and adds to the flavor of the cheese.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the Brie with the preserves and nuts and store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake it.