Holiday hosting doesn’t have to mean preparing a big elaborate meal. It can be as simple as inviting friends over for a heavy appetizer and drinks, like this easy-to-make Holiday Baked Brie, which has all the holiday flavors going on, including rosemary, walnuts, honey and pears.
Serve it with a variety of crostini, crackers and toasted baguette slices and your favorite wine and cocktails, and your guests will leave with both their hearts and stomachs full.
If it is being served stand alone and you want to make it a heartier dish, serve it with sliced prosciutto, which goes well with all of these flavors.
If you are hosting (or contributing to) a large holiday meal, this appetizer is a great way to get the party started. It brings all of the warm and cozy holiday feels.
Holiday Baked Brie
Serves 8-10
(Gluten-free)
Ingredients:
17 oz round of Brie cheese
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup chopped walnuts, toasted
2 pears, diced (I like to use different varieties)
Honey
Serving Ingredients:
Toasted baguette or crostini slices
Crackers
Sliced prosciutto
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to the broil setting, 550F.
Place the brie round in a 8-inch cast iron skillet, ceramic crock or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pour and spread the olive oil on the top of the brie and then sprinkle with the rosemary and garlic. Place in the oven for about 5 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle walnuts and pears on top. Place back in the oven for 1-2 minutes. When finished, the top of the brie should be lightly browned and the rind should be intact and have it’s structure, but the insides should be soft and slightly oozing.
Drizzle the honey on top. Serve with a variety of crackers, crostini, and toasted baguette slices. For a heartier appetizer, you can also serve with sliced prosciutto.
Notes:
The standard brie round size is 12 oz. I chose to use a 17oz. round as I often serve this as an appetizer for larger crowds. If you are serving a smaller group, choose the 12 oz. Brie round and reduce all other ingredients proportionally.