Baked Brie with Honey and Walnuts
Baked brie looks like more work than it is. A whole wheel softens in the air fryer until the centre is molten, then gets a spoonful of honey with toasted walnuts and fresh thyme. Put it out with crackers, toasted baguette and apple slices for a New Year's Eve spread, and let everyone scoop. If you would rather use the oven, the method is in the tips.
Published
- Prep Time
- 5 mins
- Cook Time
- 13 mins
- Rest
- 5 mins
- Total Time
- 23 mins
- Servings
- 8 servings
How do you make Baked Brie with Honey and Walnuts?
Score the top of a 250 g wheel of brie, set it in a small ovenproof dish and air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 8-10 minutes, until the centre feels soft. Spoon over honey mixed with toasted walnuts and thyme, rest for 5 minutes and serve with crackers, baguette or apple slices. In the oven, bake at 180°C (350°F) for 12-15 minutes.
- Total time
- 23 mins
- Calories
- 160 per serving
- Protein
- 7 g
- Yield
- 8 servings
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Method
- Air frying
Ingredients
Equipment
Air fryer · Small ovenproof dish or ramekin, about 15 cm (6 inches) across · Small frying pan · Sharp knife
Quick Directions
Toast the walnuts
Put the walnuts in a small dry frying pan over medium heat and toast for 3-4 minutes, shaking the pan often, until they smell nutty and darken slightly.
Score the brie
Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
Air fry the brie
Put the dish in the basket and air fry for 8-10 minutes, until the sides feel soft and the centre gives easily when you press it gently.
Top and serve
Spoon the honey and walnuts over the brie and scatter over the remaining thyme, a pinch of flaky salt and some black pepper.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to make the perfect baked brie with honey and walnuts.
Toast the walnuts
Put the walnuts in a small dry frying pan over medium heat and toast for 3-4 minutes, shaking the pan often, until they smell nutty and darken slightly. Tip them into a small bowl and stir in the honey and half the thyme leaves.
Score the brie
Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Set the brie in a small ovenproof dish or ramekin that fits in the basket with a little space around it. Leave the rind on, since it holds the melted cheese together. Cut a shallow crosshatch into the top rind with a sharp knife, going just through the rind.
Air fry the brie
Put the dish in the basket and air fry for 8-10 minutes, until the sides feel soft and the centre gives easily when you press it gently. A smaller 125 g (4 oz) wheel needs 5-7 minutes.
Top and serve
Spoon the honey and walnuts over the brie and scatter over the remaining thyme, a pinch of flaky salt and some black pepper. Let it rest for 5 minutes so it does not run when cut, then serve warm with crackers, baguette and fruit slices.
Recipe Tips
- Oven method: heat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Put the scored brie in a small baking dish, or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 12-15 minutes until soft in the centre. Add the topping and rest as above.
- Bake the brie in a dish, not straight in the basket. If the rind splits, the cheese stays in the dish instead of dripping through the basket.
- Start with a cold wheel. It holds its shape better while the inside melts, and a very ripe or triple-cream brie may need a couple of minutes less.
- The brie keeps softening as it rests, so take it out when the centre feels soft rather than waiting for it to look runny.
Variations
- Hot honey: stir 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes into the honey before adding the walnuts.
- Cranberry pecan: swap the honey for 80 ml (1/3 cup) cranberry sauce and the walnuts for toasted pecans.
- Fig and pistachio: spread 2 tbsp fig jam over the baked brie and top with chopped pistachios.
- Maple: use maple syrup instead of honey.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 160 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbs | 7.5 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated fat | 6 g |
| Fibre | 0.4 g |
| Sugar | 6.5 g |
| Sodium | 210 mg |
Estimated from the listed ingredients; values vary by brand.
Related Recipes
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge
- Do not leave baked brie out for longer than 2 hours. Wrap leftovers and refrigerate for up to 3 days; the walnuts soften as they sit.
- Reheat
- Reheat in the air fryer at 160°C (325°F) for 3-4 minutes, or microwave in 15-second bursts, until soft again.
Baked Brie with Honey and Walnuts FAQs
Do you eat the rind on baked brie?
Yes. Brie rind is edible and holds the melted cheese together while it bakes, so leave it on. Scoring the top lets you dip straight into the soft centre.
How long do you bake brie in the oven?
Bake a 250 g (8 oz) wheel at 180°C (350°F) for 12-15 minutes, until the centre feels soft when pressed. In the air fryer it takes 8-10 minutes at the same temperature.
How do I know when baked brie is ready?
The sides feel soft, the top may puff slightly, and the centre gives easily when pressed. It keeps softening as it rests for 5 minutes, so do not wait until the rind splits.
Is baked brie vegetarian?
It depends on the cheese. Some brie is made with animal rennet, which is not vegetarian. Check the label for microbial or vegetable rennet, or ask at the cheese counter.
Can I make baked brie ahead of time?
Score the brie and toast the walnuts earlier in the day, then bake the cheese just before serving. Baked brie is best within about 30 minutes, while the centre is still soft.
Disclaimer
- Nutrition information is an estimate based on the listed ingredients. It changes with the brands, portion sizes and swaps you use.
- Read ingredient labels for allergens and for diet claims such as gluten-free or vegan. Products and their ingredients can change.
- Cooking times are a guide, since ovens, air fryers and slow cookers all run differently. Use a food thermometer and cook meat, poultry and fish to the safe internal temperatures in government food safety guidance.
- This recipe is general information, not medical or nutrition advice. If you have an allergy, a health condition or a special diet, check with a qualified health professional.
