Baked Brie with Caramelized Onions is a warm, gooey delight! The creamy brie pairs perfectly with sweet, soft onions that melt in your mouth. It’s an easy appetizer that impresses everyone!
Serve it with crunchy crackers or fresh bread, and watch it disappear in minutes! I always smile when I see friends fighting over the last bite—who can blame them? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brie Cheese: The star of the dish! Choose a good-quality Brie for the best melting experience. If you can’t find Brie, Camembert makes a great substitute, offering a similar creamy texture and flavor.
Onions: Yellow onions work perfectly for caramelization. Their sweetness develops beautifully when slow-cooked. If you’re short on time, you could use shallots or even sweet onions, like Vidalia, for a milder taste.
Butter and Olive Oil: Using a combination makes for a rich flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based butter. For a lighter option, you can use just olive oil.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness to the onions. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, you can skip it, or substitute with honey or maple syrup—just keep an eye on the cooking to avoid burning!
Fresh Thyme: This herb adds a lovely flavor. If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme will work too—just reduce the amount to about 1/3 since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Do I Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions might seem tricky, but it’s all about patience! Start with medium-low heat and give them time to work their magic. Here’s a quick guide:
- In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil together until fragrant.
- Add the sliced onions, stirring to coat them in the fat.
- Let them cook on low heat for about 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Halfway through, sprinkle in the brown sugar, thyme, salt, and pepper to enhance their natural sweetness.
- Continue cooking until they turn a deep golden brown and are soft to the touch. The key is low and slow!
This technique really brings out the sweetness and rich flavor of the onions, which pairs beautifully with the Brie.
Baked Brie With Caramelized Onions
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 round (8 oz) wheel of Brie cheese
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 baguette, sliced and toasted (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful appetizer takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to bake, so in total, you’re looking at about 25 minutes. Just enough time to get everything ready and impress your guests with minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your Brie gets warm and gooey while baking!
2. Caramelizing Onions:
In a large skillet, combine the butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Once melted, add the sliced onions, stirring to coat them in the mixture. Cook gently for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions are soft and golden brown.
3. Enhancing Flavor:
About halfway through the cooking time, sprinkle the brown sugar, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper over the onions. Give them a good stir and cook until they are beautifully caramelized and sweet.
4. Prepare the Brie:
While your onions are cooking, place the Brie wheel on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup!
5. Assemble the Dish:
When the onions are ready and perfectly caramelized, spoon them generously on top of the Brie, covering it well for maximum flavor!
6. Bake:
Place the assembled Brie into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes. You want the cheese to be warm and gooey but not completely melted. Keep an eye on it for the perfect melt!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, carefully remove the Brie from the oven. Garnish with extra thyme leaves, if desired, for that fresh touch. Serve hot with your toasted baguette slices for dipping and spreading over the melted Brie and caramelized onions.
Enjoy this savory, sweet, and melty appetizer perfect for sharing with friends and family!
Can I Use Store-Bought Caramelized Onions?
Yes, you can certainly use store-bought caramelized onions to save time! Just skip the caramelizing step and heat them gently before adding on top of the Brie.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave, being careful not to overheat the Brie to maintain its creamy texture.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the caramelized onions and assemble the Brie up to a few hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake—this will make it quick and easy to pop in the oven when guests arrive!
What Can I Use Instead of Baguette?
If you’re looking for alternatives to baguette, consider using crackers, sliced apples, or pears for a sweet twist, or even toasted pita chips. All options make great dippers for the melted Brie!
