This Baked Brie with Caramelized Onions is a creamy, cheesy delight! The soft cheese melts beautifully while the sweet onions add a tasty twist. It’s perfect for sharing at parties!
Whenever I make this dish, I can’t help but sneak a bite or two before guests arrive. It’s just that good! Serve it with crackers for a yummy treat everyone will love.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brie Cheese: This is the star of the dish. Look for a good quality Brie for the best melting. If Brie isn’t available, Camembert is a great alternative as it also melts well and has a similar flavor.
Onions: Yellow onions are perfect for caramelizing due to their sweetness. You can swap in sweet onions if you like a milder taste or even shallots for a more delicate flavor.
Butter and Olive Oil: The combination of these fats helps sauté the onions beautifully. If you prefer, you can use all olive oil or even a flavored oil, like garlic oil, for an extra kick.
Brown Sugar: This is optional, but it helps deepen the caramel flavor. You can replace it with honey or maple syrup if you want a different sweetener.
Fresh Thyme: Thyme adds a lovely aroma to the dish. If you’re out of fresh thyme, try using dried thyme, though you’ll want to use less, about a third of the amount.
What’s the Best Way to Caramelize Onions?
Caramelizing onions can be tricky, but with a little patience, you’ll create a rich, sweet topping for your Brie. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a wide skillet to give onions room to spread out. This helps them cook evenly.
- Cook on medium to low heat; don’t rush the process. It’s all about low and slow for about 25-30 minutes.
- Stir them occasionally so they don’t stick or burn. If they start to brown too quickly, lower the heat.
- If you choose to add brown sugar, do it halfway through cooking to enhance the sweetness.
Once caramelized, the onions should be soft, golden, and fragrant — perfect for topping your Brie!
Baked Brie with Caramelized Onions
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 wheel (8 oz) Brie cheese
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for extra caramelization)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Crackers or toasted baguette slices, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful appetizer takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to cook, plus 10-15 minutes to bake in the oven. Overall, set aside about 45-60 minutes to get everything ready and enjoy this luscious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot for baking the Brie, so it melts perfectly!
2. Caramelize the Onions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter together with the olive oil. Once melted, add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook these slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 25-30 minutes until they are soft and beautifully caramelized. If you like it extra sweet, feel free to sprinkle brown sugar over the onions halfway through cooking to enhance their sweetness.
3. Add Fresh Flavors:
Once your onions are beautifully caramelized, stir in the fresh thyme leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove the skillet from the heat. The aroma will be heavenly!
4. Assemble the Dish:
Grab a baking sheet or a small oven-safe dish and place the Brie wheel on it. Spread the caramelized onions generously over the top of the Brie, making sure to cover it well.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the Brie into the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you want the cheese to be soft and starting to ooze, but not completely melted. This is where the magic happens!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s out of the oven, garnish the dish with some extra fresh thyme leaves for a lovely touch. Transfer your Baked Brie to a serving board and serve it warm with your favorite crackers or slices of toasted baguette. Enjoy this gooey, savory appetizer with friends and family. It’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Brie is perfect for this recipe, you can also use Camembert or even goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of cheese.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the caramelized onions a day in advance and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, assemble the Brie with the onions on top and bake as directed. This will save you time when entertaining!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the Brie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through again.
What Should I Serve with Baked Brie?
This dish pairs wonderfully with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or even sliced fruits like apples and pears. Consider adding some nuts or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor and texture!
