It’s festive, a total crowd pleaser, you can use a good value brie, and it takes just 3 minutes to make. This is basically a baked brie appetizer except it’s microwaved and you can’t tell the difference at all. You don’t need a recipe video to learn how to make this – but you should watch it anyway, just to catch the first and last 5 seconds….
I’m officially in holiday mode! I never know exactly when it will hit me, but it always eventually does. When I stop setting my alarm and yet I still wake up at 6 am every morning (?). When I hit the beach with Dozer every single morning to meet up with his “family”, a congregation of anywhere between 5 – 20+ golden retrievers in the area. When I notice that everyone is in a good mood. More people smile at you on the street, and even though the shops are so crowded, no one is huffing and sighing loudly in the check out queues no matter how long they are. (OK I lie, some people still do and said person may be one of those people that sometimes does, because even though I’m in holiday mode, I do still have a tendency to put myself on a schedule of some sorts, albeit more of a social rather than work schedule).
So because I’m in holiday mode, today I’m sharing something that is ridiculously fast and easy. Truth be told, I did make and take lots of photos of a few other things – nuts, mulled wine – but I just wasn’t 1000% happy with the recipes. I can do better. So next year. I’ll share them next year.
For this year, you’ll just have to make do with this – my 3 Minute Melty Festive Brie. Aka a super speedy Baked Brie appetizer.
You don’t really need a recipe for this. All I do is pop a brie or camembert in the microwave for 1 minute 15 seconds on high, or until it’s melted. It’s really easy to tell – just prod it in the centre and it will feel really soft and….er….well, it will feel melted. 🤷🏻♀️
Then top it with roughly chopped pecans, pomegranate seeds and pour over maple syrup. And that’s it!
Hmm. Maybe it’s not even 3 minutes. It might be 2 minutes 30 seconds. I didn’t factor in the time it takes to unwrap the brie / open the packet of pecans (get ’em crushed if you seriously want to save time) / wack the pomegranate seeds out / pull the bottle of maple syrup out of the cupboard. But you get the idea. The actual construction time of the brie is definitely less than 3 minutes. 🙌🏼
Oh! Quick tip: This is how to get pomegranate seeds out – just cut in half, then over a bowl, wack the pomegranates with a wooden spoon and the seeds will come flying out into the bowl. Every time I do this, I get a ridiculous childish sense of satisfaction / want to giggle. 😉
I topped this brie with pecans, pomegranate seeds and maple syrup. I really do think that is a stellar combination – the creamy savoury brie, the juicy fresh pops of pomegranate, the warm nuttiness of pecans and woody sweetness of maple syrup – but you can totally tailor it to your own taste or whatever you have. My formula is to use something nutty for texture, something syrupy for sweetness and some kind of fruit for freshness / juiciness.
So there you have it! This is one of my greatest secret weapon starters revealed. It looks fantastic, you don’t need to use an expensive brie/camembert for this (in fact, I encourage you not to), it’s adaptable to your taste, it takes minutes to make, and it makes you look like a rockstar! – Nagi x
PS I have no idea what to call this. It really is essentially a baked brie appetizer except it’s not baked. But really, I bet no one would ever know whether this was baked or microwaved.
Hungry for more? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.
3 Minute Melty Festive Brie (Speed Baked Brie)
Ingredients
- 1 (250 g / 8 oz) whole brie (Note 1)
- 1/4 cup roughly chopped pecans , roasted (Note 2)
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Unwrap brie and place on a small microwave-proof plate with a rim (so maple syrup doesn't go everywhere).
- Microwave on high for 1 minute 15 seconds, or until the brie is very soft when you prod the centre. Watch the brie as you microwave it - if it starts to puff up too much (i.e. risk of bursting), turn microwave off and leave brie inside - residual heat will continue to melt it.
- Top with pecans, pomegranate seeds and maple syrup. Serve immediately with crackers of choice (choose ones suitable for scooping). I serve this with a spoon and/or small pate knife.
Recipe Notes:
- Pecans: Use whatever nuts you want.
- Pomegranate seeds: Use anything with a bit of sweet juiciness, like blueberries, red currents or even small grapes, chopped. I opt out of using dried fruit because they are very sweet / a bit too chewy (e.g. cranberries).
- Maple syrup: Honey, golden syrup, blueberry or other sweet sauce. 4. Crackers to serve (I used bagel chips, good size / shape for scooping). 5. Nutrition per serving assuming 8 servings.
Nutrition Information:
WATCH HOW TO MAKE IT
You really don’t need a recipe video for this 3 Minute Melty Festive Brie but I couldn’t resist making one just so you can see that melty cheese in all its glory.
LIFE OF DOZER
Yep, that’s my dog. Look at the way he’s eyeing off that melty cheese…. Atta boy!
Looks delicious! Doesn’t get much easier than this. Merry Christmas!
