This Baked Brie with Caramelized Onions is a warm, cheesy delight! The creamy brie melts beautifully, and the sweet onions add a yummy touch. Perfect for sharing at parties!
I love scooping it up with crunchy baguette slices. Honestly, who can resist that gooey cheese? It’s like a big, tasty hug on a plate! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brie Cheese: Brie is the star here, bringing creamy goodness. If you’re unable to find it, Camembert works well too, offering a similar texture and flavor. Just make sure it’s a soft cheese.
Yellow Onions: Yellow onions are perfect for caramelizing because they are sweet. If you need an alternative, you can use sweet onions or even shallots for a slightly different taste.
Butter and Olive Oil: This combo helps achieve the best caramelization. You could substitute with all olive oil for a healthier option or even use ghee if you prefer a dairy-free choice.
Fresh Thyme: Thyme adds depth to the dish. If fresh is hard to find, dried thyme works in a pinch, but use less since it’s more concentrated.
How Can I Perfectly Caramelize Onions?
Caramelizing onions might seem challenging, but it’s all about patience! Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with medium heat to avoid burning the onions; you want them to cook low and slow.
- Stir occasionally, giving them the chance to caramelize evenly. Don’t rush! Aim for 25-30 minutes.
- If they seem dry or sticky, add a little water to prevent burning.
- Adding a pinch of sugar (if you choose) can enhance the sweetness, but it’s optional.
- Once they reach a rich, golden-brown color, you know you’re done!
Baked Brie With Caramelized Onions
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 wheel (8 oz) brie cheese
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to aid caramelization)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish requires about 10 minutes of prep time and 15-30 minutes of cooking time. Plan for about 40-45 minutes total, including caramelizing the onions and baking the brie, so you can enjoy the warm, gooey goodness without any rush!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will get your oven nice and hot for baking the brie. While that’s heating up, take out your skillet to start working on those onions!
2. Sauté the Onions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter along with the olive oil. Once melted, add the thinly sliced onions and stir them well to coat in the buttery goodness. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and hugely flavorful—this can take about 25-30 minutes. If they start to dry out, just add a little splash of water to keep them going. Towards the end, sprinkle the sugar and fresh thyme, seasoning with salt and pepper. Give everything a final stir and then turn off the heat.
3. Prepare the Brie:
While the onions are getting perfectly caramelized, take your wheel of brie and place it on a baking sheet or in a small oven-safe dish. If you’d like, score the top rind in a gentle crisscross pattern to help the cheese melt more evenly.
4. Assemble and Bake:
Now, generously spoon the caramelized onions over the brie. Don’t be shy; you want lots of that delicious goodness on top! Then place the brie in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and starting to ooze. Just keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t overcook!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s ready, carefully remove the brie from the oven and transfer it to a serving platter. Garnish with a few extra thyme sprigs for a pretty touch. It’s best served warm, so grab some crackers or slices of baguette and get ready to dip into that warm, gooey cheese with sweet onions on top!
Enjoy every melty, cheesy bite of this delightful dish! Perfect for sharing at gatherings or a cozy night in! 😊
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While brie is classic, you can substitute it with other soft cheeses like Camembert or Havarti. Just ensure they melt well for that creamy texture!
How Do I Store Leftover Baked Brie?
Store any leftover baked brie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it back in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through to recreate the gooeyness.
Can I Make the Caramelized Onions Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can caramelize the onions a day ahead and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake the brie, just warm them up a bit before layering them on the cheese.
What Can I Serve with Baked Brie?
Serve this dish with a variety of options! Crackers, sliced baguette, apple slices, or even vegetables like carrots and celery make great dippers for the rich cheese and sweet onions.
