Name: Baked Brie with Honey and Pomegranate Seeds Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 wheel brie cheese (8 ounces); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 tablespoons honey; 1/3 cup pomegranate seeds; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a delightful and elegant appetizer that feels both luxurious and surprisingly simple, Baked Brie with Honey and Pomegranate Seeds is your new best friend. This dish brings together the creamy warmth of melted brie cheese, the sweet floral notes of honey, and the fresh brightness of juicy pomegranate seeds, all accented by a hint of black pepper. It is effortlessly impressive, bursting with flavor, and perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself on a cozy evening.

Baked Brie with Honey and Pomegranate Seeds Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are easy to find, but each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this Baked Brie with Honey and Pomegranate Seeds recipe.

1 wheel brie cheese (8 ounces): The star of the dish, creamy and mild, which melts beautifully when baked.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps the brie develop a lovely surface texture as it bakes.
3 tablespoons honey: Brings a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory cheese and tart pomegranate.
1/3 cup pomegranate seeds: These juicy bursts add color, crunch, and a refreshing tang to every bite.
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides just the right amount of warmth to balance the sweetness.

How to Make Baked Brie with Honey and Pomegranate Seeds

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple preparation step sets the stage for a perfectly baked brie experience.

Step 2: Score the Brie

Place your brie wheel on the lined baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, lightly score the top of the brie in a criss-cross pattern. This helps the olive oil and heat penetrate the cheese evenly, creating a lovely texture and enhancing its flavor.

Step 3: Drizzle with Olive Oil

Drizzle the olive oil over the top of the scored brie. This will promote a beautiful, slightly golden finish as it bakes, and add a smooth richness that complements the cheese’s creaminess.

Step 4: Bake Until Soft and Oozy

Place the brie in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to soften and start to ooze gently while still holding its shape. The ideal moment is when it’s warm and inviting, ready to be adorned.

Step 5: Add Honey Immediately

Remove the brie from the oven and while it’s still warm, drizzle the honey generously over the top. The honey will melt slightly into the cheese, creating luscious pockets of sweetness throughout the creamy texture.

Step 6: Scatter Pomegranate Seeds

Sprinkle the pomegranate seeds over the warm, honey-coated brie. Their vibrant red color will instantly brighten the dish, and their tart crunch adds a wonderful contrast against the melted cheese.

Step 7: Finish with Black Pepper

Finally, dust the top with a pinch of ground black pepper. This little touch adds depth and a hint of spice that rounds out the flavor beautifully.

How to Serve Baked Brie with Honey and Pomegranate Seeds

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary sprigs make excellent garnishes that add fragrance and a splash of green, enhancing the dish’s visual appeal and aroma. You could also sprinkle some toasted nuts for additional crunch and richness.

Side Dishes

This Baked Brie with Honey and Pomegranate Seeds pairs wonderfully with sliced baguette, crisp apple slices, buttery crackers, or even a handful of toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts. These sides provide the perfect vehicle for scooping up the melty cheese and juicy toppings.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve the brie on a rustic wooden board surrounded by seasonal fruit and nuts to create a stunning cheese platter. Alternatively, spoon the warm brie and toppings into individual ramekins for a classy, individual appetizer that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator as soon as they cool down. The creamy texture will firm up, but you can gently reheat it to bring back that oozy goodness.

Freezing

Freezing baked brie is not recommended because the texture of the cheese can change after thawing, becoming grainy or watery. For the best results, enjoy it fresh or store briefly in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, place the leftover brie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and soft. Avoid microwaving, as it can affect the texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?

While brie is ideal for its creamy melt and mild flavor, you could experiment with camembert or a soft goat cheese, but the taste and texture will differ slightly from the classic Baked Brie with Honey and Pomegranate Seeds.

How ripe should the brie be before baking?

Choose a brie that is fresh but not overly ripe. It should be soft enough to melt nicely but still hold its shape during baking, which usually means the rind is intact and the cheese feels slightly firm to the touch.

Are pomegranate seeds essential?

They’re a signature element here, adding vibrant flavor, color, and texture that elevate the dish. If unavailable, consider substituting with fresh cranberries or chopped dried cherries for a similar tartness and visual appeal.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the brie by scoring and drizzling with olive oil in advance, covering it tightly, and refrigerating for up to 24 hours. However, add honey, pomegranate seeds, and black pepper just before serving to keep everything fresh and appealing.

What wine pairs best with Baked Brie with Honey and Pomegranate Seeds?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly fruity Pinot Noir complements this dish wonderfully. The acidity balances the richness of the cheese and the sweetness of honey and pomegranate.

Final Thoughts

If you want a recipe that feels like a celebration in every bite but comes together with ease, Baked Brie with Honey and Pomegranate Seeds is a must-try. It’s the kind of dish that effortlessly impresses all your guests and makes any moment feel special. Give this recipe a go and watch how your simple ingredients transform into pure magic!

Baked Brie with Honey and Pomegranate Seeds Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 17 reviews

Author: Harper
Total Time: 17 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This elegant and simple baked brie recipe combines creamy, warm brie cheese with sweet honey and tart pomegranate seeds, enhanced by a touch of black pepper for subtle spice. It’s a perfect appetizer for entertaining, served with your favorite sliced baguette, apples, or crackers.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese

1 wheel brie cheese (8 ounces)

Toppings

1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons honey
1/3 cup pomegranate seeds
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Score Brie: Place the wheel of brie on the prepared baking sheet and lightly score the top in a criss-cross pattern. This helps the heat penetrate and allows the cheese to soften and ooze beautifully.
Add Olive Oil: Drizzle the top of the scored brie with olive oil to add richness and help with browning.
Bake Brie: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the brie is soft and starting to ooze slightly but still holds its shape, ensuring a gooey yet presentable consistency.
Add Honey: Remove the brie from the oven and immediately drizzle the warm cheese with honey to add sweetness and balance flavors.
Garnish: Scatter the fresh pomegranate seeds on top for a burst of tartness and vibrant color.
Season: Finish with a dusting of ground black pepper to introduce a subtle, savory note that complements the sweetness.
Serve: Serve warm with sliced baguette, apples, crackers, or nuts for a delightful appetizer presentation and texture contrast.

Notes

This dish is best served immediately while the brie is warm and melty.
You can substitute pomegranate seeds with fresh cranberries or dried fruit if pomegranate is unavailable.
Use a quality honey like wildflower or clover for enhanced flavor.
For a decorative touch, add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
If desired, wrap the brie in puff pastry before baking to make a baked brie en croûte.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American