If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleaser that’s unbelievably easy to whip up and downright delicious, your search ends here. I absolutely love my Baked Brie with Honey and Thyme Recipe because it takes just minutes to prepare, yet delivers a warm, gooey indulgence that everyone raves about. Whether it’s a relaxing night in or a festive gathering, this baked brie is pure magic on a plate, and I can’t wait to share all my tips and tricks with you!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simplicity at its Best: With only a handful of ingredients, this recipe is easy enough for a last-minute snack but fancy enough to impress guests.
Perfectly Gooey Every Time: I share my tips to get that flawless, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes baked brie irresistible.
Sweet and Herbal Harmony: Honey and fresh thyme pair beautifully to elevate the creamy cheese without overpowering it.
Versatile Serving Options: Whether you love crackers, crostini, or fresh grapes, this recipe is your new go-to appetizer.

A white round wheel of soft cheese with a cut on the top showing creamy pale yellow melted cheese oozing out, topped with golden honey and a small green thyme sprig, placed on white parchment paper. Next to the cheese is a small bunch of red grapes with a shiny smooth surface. Around the cheese and grapes, there are several slices of light golden toasted bread with a crunchy texture. The whole setup is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Baked Brie with Honey and Thyme, baked brie appetizer, easy baked cheese, honey thyme cheese dip, party appetizer ideas

Ingredients You’ll Need

One thing I adore about the Baked Brie with Honey and Thyme Recipe is how simple the ingredients are, yet they deliver such complex flavor. You don’t need anything exotic — just fresh, straightforward components that you might already have in your pantry or fridge.

Flat lay of a round wheel of creamy brie cheese with its soft white rind, a small bunch of plump, deep purple grapes with a slight bloom, a slender fresh thyme sprig with tiny green leaves, and a small glass jar of golden honey showing its thick, glossy texture, arranged naturally with some scattered honey drips nearby, all placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Baked Brie with Honey and Thyme, baked brie appetizer, easy baked cheese, honey thyme cheese dip, party appetizer ideas

Round Brie or Camembert: I recommend using an economical brie — it melts beautifully and is super affordable, meaning no need to splurge for a great result.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Both work wonderfully! Depending on your mood or what you have on hand, they add just the right touch of sweetness that balances the cheese’s richness.
Fresh Thyme Sprig: The subtle herbal notes from thyme take this baked brie from simple to unforgettable.
Crostini or Sturdy Crackers: You need something solid enough to scoop up that warm, luscious cheese without breaking.
Fresh Grapes (Optional): Purple or green grapes add a juicy, refreshing contrast that my family can’t get enough of.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Baked Brie with Honey and Thyme Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I love experimenting with a few tweaks depending on the season or what my guests enjoy.

Adding Nuts: Toasted walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch, and I like sprinkling them on top just before serving for extra texture.
Swapping Herbs: If you don’t have thyme, rosemary or sage work beautifully — I once tried basil, and it actually gave a fresh twist that blew me away!
Fruit Compote: Instead of fresh grapes, try a tangy fig or berry compote on the side — my family goes crazy for this at holiday parties.
Wrapped in Puff Pastry: For a fancier presentation, you can wrap the brie in pastry and bake until golden, but I personally love the minimalist version best.

How to Make Baked Brie with Honey and Thyme Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Cheese

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C/350°F — it’s the perfect temperature to gently melt the brie without overcooking. While the oven warms up, unwrap your brie and place it in a small shallow ovenproof dish slightly bigger than the cheese itself. This little dish keeps the cheese from oozing all over the place and makes for a beautiful serving presentation. If you don’t have a dish like this, no worries — a piece of crumpled parchment paper works great to bake on and makes transferring the brie easier. I discovered this hack when I didn’t have the right dish, and it saved me from a messy melted cheese disaster!