I know, right?? If there was ever a time to “cheat” without actually cheating, Christmas is it! 🙂 N xx
I adore baked brie! It’s so incredibly divine, and yours looks gorgeous with the pomegranate, Nagi! <3
Even if I’m totally cheating and it’s MICROWAVED??? 😉 N x
Whaaat? Brie in a microwave? Would have never thought of that and it’s so simple! 🙂 Love the golden syrup and pomegranate. What a delicious and fast appetizer! 🙂
You know, I posted this on Instagram and had some people who were horrified that I microwaved it!! But SERIOUSLY, how could you tell if it was microwaved for 1 minute or baked for 10?? BA! Go the easy route I say! 😉 N xx
Thank you so much for this recipe, it is the best ever … I now have another fun food to crave … lol Enjoy your Holiday’s.
YES YOU DO!!! And if we can’t indulge during the holidays without feeling guilty, when can we?? Diet starts on 1 Jan. Wait – 2 Jan. Because…well, you know. 1 Jan is for recovering from NYE! N xx
The 1st time I had this was with leftover cranberry sauce…ever since the sight of melted Brie with anything sweet on it makes me drool ??….Love the microwave method
Isn’t it an amazing combination??? I didn’t have a sweet + brie combo until in my 20’s and I’m hooked forever!!! N xx
oh god look at that cheesey ooze! I love baked brie more than anything on our christmas table! Gorgeous photos as ever!
Aww thanks Ruby! Merry Christmas to you and your family! N xx
Sorry Nagi I just noticed in recipe you did mention Camembert could be used.Love all your recipes!Cheers Jennifer
🙂 N xx
Hi Nagi, I was wondering would Camembert be good in this recipe ? Happy Christmas to you and your family ! Big hugs for Dozer Regards Jennifer
Hi Jennifer! Yup Camembert works but is not quite as soft when scooped (though still really melty and sccoopable!) simply because brie has a higher fat (generally more fat = oozier cheese, except mozz). Merry Christmas to you and your family too Jennifer! Hugs back and Dozer says WOOF! N x
This is just another example of your wonderful recipes. We have not eaten so good since getting them. Thanks.
Have a wonderful Christmas and look forward to more recipes in the New Year. A big hug to Dozer xxxx
Aww thank you so much Coral! Merry Christmas to you too, Dozer says WOOF back! N xx
Marry Christmas Nagi!
Thank you so much for all your recipes.
Merry Christmas to you too Elena! Thank you for reading and I’m glad you enjoy my recipes! N xx
This is a great dish to bring to a gathering. It’s delicious and gorgeous to look at.
Thanks Maureen! I was excited to see a new post email from you, can’t wait to read it! N x
I’m in the same mode like you!! Looking forward to the holiday appetizer and yours is easy, cheesy and sweet. What else can I ask? Love it!!
Happy Holiday Nagi!
Happy Holidays to you too Carlos! Glad to hear you’re in holiday mode too! N x
OMG!!! Just something else to add to the excess, extravagance, and craziness. This the only way to explain our enjoyment of the season at our house. It all started with 1500 decorated gingerbread cookies for friends, neighbors and family. Baked and froze tarts & cookies twice. Someone in our house likes frozen goodies. Cheese and home made crackers are always a big hit. Baked Brie will fit in perfectly. I probably will not fit perfectly in any of my cloths come January. Have a wonderful and safe holiday.
Woah – wait – did you accidentally add an extra “0” at the end of 1,500????
No. it took 2 weeks. We have a very big extended family and neighbors who seem to expect cookies every year. Grandkids and great grandkids hang them on their trees. Craziness begins early here. The kids start planning and discussing themes for cookies early in the year. They were a little disappointed I didn’t make a gingerbread house this year as well. I am not Super Grandma.
I can’t imagine making this and being able to stay away! It looks divine, and that ooey, gooey melting lava of goodness would be snarfed up in no time by ME. I think I need to buy some extra stretchy clothes for the holidays 🙁 Have a Merry Christmas, Nagi!
It was SO HARD to restrain myself from eating the whole thing Marisa ?
It’s also yummy with cranberry sauce warmed and over the top…
Oooh YES to that!!
Baked Brie…..OMG delicious. I bought 2 last night with a layer of Black truffle running through them. Add a topping of something sweet and I`m gonna be very happy food geek.
All the very best from the UK , LOVE THE SITE. XX
Truffle brie…..groan….that is the BEST!!!! It’s basically two of my all time favourite foods ever together. What is it with truffle?? I just can’t put my finger on why everyone is so obsessed with it. It’s just SO GOOD! But it’s so hard to describe WHY it’s so good!!! N x
Hi Nagi! Melty brie has always been a favorite of mine! I usually just top it with some slivered almonds, but this is much more upscale! I do hope you gave Dozer just a small taste! Try to stay cool for the Holidays and I’ll try to stay warm!!
Of COURSE I have him a taste! It is Christmas after all, and cheese really is one of his all time favourite treats!!! N xx
It’s so quick to make and looks super yummy! Brie will be served during my Christmas dinner this year for sure 🙂
Thaaaanks Agness! I know it’s a cheat to microwave instead of bake….but really, no one can tell the difference!!! This brie kills me every time….it is SO GOOD!