This Baked Brie with Balsamic Strawberries is an easy and delicious appetizer, side or snack that comes together with a handful of ingredients. This easy side can be made ahead with fresh strawberries, balsamic vinegar, basil and dairy-free brie. Serve with your favorite gluten-free crackers, crusty bread or crostini.
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Easy Baked Brie
Baked Brie is an easy appetizer, snack or light lunch that everyone can’t get enough of. It’s so easy to make with just 3 ingredients and we like to top ours up with roasted balsamic strawberries but there are tons of amazing toppings you can add to it! With this versatile dip recipe in your toolbox, you’ll have endless ways to serve it up at any barbecue or party!
We like use vegan brie and serve it with grain-free crackers to keep this dish dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan but you can use any bread and brie you have on hand. Depending on the ingredients you use, this recipe can easily accommodate any dietary restrictions you’re working with. It’s time to take your appetizer game to the next level!
Recipe Ingredients
Balsamic Strawberries:
- Fresh strawberries: Washed, stems removed
- Balsamic vinegar: Use a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
- Maple syrup: Or preferred sticky liquid sweetener of choice.
- Fine sea salt: To taste.
- Freshly cracked black pepper: To taste plus more for garnish.
Creamy Baked Brie:
- Vegan Brie: One 8-ounce wheel. We like this Macadamia Nut Brie and Cashew and Miso Brie. Regular brie works too if not dairy-free.
To Garnish:
- Freshly chopped basil: For flavor and garnish.
- Freshly finely chopped mint: Adds freshness and for garnish.
- Candied or toasted pecans: Roughly chopped for some crunch.
How to make Baked Brie with Balsamic Strawberries
- Preheat the oven and prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 375F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or grease a 5-inch cast iron skillet.
- Cut the strawberries: Slice small berries into halves and medium berries into quarters.
- Make the Balsamic Reduction and Cook the Strawberries: In a medium saucepan combine maple syrup and balsamic vinegar and whisk over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until reduced. Stir in the strawberries and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Remove from heat and allow to cool for about 10 minutes or chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Bake the Brie: Meanwhile, place the brie on a rimmed baking sheet or a 5-inch cast iron skillet. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake until softened, about 12-15 minutes, until the cheese is soft and warm but not melting out of the rind. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before transferring the brie to a large serving platter.
- Top with Balsamic Strawberries: Top the warm brie with strawberries and garnish with freshly chopped basil, mint and pecans.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve with an assortment of toasted baguette slices, crostini and crackers on the platter beside the brie.
Tips for Success
We have a few little tips and suggestions that will help you make the perfect baked brie:
- Don’t over-bake it: Be sure to keep an eye on the brie while it is baking in the oven.
- Let it cool before slicing: Once you remove the brie from the oven, allow it to sit for 5 minutes to set before slicing.
Baked Brie Toppings and Variations
Don’t be afraid to get creative when you’re adding toppings to your vegan baked brie– sweet and savory flavors both taste great with it! Below you’ll find some of our favorite ways to finish it off.
- Tomato Basil: Make a true Italian dish by topping your toast with sliced grape or cherry tomatoes and a few fresh basil leaves. You can chop up the basil and sprinkle it on if preferred.
- Almond Fig: Try adding sliced figs, slivered almonds and some maple syrup to your toast! Any liquid sweetener that works with your diet can be used in place of the maple syrup, such as agave or honey.
- Blueberry Bliss: If you happen to have some fresh blueberries in your fridge, we highly recommend using them to top your creamy brie dip. Drizzle on your favorite liquid sweetener while you’re at it!
- Vegan Honey Nut: You can never go wrong with chopped walnuts, sliced almonds and a drizzle of your favorite sweetener. The crunchy-creamy combo is divine!
- Berry Blast: Juicy blackberries and strawberries hold a special place in our hearts. We love adding them to this toast along with a little bit of maple syrup for good measure.
- Puff Pastry: Cut the top off of your wheel of brie then place it in the middle of a rolled out layer of puff pastry dough. Spread a dollop of strawberry jam, cranberry jam or apricot jam on top. Wrap the puff pastry around the brie, covering all sides and trim off any excess. Bake at 375F for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
What to Serve with Creamy Baked Brie
Wondering what pairs well with this creamy, dreamy dip? The options are infinite, but let’s focus on just a few.
- Toasted baguette slices: Be sure to have some gluten-free and regular for any guests with dietary restrictions.
- Crostini
- Crackers: Use your favorites, have some grain-free, gluten-free and regular for any guests with dietary restrictions.
Can I Make This in Advance?
We do not recommend making the brie ahead of time as the brie will harden.
If you’d like, you can make the balsamic strawberries the day before and store them in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days as well.
How to store
Transfer and store any leftover baked brie in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or in a baking dish in the oven until melty.
Store any leftover balsamic strawberries in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
More heathy appetizers you will love:
This Baked Brie with Balsamic Strawberries is an easy and delicious appetizer, side or snack that comes together with a handful of ingredients. This easy side can be made ahead with fresh strawberries, basil and dairy-free brie. Serve with your favorite gluten-free crackers, crusty bread or crostini.
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries washed, stems removed
- 2 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or preferred sticky liquid sweetener of choice
- Fine sea salt to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste plus more for garnish
- 8 ounce wheel vegan brie cheese , we like this Macadamia Nut Brie and Cashew and Miso Brie. Regular brie works too if not dairy-free.
- Freshly chopped basil for garnish (about 2 tablespoon)
- Freshly finely chopped mint for garnish (about 1 teaspoon)
- 1-2 teaspoon candied or toasted pecans roughly chopped
- Serve With:
- An assortment of toasted baguette slices crostini and crackers for dipping
- Preheat the oven to 375F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or grease a 5-inch cast iron skillet.
- Slice small berries into halves and medium berries into quarters.
- In a medium saucepan combine maple syrup and balsamic vinegar and whisk over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until reduced. Stir in the strawberries and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Remove from heat and allow to cool for about 10 minutes or chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Meanwhile, place the brie on a rimmed baking sheet or a 5-inch cast iron skillet. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake until softened, about 12-15 minutes, until the cheese is soft and warm but not melting out of the rind. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before transferring the brie to a large serving platter.
- Top the warm brie with strawberries and garnish with freshly chopped basil, mint and pecans. Serve with an assortment of toasted baguette slices, crostini and crackers on the platter beside the brie.
Recipe Video
How to make ahead
We do not recommend baking the brie ahead of time as the brie will harden.
You can however make the balsamic strawberries the day before and store them in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days as well.
How to store
Store any leftover brie in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or in a baking dish in the oven until melty.
Store any leftover balsamic strawberries in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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