This baked brie, topped with toasted pecans, honey and rosemary will elevate your cheeseboard at your next party. This dish is an absolute crowd pleaser and sure to impress! A combination of the creamy richness of brie cheese with the nutty crunch of pecans and the golden sweetness of honey. A mouthwatering symphony of flavours that your guests will adore.
As we inch closer and closer to the festive season, more social events pop up in our calendar. This means platters and grazing boards are often on the mind! A soft cheese, often brie or camembert is an essential component to the classic cheeseboard spread. If you're tired of serving the same old wheel, I've got a simple recipe to take your cheese to the next level.
A Brie History
Originating from the Île-de-France region of France, brie has a legacy dating back to the 8th century. Originally crafted by French monks, brie cheese gained popularity during the reign of King Charlemagne. Over the centuries, it evolved into the velvety, bloomy-rind cheese we know and love today.
Well known for its rich, buttery texture, the thin wax coats and inside that's creamy white or pale yellow depending on how ripe it is. There are many varieties, notably, Brie de Meaux, often hailed as the "King of Cheese," stands out for its rich, creamy texture and earthy aroma. Its smaller cousin, Brie de Melun, offers similar characteristics but with a more intense flavour profile. For those craving an extra layer of indulgence, Brie Brillat-Savarin provides a luxurious experience, while triple-cream variations like Brie Le Chatelain take richness to unparalleled heights. Each brie variety, from regal to innovative, adds its unique touch to the timeless appeal of this beloved cheese.
Baked cheese
Brie and its close cousin, camembert, share a luxurious creaminess and a mild, buttery flavor that make them ideal candidates for baking. The high moisture content and soft texture of these cheeses transform into a decadent gooey consistency when heated. This transformation provides a blank canvas for complementary flavours, such as the earthy notes of pecans and the sweetness of honey.
When baked, brie and camembert develop a luscious, molten interior while maintaining their distinctive outer rind. This duality of textures creates a comforting and sophisticated feature to any cheese board, making them a perfect choice for entertaining or elevating a casual gathering.
Crafting the Perfect Cheeseboard
A well-curated cheeseboard is simply a must for any party or gathering! The addition of Baked Brie with Pecans & Honey not only enhances the visual appeal of the board but also introduces a delightful warm element that contrasts with the cool creaminess of other cheeses.
Some things to consider when crafting the perfect cheeseboard:
- Variety of Cheeses: Include a diverse selection of cheeses, such as aged cheddar, blue cheese, and a soft goat cheese, to cater to different palates.
- Accompaniments: Enhance the cheese experience with a variety of accompaniments, such as fresh fruits, artisanal crackers, and olives. These elements provide a medley of textures and flavors.
- Nuts and Honey: Elevate the board with the addition of toasted pecans, which complement the baked brie, and drizzles of honey for a touch of sweetness.
- Visual Appeal: Arrange the cheeses and accompaniments thoughtfully, creating a visually appealing display. Consider the balance of colors, shapes, and textures to entice your guests.
Ingredients
- Brie cheese
- Pecans
- Rosemary
- Honey
- Flaky salt
See recipe card below for quantities.
Tips and Variations
This is a simple recipe, and substitutions are easily made.
- Cheese: swap your brie for camembert if you prefer.
- Nuts: use toasted almonds or walnuts instead of pecans.
- Honey: the honey can be swapped for maple syrup.
- Herbs: thyme could be used instead of rosemary, or omitted completely.
Equipment
- Small baking dish
- Small frypan
- Mortar and pestle
Watch the video here. If you make this one, don't forget to tag me on TikTok or Instagram. I love to see it!
Baked Brie with Pecans & Honey
Ingredients
- 1 small wheel of brie
- ⅓ cup pecans
- 2 sprigs rosemary
- 2 tablespoon honey plus extra to drizzle
- Flaky salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180ºC. Slice off the top of your brie and place it in a small baking dish. Cover with a lid, or aluminium foil, and bake for 20-25 minutes, until your brie is gooey in the centre.
- Meanwhile, dry toast your pecans in a clean frypan over medium heat. Allow to cool for five minutes before transferring to a mortar and pestle.
- Crush pecans lightly keeping some chunks large, and some small. Chop rosemary finely and add into pecans along with honey. Stir well to combine.
- Once brie is baked, pour pecan, honey and rosemary mixture over the top. Drizzle with extra honey if you'd like and sprinkle with flaky salt. Serve immediately with crackers, bread or slices of apple.
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