Candied Bacon Baked Brie - Appetizer Recipe by Blackberry Babe (2024)

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This Candied Bacon Baked Brie recipe is the perfect appetizer for the holidays! Gooey baked brie is topped with sweet and salty candied bacon.It’s a reader favorite!

This Candied Bacon Baked Brie cheese is one of the easiest appetizers for the holidays! With cheese boards and charcuterie boards becoming popular, so is baked brie.

Candied Bacon Baked Brie - Appetizer Recipe by Blackberry Babe (1)

When you think of baked brie, you probably think of brie en croute! It’s a classic, retro appetizer that I love to make (check out this cute Halloween Baked Brie en Croute) but I don’t always have phyllo dough or puff pastry to make wrapped brie.

“This was probably the most delicious thing I’ve ever made!”

– Hannah
Candied Bacon Baked Brie - Appetizer Recipe by Blackberry Babe (2)

When this is the case, I turn instead to delicious toppings! I first published this baked brie recipe, and then I dreamed up a version with quick candied bacon. It’s a showstopper, a reader favorite and perfect party food.

When it’s a super special occasion, I take it to the next level with this melty brie recipe!

Candied Bacon Baked Brie - Appetizer Recipe by Blackberry Babe (3)

I love this easy appetizer recipe because the creamy texture and richness of the cheese pairs so well with the sweet, salty and savory candied bacon topping! It’s a match made in heaven.

I think this is the best appetizer for the holidays! We usually serve it as a Thanksgiving appetizer, but it’s appropriate for any special occasion.

“Every year a goner in 10 minutes! So good. #bestappetizers”

– Jamie
Candied Bacon Baked Brie - Appetizer Recipe by Blackberry Babe (4)

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I remove the rind?

No, the bloomy rind should not be removed, it’s what keeps the brie in! if you don’t like the taste of it, you can use a sharp knife to shave a bit of the top and bottom off of the brie wheel, and then eat around it once baked.

Candied Bacon Baked Brie - Appetizer Recipe by Blackberry Babe (5)

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

This elegant appetizer can be prepped ahead of time. Just make the candied bacon topping and store it in the fridge. Bake the cheese right before serving.

Be prepared that the candied bacon topping with harden substantially over time. You may want to add extra maple syrup while gently reheating to help it loosen back up.

Candied Bacon Baked Brie - Appetizer Recipe by Blackberry Babe (6)

What should I bake this on?

You can choose to bake this on a baking sheet or sheet pan, but I would recommend lining it with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

You can also use a small ceramic dish, I have also used a pie plate. The benefit of using a smaller ceramic dish is that you won’t need to transfer the baked brie to a serving platter.

Candied Bacon Baked Brie - Appetizer Recipe by Blackberry Babe (7)

What to serve with Baked Brie

You have so many options to serve with this cheesy appetizer that either help to scoop up the melty cheese OR add complimentary flavor to this dish.

One of my favorite thins to served alongside baked brie is Cowboy Candy! The sweet and spicy combination of the jalapenos is so good.

Candied Bacon Baked Brie - Appetizer Recipe by Blackberry Babe (8)

I like to serve it with an assortment of:

  • Crusty bread
  • Your favorite crackers
  • Your favorite jam (I like fig jam or apricot jam)
  • A drizzle of honey
  • Dried cranberries
  • Walnuts, pecans or pine nuts
  • Caramelized onions

This baked brie pairs beautifully with wine! I prefer a dry, light red like a Pinot Noir or an old vine Red Zinfandel.

Candied Bacon Baked Brie - Appetizer Recipe by Blackberry Babe (9)

Other Holiday Appetizers that I Recommend:

  • Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts: My ALL-TIME favorite appetizer! Your guests will definitely ask for the recipe.
  • Mini Egg Muffins with Bacon: I like making these when I have guests that I know are on a low carb diet.
  • Bacon Jam: This is the best gift ever, and awesome on charcuterie boards!
  • Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms: Always a favorite!
  • How to Make a Grazing Table: Learn how to make a charcuterie board for up to 40 people!
  • Easy Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball: A crowd favorite, every time!
Candied Bacon Baked Brie - Appetizer Recipe by Blackberry Babe (10)

If you have leftovers, consider using them as the cheese on these Cranberry Turkey Sliders. It is divine!

Candied Bacon Baked Brie - Appetizer Recipe by Blackberry Babe (11)

Candied Bacon Baked Brie

Yield: Serves 8

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Additional Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 37 minutes

Gooey baked brie topped with quick candied bacon. The perfect easy appetizer recipe!

Ingredients

  • 1 8-ounce brie wheel or wedge of brie

For the bacon topping:

  • ½ pound hickory smoked bacon, uncooked, diced
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
  • pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • pinch of fresh thyme, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. In a large skillet, add diced bacon. Cook for 10-15 minutes until just barely crispy, stirring frequently.
  3. Drain grease from skillet. Return bacon to hot skillet, add brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, maple syrup, black pepper and optional cayenne and/or thyme.
  4. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until bubbly, stirring frequently.
  5. Line a baking tray or small ceramic dish with aluminum foil, then lightly spray foil with cooking spray.
  6. Add brie to baking tray, then top with candied bacon mixture.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until brie is starting to become gooey inside but not runny.
  8. Allow to rest for about 10 minutes before digging in.
  9. Use a sharp knife to cut into brie and serve warm with crackers.

