Classic Baked Brie

This sweet and savoury baked brie is a staple in my house starting in early September all the way through the cold winter months!

I see baked brie on restaurant menus all the time, and let me tell you this is most definitely one of those things that is MUCH cheaper to make at home. A restaurant in my area sells a large baked brie meant for 4-6 people to share for $50! Sure, a large wheel of brie isn't the cheapest item to buy by any means, but for $50 you could make this same recipe 3-4 times over.

The beautiful, beautiful melted cheese^

What I love about this recipe is not only that it's extremely easy and takes virtually no time at all to prep, but it's also super versatile and I usually end up using whatever I have in my pantry for toppings. This time I used honeyed peanuts and a dollop of yellow plum jam.

Note the circle cut around the top of the wheel^

The important thing to remember is to cut a circle around the top of the brie as well as to make some more cuts on the inside of that circle - I cut a pentagram into mine! This allows for easier dipping once the brie is done, but more importantly it helps to ensure that the gooey goodness doesn't leak out of the side of the wheel while it's baking.

Serves: 4 people

Prep time: 5 mins

Cook time: approx 30 mins

What you need:

• the largest wheel of brie you can find (mine was 550 grams, triple cream)

• 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey

• 1/2 cup nuts of choice, crushed (pecans, walnuts, almonds, and pralines all work wonderfully. I used honeyed peanuts this time for a sweeter topping)

• a dollop of jam of choice (I used yellow plum)

• crusty bread, crackers, sliced apples, or grapes for serving

Note: For a smaller wheel of brie, use less of the maple syrup, nuts, and jam. Cook time will also vary.

What you do:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

2. Place the wheel of brie in a pie plate, cast iron pan, or similarly shaped oven-proof dish. Using a paring knife, cut a circle around the edge of the top of the brie, and make several small cuts within that circle to allow for easy dipping once the brie is done. Spread the maple syrup or honey along the circle on top of the brie, then add the nuts and jam.

3. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approx 30 mins until the center of the wheel jiggles slightly when you move the dish. Pay attention when it is close to being done - you want it completely melted but not so melted that the brie starts to leak out the side of the wheel. If this happens don't worry, it will still be delicious but just not as picture perfect. Adjust cook time for smaller or larger wheels of brie.

4. Serve with crusty bread, crackers, apples, or grapes and enjoy!