Simple Baked Brie Recipe For Holiday Hosting

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Place the brie wheel on a piece of parchment paper or a baking dish. You can leave the rind on, as it’s edible and adds flavor, or if you prefer, you can remove the rind from the top for a softer presentation.

Spread 2 to 3 tablespoons of Salt Spring Cranberry Jam evenly over the top of the brie. You can add more jam if you like it sweeter, but a little goes a long way.

Sprinkle chopped walnuts evenly over the jam-topped brie. If you'd like an added depth of flavor, you can toast the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until they're fragrant and lightly browned.

For a touch of extra sweetness, drizzle honey over the brie and walnuts. This step is optional but adds a lovely contrast to the cranberry jam.

Place the prepared brie in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and starting to ooze out from the sides. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't overcook, as you want it to stay creamy.

Once the brie is out of the oven, you can sprinkle a little fresh thyme over the top for a pop of color and flavor. A few cracks of fresh black pepper are also nice if you enjoy a savoury note.

Serve your baked brie immediately with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh fruit like apples or pears.

• Room temperature brie : If possible, let the brie sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking for a creamier texture.
• Optional additions : You can mix in a bit of orange zest or even a few splashes of port wine with the jam for a more sophisticated flavor.
• Nuts substitution : If you prefer, you can substitute the walnuts with pecans or almonds.

This baked brie with Salt Spring Cranberry Jam and walnuts is a perfect appetizer for holiday gatherings, a cozy dinner, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with something simple yet elegant. 

Enjoy!