Creamy Baked Brie With Red Pepper Jelly

Oh, baked brie with red pepper jelly—where do I even start? This is the kind of appetizer that makes people hover around the table, sneaking extra bites when they think no one’s looking. I first tried it at a friend’s holiday party years ago, and let me tell you, I practically parked myself next to the cheese board. The combination of that creamy, melty brie with the sweet-spicy kick of red pepper jelly? Absolute magic. And the best part? It takes all of 20 minutes to make, with barely any effort. No wonder it’s my go-to when I need something impressive but don’t want to fuss.

Whether it’s a cozy night in with friends, a holiday spread, or just a “treat yourself” kind of evening, this baked brie delivers. The flavors are rich but balanced—just enough sweetness to keep things interesting, and that gooey cheese pulls you right in. Plus, it’s one of those rare dishes that looks fancy but is secretly foolproof. If you’ve never tried it, you’re in for a very happy surprise.

Why You’ll Love Baked Brie With Red Pepper Jelly

Let me count the ways you’re going to adore this baked brie with red pepper jelly. First off, it’s ridiculously easy to make. We’re talking five minutes of prep and a quick bake—no fancy skills required. Even if you’re not a “cheese person,” this dish will win you over. Here’s why:

• Minimal Ingredients: All you need is a wheel of brie and some red pepper jelly. That’s it! No long shopping list or hard-to-find items.
• Quick and Stress-Free: From start to finish, it’s ready in 20 minutes. Perfect for last-minute guests or when you’re craving something indulgent.
• Impressive Presentation: It looks like something you’d see at a fancy party, but you made it with ease. Trust me, people will be impressed.
• Perfect Flavor Balance: The creamy, melty brie pairs beautifully with the sweet and slightly spicy jelly. It’s a combo that feels both luxurious and comforting.
• Versatile: Serve it as an appetizer, snack, or even part of a cheese board. It works for holidays, game nights, or just because.

Honestly, this baked brie is one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to. It’s simple, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. What’s not to love?

Ingredients You’ll Need for Baked Brie With Red Pepper Jelly

Okay, let’s keep things simple—because this recipe is all about minimal effort for maximum deliciousness. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 200g/7 oz wheel of brie cheese (rind left on): The rind keeps everything together when it bakes, so don’t trim it! A good-quality brie makes a difference, but no need to splurge on the fanciest one.
• 3–4 tablespoon red pepper jelly: Store-bought works great (I love Stonewall Kitchen’s version), but homemade is even better if you’ve got it. Adjust the amount depending on how sweet or spicy you like it.

That’s seriously it. No hidden ingredients, no extra steps. Just cheese and jelly, ready to transform into something magical in the oven. Oh, and if you’re feeling fancy, grab some crackers or a baguette for serving—because you’ll want something to scoop up all that melty goodness.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Brie With Red Pepper Jelly

Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this baked brie dream come true. Don’t worry—it’s so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it every week. Here’s exactly how to do it:

Prep Your Baking Setup

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Trust me, this is a game-changer—it makes cleanup a breeze and keeps your brie from sticking. Place your brie wheel right in the center. No need to fuss with trimming the rind; it’s totally edible and helps hold everything together when it melts.

Spread the Red Pepper Jelly Evenly

Now, take your red pepper jelly and spoon it right over the top of the brie. I usually go for about 3–4 tablespoons, but hey, you do you. If you love extra sweetness or spice, feel free to add a bit more. Use the back of your spoon to spread it evenly across the surface. You want every bite to have that perfect balance of cheese and jelly, so don’t skimp on coverage!

Bake to Perfect Meltiness

Pop that beauty into the oven and let it bake for 10–15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is soft to the touch and just starting to ooze a little at the edges—think "pillow-y" rather than "fully melted puddle." If you’re unsure, give it a gentle poke with a spoon. It should feel like it’s about to give way but still hold its shape. And don’t panic if the jelly bubbles a bit; that’s totally normal!

Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for just a couple of minutes. This helps it set slightly so it’s easier to serve. Then, dig in with your favorite crackers or bread. Warning: it’ll disappear fast!

