Baked Brie With Brown Sugar Recipe For Easy Elegant Appetizer

Updated On: October 12, 2025

If you’re looking to impress your guests with a simple yet decadent appetizer, baked brie with brown sugar is the perfect choice. This luscious dish combines the creamy richness of melted brie cheese with the sweet, caramelized notes of brown sugar, creating a delightful balance of flavors that is sure to wow any crowd.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a holiday, or just craving a cozy treat, this recipe is incredibly easy to make and requires just a handful of ingredients.

The warm, gooey cheese paired with the caramelized topping makes every bite heavenly. Plus, it pairs beautifully with crackers, fresh fruit, or a crusty baguette, turning a simple cheese wheel into an elegant indulgence.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make baked brie with brown sugar step-by-step, share some handy tips, and suggest variations to customize this tasty appetizer to your liking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked brie with brown sugar recipe is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy and quick to prepare, making it a no-fuss option for last-minute entertaining.

Second, the combination of sweet and savory flavors offers a sophisticated taste profile that pairs well with a variety of accompaniments.

Additionally, this recipe is versatile. You can add nuts, fresh herbs, or fruit preserves to elevate the dish even further.

It’s also a fantastic way to showcase quality brie cheese with minimal ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe approachable and rewarding.

Ingredients

  • 1 wheel (8 oz) of brie cheese
  • 3 tablespoons of brown sugar (light or dark, based on preference)
  • 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional, for added warmth)
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for crunch)
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
  • Crackers, sliced baguette, or apple slices for serving

Equipment

  • Oven-safe baking dish or small cast iron skillet
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Spatula or spoon for spreading
  • Knife for slicing the brie (optional)
  • Serving platter

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for gently melting the brie without overcooking it.
  2. Prepare the brie wheel: If you like, you can remove the top rind of the brie for easier melting and serving, but this is optional. Place the whole wheel in your oven-safe dish or skillet.
  3. Mix the topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, softened butter, and ground cinnamon if using. Stir until you have a smooth, spreadable mixture.
  4. Spread the brown sugar mixture over the top of the brie. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to cover the surface evenly.
  5. Sprinkle the chopped nuts evenly on top for added texture and flavor, if desired.
  6. Bake the brie: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. The cheese should be soft and melty inside, and the brown sugar topping bubbly and caramelized.
  7. Remove from oven and garnish: Add fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs on top for a lovely aroma and presentation.
  8. Serve immediately with your choice of crackers, baguette slices, or apple slices. Use a knife or small spatula to scoop the warm, gooey brie.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra layer of flavor, try drizzling a bit of honey or balsamic glaze over the baked brie just before serving.”

  • Add fruit preserves: Spread a thin layer of apricot or fig jam under the brown sugar topping for a fruity contrast.
  • Use different nuts: Swap pecans or walnuts with sliced almonds or pistachios for a unique texture and taste.
  • Try savory herbs: Rosemary, thyme, or sage complement the sweetness beautifully. You can mix fresh herbs into the brown sugar mixture or scatter on top before baking.
  • Wrap in puff pastry: For a more elaborate presentation, wrap the brie in puff pastry before adding the brown sugar topping and bake until golden.
  • Use vegan brie: If you prefer a dairy-free option, try a vegan brie alternative and follow the same steps for a delicious plant-based appetizer.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 250 kcal
Fat 20 g
Saturated Fat 12 g
Carbohydrates 10 g
Sugar 8 g
Protein 8 g
Calcium 150 mg

Note: Nutrition facts are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Serving Suggestions

Baked brie with brown sugar is a versatile appetizer that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it alongside crisp crackers like water biscuits or multigrain varieties to complement the rich cheese.

Fresh fruit such as apple slices, pears, or grapes add a refreshing balance to the sweetness and richness. For a more rustic touch, offer slices of crusty baguette or toasted sourdough bread.

Additionally, you can serve it with a light salad or charcuterie board featuring cured meats, olives, and nuts for a complete entertaining spread. For more appetizer inspiration, check out our Best Indian Vegetarian Starter Recipes for Every Occasion or try the Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.

Conclusion

Baked brie with brown sugar is an effortlessly elegant appetizer that you can whip up anytime you want to impress without the hassle. Its creamy texture and sweet, caramelized topping create a perfect harmony of flavors that delight the palate.

The recipe’s simplicity combined with its versatility makes it a must-try for cheese lovers and party hosts alike.

Whether you’re serving it at a casual get-together or a special celebration, this dish is sure to be a hit. Don’t hesitate to experiment with nuts, herbs, or fruit preserves to make it your own.

For more delicious recipes that are easy and crowd-pleasing, be sure to explore our Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping or the Best Vegan Pepper Jack Cheese Slice Recipe for Melty Flavor.

Happy baking and bon appétit!

📖 Recipe Card: Baked Brie with Brown Sugar

Description: A warm and gooey baked brie topped with caramelized brown sugar for a sweet and savory appetizer. Perfect for entertaining or a cozy snack.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 wheel (8 oz) brie cheese
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
  • Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
  4. Spread the brown sugar mixture evenly over the top of the brie.
  5. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top, if using.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the brie is soft and the topping is bubbly.
  7. Drizzle with honey before serving, if desired.
  8. Serve warm with crackers or sliced baguette.

Nutrition: Calories: 220 | Protein: 7g | Fat: 18g | Carbs: 10g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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