Baked Brie with Caramelized Onions is a warm, cheesy delight that is perfect for sharing. The creamy Brie cheese pairs beautifully with sweet, golden onions, creating a yummy treat!
This dish is super easy to make, and it always impresses guests! I love serving it with crusty bread for dipping—it’s a hit at every party. You really can’t go wrong with gooey cheese! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brie Cheese: For the creamiest experience, go for a good quality Brie. If you can’t find Brie, Camembert makes a nice substitute with a similar texture and tangy flavor.
Onions: Yellow onions are perfect for sweetness when caramelized. If you prefer a milder taste, try using sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla. Red onions can also work, but they will give a different flavor.
Butter and Olive Oil: The combination yields a rich flavor. If you want to keep it dairy-free, you can use a vegan butter substitute or stick with just olive oil.
Thyme: Fresh thyme really enhances the dish. If you don’t have fresh, dried thyme will do, but use half the amount as it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Caramelize Onions to Perfection?
Caramelizing onions takes patience but is so rewarding! Start with medium-low heat and let them cook slowly to bring out their natural sweetness. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet.
- Add sliced onions along with salt and pepper, cooking on low. This will draw moisture and sweetness out of the onions.
- If you want to speed things up, sprinkle in some sugar.
- Stir occasionally and be patient—the magic happens over 30-40 minutes!
- Finish off with fresh thyme right before removing from heat.
These tips will help you achieve the best caramelized onions for your baked Brie!
Baked Brie With Caramelized Onions
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brie:
- 1 wheel (8 oz) Brie cheese
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for faster caramelization)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish
For Serving:
- 1 baguette or crusty bread, sliced and toasted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This baked Brie recipe will take about 10-15 minutes for prep and around 45 minutes of total cooking time—including around 30-40 minutes for caramelizing the onions. You’ll have a delicious warm appetizer ready in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, along with the salt, pepper, and sugar if you’re using it. Cook the onions slowly while stirring occasionally, until they turn a deep golden brown and are caramelized, about 30-40 minutes. Stir in the fresh thyme leaves just before removing from heat, then set aside.
2. Prepare the Brie:
While your onions are caramelizing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Brie cheese on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a small oven-safe dish.
3. Top with Caramelized Onions:
Once the onions are ready, spoon them generously over the top of the Brie, allowing the delicious caramelized goodness to cover it.
4. Bake the Brie:
Put the Brie in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to be soft and gooey but not completely collapsed—just enough to create that perfect melted interior!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, carefully transfer the Brie with caramelized onions to a wooden serving board. Garnish with extra thyme sprigs for a lovely touch. Serve it warm alongside sliced toasted baguette or crusty bread for dipping.
Enjoy this rich and flavorful baked Brie with sweet onions as the perfect appetizer or a delightful party snack!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you can’t find Brie, Camembert is a great alternative as it has a similar texture and buttery flavor. You could also try other soft cheeses like goat cheese, but keep in mind the melting texture may differ.
How Can I Speed Up the Caramelization Process?
If you’re short on time, adding sugar to the onions can help caramelization happen faster by enhancing their natural sweetness. Just keep the heat low and stir frequently to avoid burning!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! Caramelize the onions ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just assemble the Brie with the onions and bake according to the recipe instructions.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave, being careful not to overheat the cheese!