Variations for Baked Brie With Red Pepper Jelly

Okay, here’s the fun part—switching things up! While I absolutely adore the classic combo of brie and red pepper jelly, there are so many ways to make this recipe your own. Feel free to get creative and try one of these twists:

• Swap the Jelly: Not a fan of red pepper jelly? No problem! Try fig jam, apricot preserves, or even a spicy mango chutney. Each one brings a totally different vibe to the dish.
• Add Some Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the jelly before baking. The nuts toast up in the oven and add a lovely texture contrast to the creamy cheese.
• Go Herby: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary work beautifully with brie. Just toss a few sprigs on top before baking for a fragrant, savory touch.
• Sweeten It Up: Drizzle a little honey over the baked brie right before serving. It’s a simple way to amp up the sweetness and make it feel extra indulgent.
• Spice It Up: Love heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the jelly before spreading it on the brie. Perfect for those who like a little kick.

Honestly, the possibilities are endless. This recipe is like a blank canvas—play around with flavors and find your favorite combo. Just don’t forget the crackers—because you’ll need something to scoop up every last bite!

Serving and Storage Tips for Baked Brie With Red Pepper Jelly

Here’s the deal: this baked brie is best served warm and gooey, so timing is everything. I like to pull it out of the oven just as guests arrive—that way, it’s at its melty peak when everyone digs in. Pair it with a crusty baguette, your favorite crackers, or even sliced apples for a little crunch. If you’re feeling extra, add some cured meats or grapes to the platter for a full-on cheese board moment. Just don’t forget a small knife or spreader for serving—things might get deliciously messy!

Now, if you somehow have leftovers (rare, but it happens), here’s how to handle them: let the brie cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it back in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5–10 minutes until warm and soft again. Microwaving works in a pinch, but go slow—15-second bursts to avoid overcooking. And honestly? Cold leftovers straight from the fridge make a pretty great midnight snack, too.

Helpful Notes for Baked Brie With Red Pepper Jelly

A couple of quick tips to make sure your baked brie turns out perfectly every time. First, the rind—yes, you eat it! It might look a little intimidating, but it’s totally edible and adds a nice texture. If you’re really against it, you can trim it off the top before baking, but leaving it on helps the cheese hold its shape. Second, jelly sweetness is personal—start with less and add more if you like. The beauty of this recipe is how flexible it is. And hey, if you’re watching calories, a little goes a long way—this is rich, indulgent stuff, so small portions still feel like a treat!

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Brie With Red Pepper Jelly

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common things people ask me about this baked brie—plus a few tips I’ve picked up along the way.

1. Can I use goat cheese instead of brie?
Absolutely! Goat cheese works wonderfully here—just form it into a small disk or use a log. The flavor will be tangier, but it pairs just as well with the jelly. Bake until it’s soft but not melting everywhere, about 8–10 minutes.

2. How long do leftovers last in the fridge?
Honestly, this dish rarely sticks around, but if you have leftovers, they’ll keep for about 3 days. Just cover them well and reheat gently in the oven for best results.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep it up to a day in advance—just assemble the brie with jelly, cover, and refrigerate. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s going into the oven cold.

4. What if I don’t like spicy food?
No problem! Opt for a mild red pepper jelly or swap in a sweeter option like apricot or fig jam. The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is.

5. Do I have to use parchment paper?
It’s not mandatory, but it makes cleanup *so* much easier. If you skip it, just keep an eye on the bottom of the brie to prevent sticking.

Final Thoughts on Baked Brie With Red Pepper Jelly

If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this, it’s that baked brie with red pepper jelly is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s easy enough for a weeknight treat but fancy enough to wow your guests. And let’s be honest—there’s something deeply satisfying about cutting into that warm, gooey cheese and watching it ooze onto your plate. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the fun variations, I promise it’ll become a staple in your entertaining arsenal. So go ahead, give it a try, and don’t forget to share the love (and the cheese)! You’ll be the star of the party, and everyone will be asking for the recipe.

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