Step 2: Bake it Till It’s Perfectly Gooey

Pop the brie into the oven for 15–20 minutes if you’re using a smaller 250g (8 oz) wheel. For a larger brie, around 500g (1 lb), bump that time up to 25 minutes. Now, here’s the trick I learned the hard way: to check if it’s done, gently press the center — it should feel very soft, almost like it’s ready to give way. If you can’t quite tell by touch, poke a skewer in and see if melted cheese sticks to it. Overbaking makes the middle firm, and nobody wants that! This step is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Add Your Honey Drizzle and Thyme

Once baked, carefully transfer your brie to a serving plate if you used parchment paper — it’s delicate, so handle with care! I usually use a thin spatula and move slowly to avoid tears. Drizzle with a generous amount of honey (or maple syrup if you prefer) — it’s the perfect sweet counterpoint to the savory cheese. Top with a fresh sprig of thyme for that lovely herb aroma everyone notices right away.

Step 4: Serve with Your Favorite Crackers and Fruits

Serve immediately with crostini, hearty crackers, or even fresh grapes on the side. I always provide a butter or cheese knife so guests can cut through the rind and scoop up the gooey goodness easily. Watching everyone’s faces light up with their first bite might just be my favorite part of this whole recipe.

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Pro Tips for Making Baked Brie with Honey and Thyme Recipe

Choose Budget Brie Wisely: I used to hesitate using cheaper brie, but I learned that a good value brie melts just as beautifully—you just want one that’s fresh with a nice white rind.
Watch the Baking Time Closely: I once baked mine a bit too long and the cheese became chalky in the middle; checking early saves you from that sad mistake.
Use Parchment Paper for Easy Transfer: Crumpled parchment keeps the melted cheese from running everywhere and helps you move the delicate brie without breaking it.
Serve It Hot, But Not Scorching: Let it sit 2-3 minutes after coming out of the oven; if it’s too hot, the cheese gets runny and harder to enjoy on crackers.

How to Serve Baked Brie with Honey and Thyme Recipe

A round, soft cheese with a white rind is shown with its top layer opened, revealing a thick, creamy, melted yellow inside flowing onto white parchment paper beneath. A woman's hand is lifting a toasted, oval-shaped bread piece from the cheese, pulling the melted cheese in a stretchy, gooey stream. There is a small green herb sprig on the cheese and some red grapes blurred in the background, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Baked Brie with Honey and Thyme, baked brie appetizer, easy baked cheese, honey thyme cheese dip, party appetizer ideas

Garnishes

I like to keep the garnishes simple but impactful. A sprig of fresh thyme is my go-to because it adds a fragrant herbal note that pairs so well with the honey-drizzled brie. Sometimes I scatter a few crushed toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans on top for crunch and an earthy touch. Fresh grapes or figs on the side also make beautiful, colorful accompaniments that enhance the overall flavor experience.

Side Dishes

Besides crostini or sturdy crackers, I like serving this baked brie with a light green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette to cut through all that creaminess. Charcuterie items like prosciutto or salami also complement the cheese well if you’re aiming for a more substantial appetizer spread. Fresh fruit like sliced pears or apples adds a sweet and crisp contrast that’s delightful.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve wrapped the brie in puff pastry for a golden, flaky crust that’s show-stopping. Another fun idea is serving the baked brie on a wooden cheese board surrounded by piles of crackers, nuts, grapes, and charcuterie — it turns into an edible centerpiece everyone loves to dig into. If you want to get playful, try drizzling different flavored honeys or adding edible flowers on top for a whimsical touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), I recommend spooning them into a small airtight container and refrigerating promptly. The honey mixes with the cheese as it cools, creating an even more flavorful blend. I love scooping up the leftovers cold on crackers or heating them up again the next day.

Freezing

While I don’t usually freeze baked brie since it’s best fresh, you certainly can freeze an unbaked wheel of brie and bake it later. Just remember thaw completely in the fridge first before baking. Freezing baked brie after it’s melted tends to affect texture negatively, so I advise enjoying it fresh whenever possible.

Reheating

Reheating leftover baked brie couldn’t be easier — just pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute depending on the amount. I found this quick zap method preserves that gooey warmth without drying it out. If you baked it on parchment, you can reheat it on the paper-lined plate for easy clean-up!

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?

While brie and camembert work best for their creamy texture and mild flavor, you could experiment with other soft cheeses like triple cream cheeses. However, firmer cheeses won’t melt properly and won’t give that signature gooey effect this recipe is known for.
How do I prevent the brie from leaking while baking?

