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Home » Recipes » Christmas

Baked Brie Cheese Appetizer with Apples and Bacon

Published: Dec 28, 2023 by Marye

Easy baked brie with apples and bacon is the perfect holiday appetizer recipe! It takes very little time to make, has tons of variations, and I'm showing you how... step by step!
Total time for the recipe to be finished.Total Time 40 minutes minutes
Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe
Overhead view of brie appetizer showing appetizer on tray.
A closeup of the baked brie with apples for pinning to Pineterest.
Ovehead view of the cheese board with text overlay for Pinterest.

Serve this easy appetizer for the holidays to impress your guests! It's so quick to put together that it's perfect for last-minute get-togethers!

Save this recipe by clicking on the ❤️ heart on the right-hand side of the screen or in the recipe card.

Overhead view of baked brie on a board surrounded by crackers.
When you're looking for easy holiday appetizers you can't do better than baked brie!
Table of Contents
  • 🗝️ Key takeaways
  • 🧾 Ingredients
  • 📖 Variations
  • 🔪 Instructions
  • 🍴 Equipment
  • 🥫 How to store baked Brie
  • 💭 Things to know
  • 👩‍🍳 FAQs
  • 📚 Related recipes
  • What to serve with baked brie
  • 📞 The last word
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

🗝️ Key takeaways

  • Gooey, oozy, rich, warm Brie with tangy apples and smoky bacon is a classic combination that's irresistable.
  • Perfect for any kind of get-together from a casual family movie night to a New Year's Eve cocktail party.
  • FYI - Ripe brie has a sweet odor. Overripe brie will smell like ammonia - take it back!

Baked brie cheese appetizer with apples and bacon is one of those easy recipes that looks sophisticated but it comes together quickly with just a few ingredients and tastes amazing!

I love this along with this gorgeous midnight kiss cocktail for parties.

🧾 Ingredients

Labeled ingredients for this recipe.

📖 Variations

Baked brie with apples and bacon is delicious - and it has to be one of the easiest appetizers ever. Still, there are a lot of variations that are every bit as delicious and just as easy!

  • Add some dried cranberries to the topping. They add a little sweet, tangy flavor plus a festive color.
  • You can use pear slices or diced pears instead of apples if you like.
  • Chopped, toasted pecans are a delicious addition. Different nuts works, too. Use your favorite.
  • Use pancetta instead of bacon.
  • Fig preserves are delicious on top!
  • Add a splash of bourbon to the apples just before you remove them from the heat.
  • This is delicious made with cinnamon apples.
  • If you'd like to make this easy baked brie recipe even easier just drizzle the baked cheese with some honey or maple syrup and top with a sprig of fresh rosemary.

🔪 Instructions

Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The full instructions are in the green recipe card below.

4 Step by step images for making this recipe.
  1. Cook the apples and bacon as instructed in recipe below.
  2. Slice off the top rind of the cheese. Place the wheel of brie cheese on a parchment lined baking sheet.
  3. Bake in preheated 325 degree oven for 8-10 minutes. Slide baked brie on parchment paper onto serving dish and top with apple mixture and then bacon.
  4. Add crackers, baguette slices, and other "dippers" and breads.

🍴 Equipment

  • parchment paper
  • baking sheet
  • serving dish
  • sharp knife

🥫 How to store baked Brie

If there happens to be some left there's no need to throw it away.

To store leftover brie let it come to room temperature, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 4 days.

I like to scrape any toppings off and store them separately.

To reheat just pop in the microwave on high for about 30 seconds, and then in 10-second intervals until hot and gooey.

Side view showing the thickness of the layer of bacon and apples.
Cheese plates are great additions to holiday parties and family gatherings because they're so easy!

💭 Things to know

Expert Tip: You don't need an expensive brie for this! YAY! The toppings help take the flavor to the next level even if it's from the economy section.

  • Pile all the apples and bacon on top of the brie while it's hot and gooey. It will sink in just a bit and that's ok!
  • If you happen to have one, you can bake and serve this on a small, flat cast iron skillet. It looks very rustic and fun on the table!
  • This is only going to stay gooey for about 10 minutes. If you'd like to keep it oozy longer use an oven-safe baking dish (ceramic) that you can bake and serve on.
  • You can tell if the cheese is ready by looking at the center if you've trimmed the top rind off. If you've left the rind on then gently touch the center and you'll be able to feel if it's soft or not.
  • Ripe brie has a sweet odor. Overripe brie will smell like ammonia - take it back!
  • You will need a full brie wheel, not a wedge.

👩‍🍳 FAQs

Can I cook baked brie in the air fryer?

Yes you can. Remove all the packaging, place it on a piece of parchment, and air fry at 350F for about 4 to 6 minutes.

Do you take the rind off brie before baking?

Nope. Keep the rind on because it holds the hot brie together. The Brie rind is edible; eat it if you want.

What temperature is brie cooked at?

Usually between 325F and 375F depending on the recipe.

How long does brie take to melt in the oven?

Between 5 to 10 minutes depending on the oven temperature. This is a quick, easy appetizer!

Can I warm brie in the microwave?

Yes! To make in the microwave slice the top off and heat on high for 40 to 60 seconds, then in 10-15 second intervals until melty.

Close up side view of baked brie showing the melted texture of the cheese.
You need sturdy crackers to handle all the melty cheese in this holiday appetizer!

📚 Related recipes

I like to serve this hot spinach dip, too. It's so easy and it's low carb for my guests who follow a keto lifestyle!

