Brown Sugar Baked Brie with Apricot Jam

My friend Laurie brought this baked brie appetizer to a holiday recipe exchange I hosted, and I've made it every year since. It is better than any baked brie I've ever tried. Combining creamy brioche, warm and gooey brie, sweet apricot jam, and crunchy sliced almond is brilliant.

The best part? It takes less than 30 minutes to prep, bake, and serve! It's perfect for throwing together when you're in a pinch. With a side of crackers, fresh sliced fruit, and crusty bread, this baked brie with apricot jam is the fanciest holiday appetizer. No one needs to know how simple it is. Enjoy! 🙂

Where do I buy brie?

If you've never had brie cheese, you're in for a treat. It is a fine French cheese with a thick, velvety texture traditionally eaten with bread and crackers. You won't have to go far to find it. It is stocked in the deli/artisanal cheese department in most grocery stores. It's usually sold as a wheel enclosed in a thin edible rind.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• It is SO simple. This recipe couldn't be any easier, and it comes together FAST.
• Quick and easy-baked appetizers are a lifesaver when you're in a hurry.
• It's truly delicious. Imagine buttery, tangy, nutty, tart, crunchy, sweet, gooey, creamy and delicate all in one bite.
• You can assemble the dish in advance and bake it before serving.

• Sliced Brioche Bread: Brioche is the base of the dish. It adds a layer of rich buttery flavor.
• Eggs (beaten), Half and Half & Salt & Fresh Ground Pepper: are whisked together to coat and soften the brioche.
• Sliced Brie Cheese: I buy the brie logs with the thin, edible rind. If you can't find this product, you can use regular brie and cut off the tough rind before slicing.
• Sliced Almonds: provide some crunch to contrast the smooth and buttery baked brie.
• Apricot Jam (or preserves): I use Trader Joe's low-sugar apricot preserves.
• Brown Sugar: is sprinkled on top and baked into a rich, caramelized Brulee-style topping.
• Recommended Equipment: I use a pie dish to make this recipe, but any shallow baking dish will work.

How To Make Brown Sugar Baked Brie with Jam

Step 1: Preheat oven and prepare pie plate:

Before you get started, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and spray a round pie plate or shallow baking dish with olive oil spray. Set aside.

Step 2: Prep brioche:

Roughly chop the brioche into 1" cubes and then layer it on the bottom of the baking dish.

Step 3: Add the egg mixture:

In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, and salt and pepper. Pour the egg mixture over the cubed brioche, coating as evenly as you can.

Step 4: Assemble:

Layer the sliced brie onto the coated brioche and spread a layer of apricot jam/preserves onto each slice. Next, add a layer of almonds on top of the jam and finish with a sprinkle of brown sugar.

Step 5: Bake:

Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. I like to uncover the baking dish for no more than a minute in the end and switch on the broiler to get the cheese toasted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve:

Brown sugar-baked brie is best served hot with crackers and fresh fruit.

Recipe Tips

• My friend that bestowed this recipe upon me cuts away the crust and uses regular bread. That's good to know if you do not want to use brioche. However, I love the buttery, tender layer the brioche adds.
• Broiling the dish quickly during the last minute is an extra step, but it is worth it, and it doesn't take long! The brown sugar caramelizes into an irresistible brulée-like texture.
• Don't take your eyeballs off the brie while broiling. The dish can go from perfect to burnt in seconds. It shouldn't take more than a minute to achieve a beautifully caramelized crust.
• To make sure the sliced brie is heated all the way through, slice into it. If the cheese oozes, it's done!

What To Serve with Baked Brie

My go-to snacky foods to serve with brown sugar baked brie with apricot jam are:

• Assorted Crackers (plain or a variety of flavors) 
• Sliced Apples
• Sliced Pears
• Sliced Baguette
• Bagel Chips
• Crostini

WHAT WINE TO SERVE WITH BAKED BRIE

Champagne and Prosecco varieties are a winner with this dish. You also can't go wrong with an excellent buttery Chardonnay, dry Sauvignon Blanc, or a fruity, soft Pinot Noir.

Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to use this brown sugar-baked brie recipe as a blueprint and customize it precisely to your liking.

Bread Options: Brioche works because it's sweet and fluffy. That said, croissants, crescent rolls, Hawaiian bread, and buttery dinner rolls also work.

Jam Options: You can replace apricot jam with just about any jam, preserves, marmalade or jelly. Try one of these tasty flavors instead:

• Peach
• Fig
• Raspberry
• Pear
• Blueberry
• Mango

Topping Ideas: You can reinvent this recipe every time you make it simply by changing up the toppings:

• Chopped Fresh Rosemary
• Toasted Pinenuts, Walnuts, or Pecans
• Roasted Peanuts
• Sweetened Granola
• Caramelized Bacon Bits
• Fresh Berries
• Honey
• Maple Syrup

Make Ahead & Storing

Making Ahead: You can assemble the dish a day in advance, cover with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake.

Storing & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, warm the brie through at 350 degrees F for 6 to 8 minutes.

Recipe FAQ

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Smoked Salmon Potato Rounds

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