Baked Brie with Apricot Preserves, Rosemary, and Almonds

You know those appetizers that make people stop mid-conversation and just stare at the table? This is one of them.

I made this baked brie with apricot preserves for the first time at our neighborhood holiday get-together two years ago, and honestly, I wasn't sure anyone was going to notice it next to all the fancier spreads. Then John walked past, grabbed a cracker, scooped up a big spoonful of that gooey, golden topping — and immediately turned around to grab another. That told me everything I needed to know.

What I love most about this recipe is how little effort it actually takes. You're looking at five ingredients, one baking dish, and about 20 minutes from start to finish. Whether it's a Thanksgiving appetizer spread or a random Tuesday wine night with friends, baked brie with apricot preserves, rosemary, and almonds fits right in. And if you're already planning a full appetizer lineup, pair it with my Spinach Artichoke Dip for a table that disappears fast.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Baked Brie Recipe
• Ingredients for Baked Brie with Apricot Preserves
• How to Make This Easy Baked Brie Appetizer
• Storing Your Baked Brie with Apricot Preserves
• Tips and Variations to Try with This Baked Brie Recipe
• Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Brie with Apricot Preserves
• Recipes You May Like
• Wrapping Up
• Baked Brie with Apricot Preserves, Rosemary, and Almonds

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Why You'll Love This Baked Brie Recipe

• Ready in just 20 minutes — yes, really
• Only 5 simple ingredients (6 if you count the optional brandy)
• The sweet-savory combo of apricot jam and fresh rosemary is genuinely hard to stop eating
• Perfect for holiday parties, cocktail nights, or any casual gathering
• No fancy equipment needed — just a baking sheet and an oven
• Looks way more impressive than the effort it takes

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Ingredients for Baked Brie with Apricot Preserves

• 8-ounce wheel of double cream brie
• ¼ cup apricot preserves
• 2 tablespoons chopped roasted salted almonds
• ½ teaspoon brandy (optional, but it adds a lovely depth)
• ¼ teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
• Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish

A few notes on ingredients:

The double cream brie is key here. It has a higher fat content, which means it melts beautifully and gets that soft, oozy texture you're going for. If you can only find regular brie, that works too — just watch it a little more closely in the oven.

The brandy is completely optional. I've made this both ways and the recipe holds up perfectly without it. If you're serving it to kids or just don't have any on hand, skip it entirely.

For the almonds, I use pre-chopped roasted salted almonds from the grocery store. It saves a step and the salt actually balances the sweetness of the preserves really nicely.

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How to Make This Easy Baked Brie Appetizer

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the brie wheel on an oven-safe serving dish or a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Mix the topping. In a medium bowl, combine the apricot preserves, chopped rosemary, brandy (if using), almonds, and a small pinch of salt. Stir until everything is well combined.
3. Top the brie. Spoon the apricot mixture generously over the top of the brie wheel.
4. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the sides of the brie feel soft and slightly jiggly when you gently press them. The rind should still be intact — it holds everything together as you serve.
5. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. I know it's hard to wait, but this step really matters. It gives the cheese a moment to settle so it doesn't run everywhere the second someone dips a cracker in.
6. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and serve immediately with crackers, sliced baguette, apple slices, or grapes.

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Storing Your Baked Brie with Apricot Preserves

Honestly? Leftovers are rare with this one. But on the off chance there's some left over, here's what to do.

Refrigerator: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Warm it in a 300°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes until soft again. I don't recommend the microwave — it tends to make the texture a little rubbery.

Make-ahead tip: You can mix the apricot topping a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, just spoon it over the brie and bake fresh. That's the best way to get that perfect gooey center every time.

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Tips and Variations to Try with This Baked Brie Recipe

This easy baked brie appetizer is incredibly forgiving and fun to play around with. Here are some of my favorite adjustments:

• Swap the preserves. Raspberry jam, fig jam, or honey all work beautifully here. I've also tried a peach version in the summer that Bradley actually requested twice — which almost never happens.
• Change up the nuts. While this recipe calls for almonds, chopped pecans or walnuts are just as good. Pecans give it a more Southern feel, which honestly fits perfectly for a Nashville kitchen.
• Add a drizzle of honey right before serving for extra sweetness and a little shine.
• Try fresh thyme instead of rosemary if you want a slightly more delicate herb flavor.
• Serve it directly in a small cast iron skillet for a rustic presentation that keeps everything warm longer.

One thing to avoid: don't score the top of the brie before baking. I made that mistake once thinking it would help the toppings sink in more — it just caused the cheese to leak out too quickly. Keep the rind fully intact and let the heat do the work.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Brie with Apricot Preserves

Can I make baked brie with apricot preserves ahead of time?

You can prep the topping mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. But always bake the brie fresh right before serving — that's the only way to get that perfectly soft, gooey baked brie texture that makes everyone reach for seconds.

What do you serve with baked brie?

Crackers and sliced baguette are the classics, but apple slices and grapes are my personal go-to for a little freshness. It turns into a mini cheese board moment without any extra effort.

Can I skip the brandy in this recipe?

Yes, completely. The baked brie without alcohol version is just as delicious. The brandy adds a subtle depth, but the apricot and rosemary flavors carry this recipe beautifully on their own.

How do I know when baked brie is done?

It's ready when the sides feel soft and slightly jiggly when you gently press them. That usually happens around the 12 to 15-minute mark at 350°F. You don't want to overbake it — if the rind starts to crack and cheese begins spilling out, it's gone a little too long.

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Recipes You May Like

• Spinach Artichoke Dip — Another crowd-pleasing dip that works beautifully as a holiday party appetizer alongside your baked brie spread.
• Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls — Sweet, flaky, and ridiculously easy — perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas appetizer tables.
• Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs — If you need a heartier cocktail party food idea to balance out the cheese board, these always disappear first.

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Wrapping Up

This baked brie with apricot preserves, rosemary, and almonds has become one of those recipes I keep coming back to every single holiday season. It looks fancy, it tastes amazing, and it takes almost no time to pull together — which is honestly my favorite kind of recipe to share here.

Give it a try at your next get-together and let me know how it goes in the comments! And if you want to save it for later, pin it on Pinterest so it's easy to find when the next holiday rolls around.

Happy cooking, and here's to more delicious moments around the table with your people.

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