Using a shallow round ovenproof dish that’s just slightly bigger than the brie helps contain any melted cheese. Alternatively, baking on crumpled parchment paper acts as a barrier to catch drips and makes transferring the brie to a serving plate easier without mess.
What should I serve with baked brie?

Crostini or sturdy crackers are classic choices. Adding fresh fruit like grapes, pears, or figs adds balance, and charcuterie board staples like nuts, cured meats, and light salads complement the rich cheese wonderfully.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep and unwrap the brie ahead but bake it right before serving to keep it warm and melty. While leftovers reheat well, baked brie is best fresh out of the oven for maximum ooey-gooey goodness.
Is honey necessary for this recipe?

Honey is optional but highly recommended — it adds a sweet floral flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese and thyme. Maple syrup makes a great alternative if you prefer a slightly different sweetness.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Brie with Honey and Thyme Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites because it’s so simple, elegant, and downright delicious. It’s the kind of recipe that invites good company and cozy conversations, and I promise once you try it, you’ll have a new go-to appetizer in your cooking arsenal. Trust me, your friends will love you for making it, and you’ll enjoy every scrumptious bite. Go ahead—give it a whirl in your kitchen and prepare for some serious happy taste buds!

Baked Brie with Honey and Thyme Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 144 reviews

Author: Villerius
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 15-25 minutes
Total Time: 18-28 minutes
Yield: 6 to 10 servings
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French

Print Recipe

Description

Baked Brie is a simple yet elegant appetizer featuring a whole round of creamy brie cheese baked until soft and gooey. This recipe enhances the rich flavors of brie with an optional drizzle of honey or maple syrup and a sprig of thyme, served alongside crostini or crackers for scooping. Perfect for entertaining, this warm, melty cheese dish delivers effortless deliciousness in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

250 – 500g / 8 – 16 oz round brie or camembert
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
1 thyme sprig (optional)

For Serving

Crostini or other sturdy crackers
1 bunch purple grapes (or green, optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it is ready for baking the brie.
Prepare the brie: Remove the brie from its packaging and place it in a small, shallow ovenproof dish that is just slightly larger than the cheese. Alternatively, you can place the brie on a piece of crumbled baking or parchment paper to facilitate easy transfer later.
Bake the brie: Place the brie in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes if using a 250g (8 oz) wheel, or 25 minutes for a 500g (1 lb) wheel. The cheese is ready when the center feels very soft and nearly collapses when pressed gently.
Microwave option: As an alternative, heat the brie in the microwave on high for about 2 minutes, checking in 30-second intervals to avoid overheating.
Transfer carefully: Using the baking paper if you used it initially, carefully move the baked brie to a serving plate or board, taking care as the melted cheese is delicate and can easily break apart.
Add toppings: Drizzle the warm brie with honey or maple syrup and place a fresh thyme sprig on top if desired.
Serve immediately: Offer with crostini or crackers for scooping. Provide a knife to cut through the rind and a cheese or pâté knife to help guests scoop the creamy cheese onto their bread or crackers.

Notes

Use an economical brie or camembert; this recipe works equally well with budget-friendly cheese as with high-end varieties.
A shallow ovenproof dish slightly larger than the brie is ideal to contain the melted cheese and make serving easier. If you don’t have one, a shallow bowl or plate can work, or bake directly on crumbled parchment paper.
Check the brie at 15 minutes to avoid overbaking, which can make the center hard. Use a gentle touch or a skewer test to confirm doneness.
A 250g (8 oz) brie serves 6 to 10 people, as the rich melted cheese goes a long way.
The choice of honey or maple syrup depends on personal preference; local honey often makes a better pairing.
Baked brie stays gooey longer in a ceramic dish (around 15 minutes) compared to paper (about 10 minutes).
Leftover baked brie is delicious reheated quickly in the microwave or spread on toast and grilled.
This recipe excludes crostini in nutrition calculations.

Nutrition

Serving Size: Approx. 42g (1/6th of 250g brie)
Calories: 135 kcal
Sugar: 1.5 g
Sodium: 230 mg
Fat: 11 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 1.5 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 7 g
Cholesterol: 30 mg