Baked Brie with Apricot Jam (5 Ingredients)

I'm always looking for a quick and easy appetizer recipe that I can whip up last minute when I need to entertain at home.

This baked brie with apricot jam is the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer. It has a touch of sweetness from the jam and dried apricots that pairs perfectly with tangy brie cheese.

Whether you're in need of an appetizer for the holiday season or just for a casual happy hour get-together, this brie cheese is the perfect answer.

I have many other cheese-based appetizer recipes including ricotta crostini and spicy whipped feta if you need even more ideas.

• We'll dive into brie cheese and learn how it's made.
• I'll answer the question - "Can I eat the rind of brie cheese?"
• And we'll walk through how to use fresh rosemary in this baked brie appetizer.

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Brie is a soft, creamy cheese made from cow's milk. Surrounding the cheese is a rind (skin), which has a bloomy, tangy taste, that is completely edible. In fact, in France they consider the rind to be the best part!

How brie cheese is made is really fascinating. It starts with milk, enzymes, and rennet which then coagulates and curdles. Once curds have formed, the whey is drained off.

Next, the curds are placed in a mold and the cheese is brined (placed in salt water) and left to rest, so the rind can bloom. You can learn more about how brie cheese is made if you're interested.

• Dried apricots: This ingredient adds a nice texture and a chewy bite to the appetizer.
• Sliced almonds: You can also use whole unblanched almonds as long as they are finely chopped.
• Apricot jam: This ingredient is the star of the show. It's sweet, fruity, and pairs perfectly with brie. You can use jam, fruit spread, or preserves for this recipe.
• Rosemary: Fresh rosemary adds a woodsy, robust flavor. Be sure to remove the rosemary sprigs from the hard stalk before finely chopping it.
• Morton kosher salt: Salt is important to balance out the sweetness of the jam and apricots.
• Brie cheese: Purchase brie cheese in a wheel. The brie should still have the rind on it.
• Crackers: I love serving apricot jam baked brie with crackers or toasted bread.

Be sure to check out the recipe card below for the full ingredient measurements.

1. Add dried apricots, almonds, apricot jam, rosemary, and salt to a mixing bowl and stir to combine.

2. Next, place the brie cheese on a parchment-lined baking sheet and top it with the apricot mixture.

3. Finally, bake the cheese for 10-12 minutes in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. The cheese should feel melted on the inside once it's done baking.

• Want to make a variation of this baked brie? Try substituting the apricot jam for orange or strawberry. It will give this recipe a different overall taste.
• If you're hosting, you can prepare the baked brie in the morning. Store the baked brie topped with the apricot mixture in the refrigerator. Then, when your guests arrive, pop the brie in the oven to bake.
• If you're looking for a bigger appetizer, try adding the apricot baked brie to a charcuterie board.