This Baked Brie with Dates and Walnuts is an appetizer that feels special with very little effort. A wheel of creamy Brie is topped with sweet dates, crunchy walnuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup then baked until soft and melty.
Holidays are a time when appetizers often take center stage. Cheese dips, elegant crostini, and easy make-ahead snacks are especially popular. A long-time reader favorite is this Pear and Brie Crostini, and this baked Brie recipe delivers a similar delicious taste in an even easier format.
Whether served for a holiday gathering or a dinner party, this baked Brie is a crowd pleaser and disappears quickly once it hits the table.
If dates are a favorite ingredient, you will want to check out this Date and Walnut Cake and this Pear, Date and Walnut Loaf.
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How to Make Baked Brie
This Baked Brie recipe is a simple to prepare appetizer that requires only a few ingredients and very little prep. The result is a delicious appetizer with sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients Overview
- Brie: Use a full wheel of Brie for this recipe. Camembert is a great alternative and bakes in the same way.
- Dates: They add natural sweetness and a soft texture once warmed. Medjool dates are especially good, but any pitted dates will work.
- Walnuts: The crunch of walnuts bring a nice contrast to the soft dates and melty cheese. Pecans would also work wonderfully in this recipe.
- Maple Syrup: Honey can be substituted if preferred.
- Fresh rosemary: Optional, but recommended for a subtle savory note. Fresh thyme can be used instead.
- Pomegranate arils (not pictured): Also optional, the arils add a lovely pop of color and a nice burst of freshness.
Steps Overview
- Preheat the oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unwrap the brie and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, lightly score the top of the brie in a crisscross pattern, cutting just through the rind and not into the cheese.
- Chop pitted dates into small pieces.
- Coarsely chop the walnuts.
- Finely chop the fresh rosemary.
- Top the round of Brie with the chopped dates.
- Scatter the walnut pieces over the dates and drizzle with maple syrup.
- Sprinkle with rosemary and bake for approximately 22 minutes, or until the centre of the Brie feels soft to the touch. To keep the Brie intact, avoid overbaking it.
- Remove the baking tray from the oven. Using a large spatula, carefully transfer the Brie onto a shallow serving dish or platter. If desired, garnish with pomegranate arils and serve with crackers, toasted slices of baguette and apple slices. Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
This baked Brie with maple syrup and walnuts works just as well on a holiday spread as it does on a casual cheese board. Serve baked Brie with crostini or baguette slices and crackers. Apple slices, pears, grapes, or fresh berries pair well.
Baked Brie firms up as it cools. To get it soft and melty again, reheated it in the microwave oven. The time required will depend on how much is being reheated, but since Brie only takes a few seconds to melt in the microwave, it's best to check on it and add more time if necessary.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat it in a 300°F oven or in the microwave.
If you have any leftover dates, these Oatmeal Date Cookies are definitely worth trying. Soft and chewy, they're a comforting treat.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Have you made this recipe? Let us know how it turned out! Leave a star rating and a comment below, we'd love to hear from you.
More Appetizers to Try
- Maple Spiced Walnuts
- Curried Cashews
- Rosemary Roasted Almonds
- Mixed Spiced Nuts
- Muhammara (Roasted Red Pepper Dip)
Baked Brie with Dates and Walnuts
Ingredients
- 500-550 grams Wheel of Brie or Camembert.
- ¾ cup Soft dates
- ⅔ cup Walnuts
- 3 Tablespoons Maple syrup Honey can be substituted.
- 1 teaspoon Finely chopped fresh rosemary optional
- 2 Tablespoons Pomegranate seeds optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and place rack in the middle of the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Alternatively, the Brie can be baked in an oven-safe dish.
- Unwrap the brie and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly cut the top rind in parallel lines about ½ inch apart, cutting only through the rind and not into the cheese. Rotate the brie 90 degrees and repeat.
- Pit the dates and chop into small pieces, coarsely chop the walnuts and finely chop the rosemary.
- Top the round of Brie with the chopped dates. Scatter the walnut pieces over the dates and drizzle with maple syrup. Sprinkle with rosemary and bake for approximately 22 minutes, or until the centre of the Brie feels soft to the touch.
- Remove the baking tray from the oven. Using a large spatula, carefully transfer the Brie onto a shallow serving dish or platter. Garnish with pomegranate seeds if using. Add crackers, crostini or slices of baguette and apple to your platter and serve immediately.
Notes
- An expensive Brie is not required for this recipe. For an extra creamy and melty center, choose a double-cream or triple-cream Brie.
- Baked Brie firms up as it cools. It can be reheated in the microwave to get it soft and melty again. It only takes a few seconds to do this, so best to check on it and add more time if necessary.
- Leftover baked Brie can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Nutrition information is for the Brie and toppings only. Bread, crackers, fruit and other accompaniments are not included.
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