Pear & Walnut Baked Brie
Creamy baked brie topped with sweet pears, crunchy walnuts, and a drizzle of honey. A quick and elegant appetizer that’s rich in protein and healthy fats, perfect for entertaining or a cozy snack at home. Serve warm with crostini or crackers.
Equipment
- 1 small baking sheet or baking dish
- Parchment paper
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Knife for chopping pears
- Serving plate or board
Ingredients
- 250 –350 g wheel of brie unwrapped
- 1 ripe pear chopped
- 2 –3 tbsp liquid honey
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh rosemary for garnish
- Crostini or crackers for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for gently warming the brie without overcooking. Line a small baking sheet or baking dish with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes transferring the baked brie to a serving platter effortless. Make sure the parchment is smooth and fits the dish comfortably, leaving a little overhang for easy lifting.
- Position the Brie Wheel: Place the unwrapped brie wheel onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet or dish. Center it carefully so it has space around the edges, allowing heat to circulate evenly. If your brie has a slightly uneven top, don’t worry—this won’t affect the flavor or texture.
- Prepare Pear and Walnut Mixture: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the chopped ripe pear, 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts, and a pinch of salt. Add 2 tablespoons of liquid honey to start. Gently fold the ingredients together with a spoon until the pears are coated and the walnuts are evenly distributed. Taste the mixture; if you prefer a sweeter topping, gradually stir in the remaining tablespoon of honey. This ensures a perfectly balanced sweetness without overwhelming the natural flavor of the brie.
- Top the Brie Wheel: Spoon the pear and walnut mixture evenly over the top of the brie wheel, spreading it gently to cover the surface. Take care not to press down too firmly, as you want the topping to sit lightly on the cheese. This layering will allow the heat to warm the brie underneath while caramelizing the pear topping slightly for extra flavor.
- Bake the Brie: Place the baking sheet or dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 12–15 minutes, keeping a close eye on the brie. You’re aiming for the cheese to become soft and melty, not fully liquefied or browned. The pears should release their juices slightly, mingling with the honey and walnuts for a glossy, flavorful topping.
- Prepare Serving Plate: While the brie bakes, prepare your serving plate or board. If transferring from parchment paper, it’s best to leave the brie on the parchment while it rests for a few minutes—this prevents breaking or sticking. Arrange crostini or crackers around the plate so everything is ready for presentation.
- Transfer Brie Carefully: Once baked, remove the brie from the oven and let it sit for about 3–5 minutes. This brief resting period allows the cheese to firm up slightly, making it easier to move. Using the parchment paper, gently lift the brie and transfer it to the serving plate or board.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add fresh rosemary sprigs around the brie for a fragrant, elegant touch. The herb adds a subtle piney aroma that complements the sweetness of the pears and the richness of the cheese. You can also lightly sprinkle extra chopped walnuts if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the baked brie immediately while it’s still warm and melty. Pair with crostini, crackers, or even thin slices of fresh baguette. Encourage guests to scoop the cheese and topping together for the perfect combination of creamy, sweet, and crunchy flavors. For extra indulgence, drizzle a little more honey over the top just before serving.
Notes
- Use a ripe but firm pear to ensure it holds its shape during baking.
- Always bake the brie on parchment paper—this makes transferring easier and prevents sticking.
- Adjust honey according to your desired sweetness; start with 2 tablespoons and add more if needed.
- Let the baked brie rest for 3–5 minutes before serving to prevent spilling or breaking.
- Serve with sturdy crostini or crackers to scoop the warm, gooey cheese without tearing.
