Brie Baked to Perfection: Blueberries and Zesty Lemon Marmalade Infusion

 This effortlessly baked brie delivers an irresistible, gooey texture, adorned with zesty lemon marmalade, blueberries, Marcona almonds, and fragrant fresh rosemary. It’s the ultimate uncomplicated yet impressive addition for entertaining, whether as an appetizer or a delightful dessert.

Undoubtedly, a cheese board is a crowd-pleaser, the nucleus of conversations and shared nibbles, setting the stage for party chatter. Yet, when you infuse a touch of warmth, transforming cheese into a bubbling, gooey dip, the party ambiance escalates. While I adore melty queso dip, hot crab dip, and the classic cheesy spinach and artichoke dip, nothing quite matches the ease and allure of baked brie for seamless entertaining.

My repertoire includes a delightful version featuring fig jam, dried cranberries, candied pecans, and fresh thyme—an absolute favorite. Then there’s the Mediterranean rendition with sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, and basil. Now, this baked brie, boasting lemon marmalade, blueberries, Marcona almonds, and fresh rosemary, firmly plants itself in the savory fruit realm, effortlessly straddling the line between appetizer and potential dessert. It demands minimal ingredients, offers simplicity in preparation, and emerges ready in a mere 15 minutes.

Embrace the French spirit and indulge in dessert cheese, savoring it with sliced fruit (apple slices are my top pick), toasted baguette rounds, or perhaps even slices of pound cake.

Ingredients for This Easy Baked Brie

Crafting this effortless baked brie requires only a handful of ingredients, each contributing essential flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

French-style brie

Lemon marmalade

Fresh blueberries

Marcona almonds

Fresh rosemary

Directions for Making This Baked Brie

This baked brie recipe is a cinch and comes together in just 15 minutes. Follow these steps:

Remove the rind: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut along the top inside edge of the brie round and remove the top rind. If the surface appears uneven, rest assured, it will smoothen as it bakes.

Bake to perfection. Place the brie in a 6-8 ounce gratin baking dish or cast-iron pan and bake until the cheese is melted and effervescent.

Garnish and present. Once baked, adorn the brie with lemon marmalade, blueberries, Marcona almonds, and a sprinkle of rosemary. Serve it piping hot alongside sliced baguette, apple slices, assorted fruits, or even pound cake.

Should You Remove the Rind from Brie Before Baking?

No, I prefer to keep the rind intact. However, I use a sharp knife to gently remove the top edge of the brie. This simple step makes it effortless to dip into the cheese.

Is Brie Rind Edible?

I’m personally open to eating the rind, although some may be hesitant to try it. The rind is an edible mold that develops as the cheese ripens, contributing to the brie’s distinct flavor. In this recipe, it serves as a natural vessel as the cheese melts. Whether to consume the rind or not is entirely your choice.

What Type of Brie is Ideal for Baking?

For the best taste and a creamy, melty texture, it’s recommended to serve this baked brie warm or at room temperature.

Enhanced Topping Combinations for Baked Brie

While baked brie is delightful by itself as an appetizer, incorporating one, two, or even three additional toppings elevates your brie to a standout level.

Here’s a guideline I follow when assembling toppings for salads, toasts, and baked brie:

Incorporate a jam-like element

Introduce nuts for textural contrast

Include a sweet fruit or a profoundly savory component

Enhance with an aromatic herb to impart freshness

Variety and Substitutions

While the combination of blueberry, lemon marmalade, almonds, and rosemary is a stellar appetizer choice, here are some alternative suggestions I enjoy:

Experiment with dried cranberries, cherries, or currants

Add candied or toasted nuts for an enjoyable crunch

Consider trying luscious fig jam, spiced pepper jelly, or hot honey

Explore using orange marmalade or your preferred berry jam

Fresh fruits like apples, grapes, blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries are versatile alternatives

Add touches of fresh thyme leaves for an aromatic twist

What’s the Ideal Bakeware for Baking Brie?

Opt for an oven-proof baking dish or skillet slightly larger than your brie to prevent the cheese from overflowing when you slice into the round. This ensures the cheese remains contained during baking.

Baked Brie With Blueberries and Lemon Marmalade

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