Notes

Bacon topping will be hard and crunchy, like hard candy or brittle.

If you'd like the bacon topping to be soft and loose, bake the brie, THEN add the topping directly from the skillet and serve.

If you do not have rice wine vinegar, substitute white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.

Nutrition Information

Yield 8Serving Size 6
Amount Per ServingCalories 259

Did you make this recipe?

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Candied Bacon Baked Brie - Appetizer Recipe by Blackberry Babe (12)
Candied Bacon Baked Brie - Appetizer Recipe by Blackberry Babe (2024)

FAQs

Do you take the top off brie before baking? ›

No, you don't have to remove the rind before baking brie. The rind is edible and I don't even think you can taste it after the brie is baked. If you want to remove the rind, you can use a sharp knife to carefully cut off the thin rind of the cheese at the top of the wheel. This is easier to do when the brie is cold.

What fruit and brie go together? ›

Brie loves being paired with sweet fruit, particularly stone fruits like peaches, figs, apricots and plums. The sweetness and juiciness of stone fruit is a lovely combination with the Brie's creamy texture, making for an easy yet indulgent treat. If stone fruit is out of season, pair Brie with grapes and berries.

What should I serve on top of brie cheese? ›

As mentioned, brie's mild, yet buttery and nutty flavor pairs well with so many things. Some examples are salami, prosciutto, pickles, apricots, apples, pears, dates, almonds, candied walnuts, and pecans.

What jam goes well with brie cheese? ›

Jam flavors that go well with brie are apricot preserves, fig jam, raspberry jam, orange marmalade or hot pepper jelly. ​Sweet heat is excellent with brie. Drizzle hot honey when serving the baked brie warm. Serve baked brie with crackers, baguette slices, thick potato chips, fruit slices such as apple or pear, grapes.

How long to leave brie out before serving? ›

Leave cheese for at least 1 hour

Ripe and runny bries for example would appreciate a longer warm-up: even as long as two hours, whilst harder cheddars benefit from an hour out of the fridge. The exception to this rule is fresh cheeses where 30 minutes should be sufficient.

What is the etiquette for brie cheese? ›

Should you avoid the nose? When it comes to slicing Brie, you're traditionally told to avoid "pointing the cheese," or removing the tip (also referred to as the 'nose') of a brie wedge. This is essentially bad cheese etiquette, as you are meant to enjoy the full range of the Brie's flavor, from the center to rind.

Is the rind on brie good for you? ›

Not only can you eat the rind, you should eat the rind. Technically, the rind is mold, usually Penicillium candidum, but it's good mold! The rind protects the cheese on the inside and helps to give the cheese its flavor. You're missing out on a big part of the flavor and textural experience if you do not eat the rind.

What type of brie is best for baked brie? ›

Best Brie for Baked Brie – Use an economical brie or camembert! Expensive brie would be wasted on this recipe, in my opinion, though it does work just as well with top end as it does budget brie. How long it stays gooey – in a ceramic dish, it will stay scoopable for a good 15 minutes or so.

What kind of brie to buy for baked brie? ›

Don't be tempted to use a fancy, artisan brie from a cheese shop here. This recipe works best with the regular kind of brie you find at the supermarket; fancier bries may leak out of their pastry. Choose any flavor jam for the topping.

What does brie go with on a charcuterie board? ›

What do you serve with baked brie? This baked brie recipe makes for a wonderful holiday appetizer just by itself, topped with a little honey, fresh thyme, pomegranate seeds, and pistachios. Delicious! I like to also serve it with a selection of crackers, cut fruits, and whole nuts.

What meat tastes best with brie? ›

Salumi (Fancy Word or Umbrella Term for the Vast Realm of Prepared Italian Meats)
  • Salami.
  • Salami Calabrese.
  • Soppressata.
  • Prosciutto.
  • Coppa.
  • Bresaola.
  • Pepperoni.

What drink pairs well with brie? ›

Typically, brie does very well with white wines, which have lower tannins and more acidity. These characteristics do very well with the creaminess of the cheese. Sparkling wines are also an excellent option. If you prefer a red with your cheese, select a lighter-bodied or fruity variety.

What kind of apples go best with brie? ›

Offering a counterpoint to the creamy Brie, Golden Delicious, Ambrosia and Honeycrisp apples are our recommendation for pairing.

Should I cut the top off my brie? ›

Brie rind is edible, and it actually adds nuance and complexity of flavor. In this baked brie recipe, I do not remove the rind because I need the surface to spread my jam and to add my beautiful nuts and toppings.

Do you cut the top off of brie cheese? ›

If the brie is sufficiently firm, the top should be easy to cut off. Slicing off just the top leaves a "bowl" for the creamy cheese to be scooped from when eating or preparing to serve.

Do you take the cover off brie? ›

Not only is the rind on Brie safe to eat but it may even keep out harmful organisms that could contaminate the cheese. The mold that grows on other types of cheese is not safe to eat. For example, if you have a wedge of Parmesan in your refrigerator and notice green mold growing, toss it out.

Are you supposed to take the skin off brie? ›

Not only can you eat the rind, you should eat the rind. Technically, the rind is mold, usually Penicillium candidum, but it's good mold! The rind protects the cheese on the inside and helps to give the cheese its flavor. You're missing out on a big part of the flavor and textural experience if you do not eat the rind.

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