This post is sponsored by Kroger and Président® Brie. All opinions expressed in this post are my own and not those of The Kroger Co.
Prepare to elevate your entertaining with this exquisite baked brie, lavishly adorned with a vibrant raspberry bacon onion jam. Forget elaborate, expensive cheese platters – this irresistible appetizer is destined to be the star of your next holiday gathering or casual get-together!
For years, I approached brie with skepticism. Every holiday season, as others eagerly anticipated the arrival of that creamy cheese, my attention gravitated more towards sweet desserts and savory dips. Little did I know, I was missing out on a culinary revelation.
My entire perspective changed the moment I tasted this incredible baked brie. It was a true epiphany! The warm, inviting aroma alone was enough to pique my interest, but the flavor… oh, the flavor was transformative. It proved that sometimes, the simplest pleasures can be the most profound.
The foundation of this dish is a beautifully toasted sourdough bread bowl, brushed with fragrant garlic herb butter. While delicious on its own, it truly shines when paired with the star of the show. As I reached for a crusty-on-the-outside, perfectly tender-inside chunk of the bread, the most luscious, molten brie came oozing out. It was a moment of pure culinary bliss, reminiscent of a royal entrance – slow, magnificent, and utterly captivating. From that moment, I was completely smitten.
I am now a lifelong devotee of baked brie. In fact, I jokingly wish I had named my first child Brie; the name itself evokes such decadence and charm. But beyond its luxurious appeal, the most astonishing aspect of this recipe is how incredibly easy it is to assemble, yet the resulting flavor is absolutely extraordinary. It truly is unreal!
For those unfamiliar, Brie is a soft, cow’s milk cheese renowned for its rich, buttery flavor and delicate, edible white rind. Hailing from the Brie region of France, its pale, ivory interior offers a creamy texture that becomes wonderfully gooey when baked. The flavor profile can vary subtly depending on its specific manufacturing process and aging, but it generally presents a mild, earthy, and nutty taste that makes it incredibly versatile for both sweet and savory pairings.
When selecting brie, we consistently choose Président Brie. It consistently delivers the superior flavor and quality that makes this recipe shine. It’s no surprise that Président Brie holds the prestigious title of the #1 Brie brand in both France and the United States, and it proudly earned a silver medal at the Wisconsin Cheese Maker’s Association in 2019. Crafted in the authentic French tradition from 100% cow’s milk, Président Brie embodies pure perfection in every bite, making it an ideal choice for this elegant appetizer.
One of the most appealing qualities of Président Brie is its remarkable versatility. It adapts beautifully to a wide array of recipes, complementing both sweet and savory accompaniments. In this particular recipe, we’ve harnessed its adaptability by pairing it with a homemade bacon jam that harmonizes both sweet and savory notes. Ensure you pick up a wheel of Président Brie during your next visit to your local Kroger store to experience its unparalleled taste and texture.
Essential Ingredients for Bacon Jam Baked Brie
To craft the most delectable pull apart baked brie you’ve ever tasted, gathering the right ingredients is key. The star, of course, is the rich and glorious bacon onion jam, perfectly complemented by the aromatic garlic herb butter brushed over the bread. And, of course, don’t forget the cornerstone of this dish: a premium Président Brie wheel. Its creamy texture and exquisitely mild taste embody everything the best brie should be, promising a truly unforgettable appetizer experience.
- Président Brie Wheel – 8oz
- Thick-Cut Bacon
- Caramelized Onion Jam (store-bought or homemade, see instructions below)
- Fresh or Frozen Raspberries
- Pure Maple Syrup
- Aged Balsamic Vinegar
- Round Sourdough Bread Bowl
- Unsalted Butter
- High-Quality Olive Oil
- Fresh Garlic Cloves
- Fresh Parsley
- Fresh Rosemary
- Fresh Thyme
- Natural Honey (for drizzling)
Exact measurements for each ingredient can be found in the detailed recipe card at the end of this post.
Crafting Your Own Caramelized Onion Jam (If Needed)
While many well-stocked grocery stores, especially those with specialty cheese sections, carry caramelized onion jam, you might prefer to make your own or simply can’t find it. Creating your own onion jam adds a personalized touch and is surprisingly simple. Here’s what you’ll need for a quick, homemade batch:
- 1/2 medium white onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, gently packed
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
Combine all these ingredients in a small pan over low heat. Cook gently for approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized and the mixture has thickened into a jam-like consistency. Once prepared, this flavorful jam is ready to be used as directed in the baked brie recipe.
How to Master the Art of Baked Brie
This baked brie in a sourdough bread bowl is more than just an appetizer; it’s a showstopper that will become a cherished tradition at all your future gatherings. You’ll be amazed by how easily this elegant dish comes together, making you look like a seasoned chef with minimal effort. Here are the fundamental steps to prepare this crowd-pleasing delight. For a complete guide with all precise details and timings, please refer to the recipe card below.
