Melted cheese, golden garlic, and herbs in under 20 minutes—this baked brie is your new entertaining go-to.
Some recipes make a big impression with surprisingly little effort, and Garlic Butter Baked Brie is exactly that. Creamy, savory, and delicately sweet, it’s the perfect appetizer for parties, wine nights, or any occasion that calls for a touch of indulgence.
The inspiration for this dish came from my Italian grandmother, who often sautéed garlic in butter and poured it over everything—from bread to roasted vegetables. One day, I drizzled that same garlic butter over warm brie, and the result was pure magic. Since then, this recipe has become a staple on my table during the holidays and beyond.
Let’s walk through how to make this simple yet stunning appetizer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Savory and slightly sweet with perfectly balanced flavors
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Melts into a creamy dip that guests can’t resist
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Takes less than 20 minutes to prepare and bake
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Ideal for entertaining, but simple enough for everyday snacking
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Brie wheel | 8–16 oz (227–454 g) |
| Unsalted butter | 1–2 tbsp (15–30 ml) |
| Garlic, minced or sliced | 3–7 cloves |
| Fresh rosemary, chopped | 1/8 tsp |
| Fresh thyme, chopped | 1/8 tsp |
| Honey (optional) | 1 tbsp (15 ml) |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
| Crackers, bread, or veggies | For serving |
You will also need:
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Baking sheet or oven-safe dish
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Aluminum foil or parchment paper
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Small skillet
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Sharp knife for trimming the brie
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Brie
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you want a slightly crispier finish on top, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (205°C), but be careful not to overbake.
Step 2: Prepare the Brie
Remove the brie from the refrigerator about 20–30 minutes before baking. This allows it to soften and ensures more even cooking. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice off the top rind of the cheese, removing just enough to expose the creamy center. This helps the garlic butter soak in and gives a better texture when serving.
Place the brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish.
Tip: You can lightly score the top in a crisscross pattern to help the butter and herbs absorb even more deeply.
Step 3: Bake the Brie
Bake the brie for 8 to 10 minutes if it is on the smaller side (8 oz), or up to 12 to 15 minutes for a 16 oz wheel. You want the cheese to feel soft and molten inside, but it should still hold its shape.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Herb Butter
While the brie is baking, melt the butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic turns golden and aromatic. Immediately transfer the garlic butter mixture to a bowl to stop the cooking process and prevent burning.
If you like, you can add a small drizzle of olive oil to the butter as it cooks to enhance the flavor and prevent the garlic from browning too quickly.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Using a wide spatula, carefully transfer the warm brie to a serving plate or shallow dish. Pour the garlic herb butter over the top of the cheese, allowing it to run down the sides. If using, drizzle a bit of honey over the brie to balance the savory richness with a hint of sweetness.
Serve immediately with fresh baguette slices, crisp crackers, or crunchy vegetables like celery and cucumber.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or sparkling wine. For red wine lovers, a light Pinot Noir also complements the flavors without overwhelming them. Add a handful of grapes, nuts, or fresh herbs on the platter for a stunning presentation.
Customization and Variations
Add Nuts: For extra texture and richness, stir chopped walnuts or pecans into the garlic butter just before pouring it over the brie.
Try Different Herbs: Swap rosemary and thyme for sage or oregano, or use Italian seasoning for a different herbal profile.
Make It Sweet and Savory: Spoon a layer of fig jam or apricot preserves onto the brie before baking for a sweet contrast.
Wrap It in Pastry: For a more elegant presentation, wrap the brie in puff pastry before baking. Brush with egg wash and bake at 400°F until golden brown.
Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based brie and vegan butter to make a dairy-free version. Several brands offer high-quality vegan soft cheeses that bake beautifully.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Do not microwave, as the texture of the cheese may become grainy or separate.
Safety Notes
Brie is a soft-ripened cheese, which means it can carry a higher risk for pregnant individuals or those with weakened immune systems. To be safe, bake the cheese until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Always check the label to ensure the brie is made from pasteurized milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the garlic butter a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The brie itself is best baked fresh.
Do I need to remove the rind?
No, but removing or scoring the top allows the butter and herbs to infuse into the cheese more effectively. The rind is edible and adds structure.
Can I use a different cheese?
Camembert is an excellent alternative with a similar taste and texture. Other soft-ripened cheeses work too, as long as they are round and melt well.
5-Minute Garlic Butter Baked Brie
Ingredients
- Brie wheel 8–16 oz 227–454 g
- Unsalted butter 1–2 tbsp 15–30 ml
- Garlic minced or sliced 3–7 cloves
- Fresh rosemary chopped 1/8 tsp
- Fresh thyme chopped 1/8 tsp
- Honey optional 1 tbsp (15 ml)
- Salt and black pepper To taste
- Crackers bread, or veggies For serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you want a slightly crispier finish on top, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (205°C), but be careful not to overbake.
- Step 2: Prepare the Brie
- Remove the brie from the refrigerator about 20–30 minutes before baking. This allows it to soften and ensures more even cooking. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice off the top rind of the cheese, removing just enough to expose the creamy center. This helps the garlic butter soak in and gives a better texture when serving.
- Place the brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish.
- Tip: You can lightly score the top in a crisscross pattern to help the butter and herbs absorb even more deeply.
- Step 3: Bake the Brie
- Bake the brie for 8 to 10 minutes if it is on the smaller side (8 oz), or up to 12 to 15 minutes for a 16 oz wheel. You want the cheese to feel soft and molten inside, but it should still hold its shape.
- Step 4: Make the Garlic Herb Butter
- While the brie is baking, melt the butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic turns golden and aromatic. Immediately transfer the garlic butter mixture to a bowl to stop the cooking process and prevent burning.
- If you like, you can add a small drizzle of olive oil to the butter as it cooks to enhance the flavor and prevent the garlic from browning too quickly.
- Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Using a wide spatula, carefully transfer the warm brie to a serving plate or shallow dish. Pour the garlic herb butter over the top of the cheese, allowing it to run down the sides. If using, drizzle a bit of honey over the brie to balance the savory richness with a hint of sweetness.
- Serve immediately with fresh baguette slices, crisp crackers, or crunchy vegetables like celery and cucumber.