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What to serve with baked brie

I love this elegant appetizer as the center of one of a lavish charcuterie board! They're so easy to put together.

Add...

Onion bacon jam in a canning jar.

Onion bacon jam with a hearty wheat cracker is a nice addition to the board.

A closeup of a finished jar of pickled okra.

Pickled okra adds a tangy, crunchy bite that compliments that gooey melted cheese beautifully.

Closeup of a glass of pineapple sangria.

This fabulous Thanksgiving sangria is perfect for a serve-yourself pitcher.

A square collage of images from this post for the feature image.

You'll find over 100 more ideas for what to serve with baked brie right here!

I like to finish the board with small bunches of grapes tucked here and there - it just looks luxurious.

📞 The last word

This delicious, baked brie with apples and bacon is a crowd pleaser. It's perfect for everything from your family Thanksgiving to your office Christmas party.

It's so easy that you can serve it for the traditional family movie night (A Christmas Story, anyone?). It looks so fancy you can bring it to any party.

This is the best appetizer recipe ever - because it's so versatile! Add a bowl of cream cheese sausage balls next to it and you're ready to go!

If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.

If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📖 Recipe

Overhead view of brie appetizer showing appetizer on tray.

Baked Brie with Apples and Bacon

4.76 from 62 votes
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Easy baked brie with apples and bacon is the perfect holiday appetizer recipe! It takes very little time to make, has tons of variations, and I'm showing you how... step by step!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
Servings:8
Calories:178
Author:Marye Audet-White

Ingredients

  • 3 strips bacon
  • 1 apple, diced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 8 ounce wheel brie cheese
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  • Heat oven to temperature before adding the cheese. It's important the oven be fully preheated to 325°!
  • Dice the bacon and cook in an iron skillet or heavy frying pan over medium heat until crispy and golden brown.
  • Remove from the pan.
  • Drain bacon on paper towels and set aside.
  • Drain off all but about a teaspoon of the bacon drippings from the pan.
  • Melt butter in the same pan over medium - low heat and add the diced apples.
  • Saute apples about 2 minutes and then add the cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar.
  • Cook the apples mixture a few more minutes until tender.
  • Remove from heat and keep warm.
  • Place the brie wheel on parchment paper on a cookie sheet.
  • Carefully slice a thin layer of rind from just the very top of the wheel.
  • Bake in preheated 325° F oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and melty.
  • Remove from the oven.
  • Slide baked cheese wheel on parchment paper onto your serving dish and spoon the apple mixture over the top of the brie. Add the bacon.
  • Surround baked brie with water crackers, baguette slices, apple slices, and other bread, favorite crackers, and "dip-ins" of choice.

Microwave Instructions

  • Cook the bacon and apples as directed and set aside.
  • Place the brie wheel on a piece of parchment on a microwave safe dish.
  • Carefully trim off a thin layer of the top (this isn't necessary - I just prefer it).
  • Microwave on high for 40 seconds - check to see if the cheese has melted.
  • Microwave in 10 -15 second increments until the cheese has gotten melty and gooey.
  • Remove from the microwave, transfer to serving dish, and top with the apples and bacon.

Notes

Expert Tip: You don't need an expensive brie for this! YAY! The toppings help take the flavor to the next level even if it's from the economy section.
  • If you happen to have one you can bake and serve this on a small, flat cast iron skillet. It looks very rustic and fun on the table!
  • The molten cheese is only going to stay gooey for about 10 minutes. If you'd like to keep it oozy longer use an oven-safe baking dish (ceramic) that you can bake and serve on. You can also warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds.
  • You can tell if the cheese is ready by looking at the center if you've trimmed the top rind off. If you've left the rind on then gently touch the center and you'll be able to feel if it's soft or not.
  • Ripe brie has a sweet odor. Overripe brie will smell like ammonia - take it back!
  • You will need an entire wheel of brie, not just a wedge.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 178kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 332mg | Potassium: 89mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 271IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

This recipe has been tested several times. If you choose to use other ingredients, or change the technique in some way, the results may not be the same.

Originally published September 17, 2017. Last updated December 28, 2023 for structural changes, more tips, and information, recipe tweaks, and overall update for better user experience.

Updated from the original guest post written by Pam and Sara from Biscuits and Burlap. 

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About Marye

Meet Marye Audet, a wizard in the kitchen and a storyteller at heart. Marye is like your eccentric but fun aunt who knows all the secret recipes and isn't afraid to spill them.

Comments

    4.76 from 62 votes (61 ratings without comment)

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    Love it? Give it 5 stars!




  1. Joyce Graham says

    October 05, 2024 at 6:12 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve made this two weeks in a row! I added walnuts for the second one. A huge hit!

    Reply
  2. Joanne @ No Plate Like Home says

    September 25, 2017 at 7:42 am

    This looks delicious and is perfect for apple picking season. We almost took our boys to pick apples yesterday but it was really hot here in PA.

    Reply
    • Marye Audet says

      September 26, 2017 at 3:48 pm

      🙂 What are your favorite apples to use in recipes?

      Reply
      • Pam says

        September 27, 2017 at 6:03 am

        We love Granny Smith apples and use them in any recipe where the apples will be cooked.

      • Marye Audet says

        September 28, 2017 at 6:47 am

        They are good ones!

Marye Audet-White, founder of Restless Chipotle Media

Hey Y'all, I'm Marye

Welcome to my kitchen! ☕

NY Times bestselling author. 10 cookbooks. Mom of 8 kids. Homeschooling mom for 22 years. Addicted to Hallmark Christmas Movies. Collector of old cookbooks.

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