Golden-Baked Brie with Apricot Glaze and Toasted Almonds
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.
Servings 6
Calories 223kcal
Ingredients
- 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
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.
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.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe- Calories: 223 kcal
- Total Fat: 14.4 g
- Saturated Fat: 7.2 g
- Sodium: 243 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 15.5 g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.3 g
- Total Sugars: 11.7 g (Includes 8.7 g Added Sugars)
- Protein: 9.6 g
- Cholesterol: 18 mg
- Calcium: 169 mg
- Potassium: 167 mg