- Begin by preheating your oven to the specified temperature, preparing it for optimal baking.
- In a skillet over medium heat, combine all the topping ingredients: the onion jam, crumbled bacon, fresh raspberries, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar. Stir these components occasionally, allowing them to simmer gently until most of the liquid has evaporated and the mixture achieves a rich, jammy consistency.
- Next, prepare your fragrant garlic herb butter. In a small saucepan, gently heat the butter, olive oil, and minced garlic until the garlic becomes aromatic and lightly golden, typically about one minute. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, thyme).
- Carefully prepare your sourdough bread bowl. Using a sharp knife, trace the circumference of the 8oz Président Brie wheel to create a perfect circular cavity. Gently scoop out the bread from the center of the bowl, ensuring the brie wheel will fit snugly inside. The Président Brie wheel is perfectly sized for baking into a warm, inviting appetizer.
- Score the top of the bread bowl by cutting wedges around the outside, being careful not to cut all the way through the bottom. This creates the “pull-apart” portions.
- Slice the extra bread pieces you scooped out earlier. Drizzle them lightly with olive oil and a pinch of salt, then toss to coat evenly. These will be baked alongside the brie for extra dippers.
- Generously brush the inside and outside of the bread bowl with your aromatic garlic & herb butter. Reserve a portion of the butter mixture for a final brush after baking.
- Unwrap the Président Brie wheel. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice off the top rind of the brie. Place the rind-less top side up into the bread cavity you prepared.
- Generously spoon the warm raspberry bacon onion jam over the top of the brie, ensuring an even coating.
- Carefully transfer the bread bowl onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
- Bake the brie-filled bread bowl in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes. At this point, add the extra bread chunks to the cookie sheet and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is wonderfully melty and the bread is golden and toasted.
- Once baked to perfection, remove the bread bowl from the oven. Brush the remaining garlic herb butter mixture over the outside of the bread bowl for added flavor and a beautiful sheen.
- For a touch of elegance and extra flavor, drizzle a little honey over the top and scatter some freshly chopped herbs (such as parsley or rosemary) as a garnish.
- Serve immediately while still warm! Instruct your guests to pull apart the toasted bread wedges and dip them into the gooey, flavorful brie. Enjoy!
How Long Does Baked Brie Stay Gooey?
The delightful gooeyness of baked brie is best enjoyed fresh from the oven. It will remain wonderfully warm and perfectly dippable for about 15 minutes at room temperature. After this initial period, it will still be spreadable with a knife for approximately another 15 minutes as it gradually cools. If your baked brie starts to firm up too much, don’t worry! It can be easily rejuvenated with a quick reheat in the oven, ensuring you can enjoy that luscious texture again. (See the reheating instructions below).
Reviving Your Pull Apart Baked Brie: Reheating Tips
Should you have any leftovers or wish to prepare your baked brie in advance and reheat it later, the process is simple. To reheat, gently wrap the entire bread bowl (or individual portions) in aluminum foil. Place it in a preheated 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for 8-10 minutes. This gentle reheating method will restore the brie to its wonderfully melted, gooey state, and re-crisp the bread slightly, making it just as enjoyable as when it was first baked.
To Remove or Not to Remove the Brie Rind?
For this particular recipe, we recommend a hybrid approach to the rind: remove the rind from the top surface of the brie wheel, but leave the rind intact on the sides. The top rind is removed to allow the delicious raspberry bacon onion jam to meld directly with the creamy cheese, creating a seamless, flavorful experience. However, the rind on the sides helps the brie maintain its shape during baking and contributes a subtle, earthy flavor that many find quite delicious and integral to the brie experience. So, enjoy that flavorful rind!
Serving and Storage: Maximizing Your Baked Brie Experience
This cheesy pull-apart bread is truly a delight. While it’s best enjoyed warm, any leftovers can be stored. For optimal freshness and to maintain its delicious flavor, place any remaining baked brie (still in the bread bowl or as individual portions) in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will keep well in the refrigerator for approximately 3-5 days. When ready to enjoy again, simply follow the reheating instructions provided above to restore its gooey perfection.
What to Serve with Baked Brie (Beyond the Bread Bowl!)
The delightful sourdough bread bowl itself is often more than enough to scoop up all the melted, gooey brie and rich raspberry bacon onion jam. Its crusty exterior and soft interior are perfect companions. However, if you find yourself craving additional dippables or wish to expand your spread, there are many fantastic options. Slices of a fresh, crusty baguette work wonderfully, offering a classic pairing. Crunchy pita chips provide a satisfying contrast in texture. For a lighter, healthier option, baby carrots or crisp apple slices are excellent choices, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the rich cheese. And, if I’m being completely honest (shhhh, don’t tell!), you might even catch me simply taking a spoon to that luscious cheese and savoring it plain. It’s that good!
