This rich and creamy baked brie round topped with elderberry syrup, honey and pecans is a crowd favorite, and it only takes a few minutes to prepare!
Baked brie has always been a favorite of mine. I used to be intimated to make it myself. It felt so upscale, and I was sure somehow I’d burn the thing.
Anytime I’m at a get-together, and there’s baked brie, I don’t even notice other foods. I have my sights set on this cheesy dream. Seriously, I’m right in front of that beauty dipping more and more while trying to be discreet so the other guests don’t realize I’ve owned this entire appetizer. It’s so, so good, yum!
I started to wonder if making baked brie myself was that hard.
The Easiest Baked Brie Recipe Ever
At first, I was sure I’d overbake the brie, turning it rock hard. Or what if I underbake it and make everyone sick somehow? Weird, I know.
I realized it was time to give this appetizer a try. Indulging a few times a year at girls' night or holiday parties wasn’t enough anymore, this momma needed her cheesy fix more regularly than that.
No one has time to slave away in the kitchen, and that’s why I’m crazy in love with this recipe. It only takes a few minutes to prepare, and your oven will do the rest. It’s just a matter of putting out some fruit or crackers for dipping after it comes out of the oven. Viola!
I’ve added a twist to the baked brie to make it more delicious, and slightly more healthy by adding elderberry syrup! Let’s get into why I think it’s best to add elderberry syrup to your baked brie.
Immune Boosting Elderberry
Using my elderberry syrup on this baked brie will be the best thing you’ve tasted in a long time, trust me. It’s so unbelievably good!
Since I love to cook and bake, I started seeing how I could use elderberry syrup in some of our favorite family recipes to get even more of a daily boost.
It’s a given that I absolutely adore elderberries. The gorgeous little gems have completely transformed my family’s health. Because of elderberries, we’re living healthier and happier than ever.
I’m a momma of five boys — if you have kiddos, you know how the constant cycle of sickness can go this time of year. One family member gets sick and then it takes its turn on everyone, including mom and dad. When you’ve gotten back to your routine, one of your kids walks in with a runny nose or a cough and BAM. Just like that, the cycle starts all over again.
It. Is. Exhausting.
Right?
When we were living like this, I was in tears all the time. I heard all this hype about elderberry syrup, but after checking prices for my big family, I decided to make my own. Way cheaper!
Making my own elderberry syrup ensured every single ingredient was necessary and organic. I’m not a fan of fillers, artificial ingredients or preservatives — too many health risks I’m not willing to take.
After making the delicious syrup, we now incorporate it into our morning routine. A simple tablespoon with our vitamins and then a nutritious breakfast.
Within days we could feel a difference, and the next thing you know… we’re rarely ever getting sick anymore. In fact, the longer we keep up with our daily dose (all year round), the stronger our immune systems get. It’s incredible to think about. You just need to provide the right nutrition, and your body will do the rest.
With how delicious my elderberry syrup tastes and how powerfully it boosts our immune systems, I knew I had to incorporate it into my baked brie. I’m glad I did because it tastes all that much better.
What Is Baked Brie?
Baked Brie hails from France and can come from either cows' or goat's milk. It’s a soft cheese meant to be savored.
Simply put, baked brie is heaven on earth. In my opinion, it’s the best cheese in the world.
After you bake it and cut the rind, all that warm gooey cheese comes spilling out, wiping away all of my troubles with every bite.
Nothing is on my mind except what I feel like dipping into it: crackers, fruit, veggies… the possibilities are endless and incredibly flavorful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons you’ll love this recipe, but here are a few of my favorites:
- Its warm, gooey and oh so creamy
- Easiest appetizer you’ll ever make
- Pleases even the pickiest eaters
- Looks classy & works for even the fanciest of occasions
With just a few minutes of prep and a little time in the oven, this baked brie is PERFECTION!
Ingredients for Elderberry, Honey & Pecan Baked Brie
The best part about this recipe is how few ingredients you need. In fact, you only need four, and you’re set.
That’s it. Pretty simple, right?
How to Make It
Things are about to get really cheesy (see what I did there? Haha)!
Here’s how to make this delicious baked brie appetizer:
- Preheat your oven to 375 F, then unwrap your brie round and place it in an 8x8 glass dish or a cast iron pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the organic elderberry syrup and honey.
- Score the rind of the brie simply with a criss-cross pattern and drizzle ½ the elderberry honey mixture over top.
- Sprinkle with pecans, then drizzle the remaining elderberry honey mixture over top of the pecans.
- Bake 10-15 minutes (depending on the size of your brie round, longer if over 8 oz) uncovered until softened and gooey.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately!
Be careful not to overcook the brie. Overcooking it can actually cause it to re-harden (kind of like overcooked chocolate), so I watch it carefully. Once the edges collapse and cheese is oozing out of the cuts you made, you’ll know it’s done.
How to Serve This Beauty
Baked brie is best served right out of the oven, warm and creamy. I like to keep it in the dish I baked it in and add a separate platter full of dippable options beside it.
But sometimes it’s prettier transferred to an elegant board or platter and surrounded with delicious crackers, fruits, you name it.
I like to serve baked brie with the following to make a dazzling presentation:
- Crackers
- Crostini
- Apple slices
- Pear slices
If you want to keep things simple, just cut into this melty baked brie and eat it as is.
Do You Eat the White Rind?
The Brie rind is, in fact, edible! It actually adds a depth of flavor to each bite. I personally love it, but if you’re not a fan, just eat the gooey cheese under it.
One tip, though: don’t remove the rind before baking. The rind is what keeps the cheese together as it bakes and gives you a base for toppings like our elderberry syrup and pecans.
How to Store Leftovers
There's no chance of leftovers whenever I make this for a crowd. But if you make it for just yourself, you might not be able to finish it.
Brie hardens as it cools, so just let it cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat the brie, you can place it in an oven-safe dish and pop it back in the oven at 375 F until it’s melty again, or just reheat it in the microwave.
I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. I wasn’t exaggerating when I said this was an easy recipe that delivers the most mouthwatering and savory appetizer. Perfect for a lazy night at home or a fancy party. Just give it a try, you’ll see.
💜 More elderberry recipes you’re sure to love:
