Description

Elevate your appetizer game with this effortlessly elegant molten brie. A warm, gooey center topped with a sweet apricot glaze and crunchy toasted almonds makes for an unforgettable bite that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

An 8-ounce (227 g wheel of brie cheese, chilled)
⅓ cup sliced almonds
¼ cup apricot preserves
¼ cup finely chopped dried apricots
1 tablespoon orange juice
⅛ teaspoon ground cardamom
1 sprig of fresh thyme (for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Position a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 375°F (190°C). Place the chilled wheel of brie into a small, oven-safe ceramic baking dish or a dedicated brie baker.
Toast the Almonds: In a small, dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sliced almonds, shaking the pan frequently until they are fragrant and turn a light golden-brown, about 2–4 minutes. Immediately remove them from the pan and set aside to prevent burning.
Create the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the apricot preserves, orange juice, and ground cardamom. Warm the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring continuously for about 2 minutes until it becomes smooth and pourable.
Combine the Toppings: In a small bowl, mix the toasted almonds and the chopped dried apricots. Pour the warm apricot glaze over the top and stir until the nuts and fruit are evenly coated.
Assemble and Bake: Spoon the apricot and almond mixture evenly over the top of the brie wheel. For easier handling, place the baking dish on a larger baking sheet. Bake for 12–18 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly softened and just beginning to ooze at the sides.
Rest and Serve: Carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let the baked brie rest for at least 5 minutes before serving; this allows the cheese to set slightly for a perfect, scoopable consistency. Garnish with the fresh thyme sprig and serve warm.

Notes

Serving Suggestions: This appetizer pairs beautifully with sturdy, whole-grain crackers, toasted crostini, or crisp apple slices. The tartness of a Granny Smith apple provides a wonderful contrast to the rich cheese and sweet topping.
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to experiment! Cherry preserves with toasted pecans and a hint of cinnamon would be a delicious holiday variation. For a savory twist, try an onion jam with toasted walnuts and a fresh rosemary garnish.
Storage: Baked brie is best enjoyed immediately. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a 325°F (160°C) oven for a few minutes to restore its creamy texture.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, 1/6 recipe): Calories: 206 kcal | Total Fat: 13.3 g (Saturated Fat: 6.8 g, Trans Fat: 0.0 g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4.7 g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.0 g) | Cholesterol: 38 mg | Total Carbs: 13.7 g (Dietary Fiber: 1.1 g, Total Sugars: 9.6 g, Added Sugars: 5.3 g, Net Carbs: 12.6 g) | Protein: 9.3 g | Sodium: 242 mg | Potassium: 193 mg | Calcium: 89 mg | Iron: 0.55 mg | Vitamin D: 0.19 mcg

These values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.

Nutrition

Calories: 206