Perfect Wine Pairings for Baked Brie
To truly elevate your baked brie experience, consider pairing it with a complementary wine. For a sweet and savory dish like our Raspberry Bacon Onion Jam Baked Brie, a slightly sweet or fruit-forward wine can be a fantastic choice. A light-bodied Pinot Noir, with its red fruit notes, beautifully complements the raspberries and bacon. For white wine enthusiasts, a crisp, off-dry Riesling or a sparkling Prosecco offers a refreshing contrast and cuts through the richness of the brie, enhancing the overall flavor profile. A dry Rosé with berry undertones would also be a delightful match, especially during warmer months. Experiment with your favorites to find your perfect pairing!
I am a strong advocate for appetizers that exude elegance and sophistication, making it appear as though you’ve dedicated hours to their creation, yet are, in reality, remarkably quick and simple to prepare. This philosophy is especially valuable during the bustling holiday season! This sensational pull apart baked brie, featuring the rich creaminess of Président Brie and crowned with our signature raspberry bacon onion jam, is guaranteed to be the highlight and the most talked-about dish at your next festive gathering. It’s an appetizer that delivers on both visual appeal and unforgettable taste.
More Cheesy Appetizers You Must Try:
- Best Cheese Ball Ever
- Slow Cooker Sausage Dip
- Cheesy Black Bean Dip
- Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Chorizo Dip Queso Fundido
- BBQ Bacon Cheese Ball
- Jarlsberg Cheese Dip
- Bacon Ranch Cheesy Pull Apart Bread
- Pepperoni Pizza Dip
- Cheesy Lasagna Dip
- All our APPETIZER recipes here!
The Most Incredible Pull Apart Baked Brie
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Ingredients
- ▢ 7 oz. Caramelized onion jam, or, *see note
- ▢ 6 Slices Bacon, cooked and chopped into 1/2” pieces
- ▢ 1/2 Cup Raspberries, fresh or frozen
- ▢ 1 Tablespoon Maple Syrup
- ▢ 1 teaspoon Balsamic Vinegar
For The Bread
- ▢ 3 Tablespoons Butter
- ▢ 1 Tablespoon Olive oil
- ▢ 1 Clove Garlic
- ▢ 1/2 teaspoon Parsley, fresh chopped
- ▢ 1/2 teaspoon Rosemary, fresh, chopped
- ▢ 1/2 teaspoon Thyme, fresh
- ▢ 1 Bread Bowl
- ▢ 1 Wheel Brie, Président, unwrapped and the top sliced off.
- ▢ 1 teaspoon Honey
Instructions
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Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a skillet over medium heat, add the onion jam, bacon, raspberries, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar. Cook, stirring occasionally until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 3-5 minutes. Set aside.7 oz. Caramelized onion jam, 6 Slices Bacon, 1/2 Cup Raspberries, 1 Tablespoon Maple Syrup, 1 teaspoon Balsamic Vinegar
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Heat a small saucepan over medium heat and add the butter, olive oil, and garlic. Heat, stirring occasionally until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the fresh herbs and set aside.3 Tablespoons Butter, 1 Tablespoon Olive oil, 1 Clove Garlic, 1/2 teaspoon Parsley, 1/2 teaspoon Rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon Thyme
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Slice the top off of the bread bowl. Place the brie on top of the bread bowl and use a knife to trace its size, cutting out a circular hole. Remove the scooped-out bread.1 Bread Bowl, 1 Wheel Brie
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Cut wedges all along the bread bowl edges, creating pull-apart pieces, but do not cut through the bottom crust.
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Tear all remaining bread pieces into bite-sized chunks. Drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt, then toss to coat and set aside.
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Using a pastry brush, generously spread the herb butter mixture all over the inside of the bread bowl, ensuring even coverage. Reserve the remaining butter for the final step.
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Place the brie wheel into the prepared bread cavity. Use a sharp knife to remove the rind from the top of the brie, then cover the exposed cheese with the prepared raspberry bacon onion jam. Place the bread bowl on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
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Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. Then, add the reserved bread chunks to the cookie sheet alongside the bread bowl and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the bread is golden brown.
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Remove from the oven and, using the reserved butter mixture, brush the sides and top edges of the bread bowl.
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Drizzle with honey and garnish with any fresh chopped herbs desired. Serve immediately and encourage guests to pull apart the warm bread pieces to enjoy with the gooey brie and jam!1 teaspoon Honey
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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