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hot_biteEasyFrench-American

Baked Brie with Champagne and Almonds

Warm, gooey brie topped with champagne-soaked fruit and toasted almonds

⏱️ Prep: 15min🍳 Cook: 15min⏰ Total: 30min👥 Serves: 10🌡️ hot
✓ vegetarian
⚠️ Contains: 🥛 Dairy, 🥜 Nuts

Ingredients

  • 1 wheelbrie cheese(8 oz)
  • 0.5 cupchampagne
  • 0.25 cupdried apricots(diced)
  • 0.25 cupgolden raisins
  • 0.25 cupsliced almonds(toasted)
  • 2 tbsphoney
  • 1 tspfresh thyme leaves
  • 0.25 tspflaky sea salt

📝 Make Ahead

Fruit can be soaked in champagne up to 3 days ahead. Assemble and bake just before serving.

Instructions

  1. Soak apricots and raisins in champagne for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F
  3. Place brie in small baking dish or on parchment-lined sheet
  4. Drain fruit, reserving champagne
  5. Score top of brie in crosshatch pattern
  6. Top with soaked fruit and almonds
  7. Drizzle with honey
  8. Bake 12-15 minutes until brie is soft and slightly oozy
  9. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon reserved champagne
  10. Sprinkle with thyme and sea salt
  11. Serve immediately with crackers and baguette slices

💡 Pro Tips

Use a ripe but not overripe brie - it should give slightly when pressed. The champagne-soaked fruit adds elegant flavor that sets this apart. Score the top rind so the toppings sink into the warm cheese. Serve within 15 minutes of baking for best texture.

📜 History

Baked brie became an American entertaining staple in the 1980s, with creative toppings reflecting the host's personality. This champagne-infused version elevates the classic for New Year's Eve, incorporating the celebratory spirit into every bite.

🍸 Pairs Well With

Also pairs well with:

champagneproseccowinebrandy