Brie with jam is a versatile appetizer that’s quick and easy to prepare. Cut off the top rind, let it come to room temperature, heat in the oven, and serve with warm jam and bread or crackers. Add nuts or jalapeno peppers for a twist.
Brie with jam is a versatile appetizer that can satisfy almost any craving from sweet to spicy to savory. Topped with just about any kind of jam and served with bread or crackers, brie’s mild flavor provides the perfect complement. Since heating the brie typically takes less than 10 minutes in an oven and the jam can be heated at the same time, the appetizer is also quick and easy to prepare.
The top rind of the brie should be cut off while the brie is still cold. The crust is not very thick, so the slice must be thin to avoid removing excess cheese. A sharp knife should be used as a dull knife may leave an unsightly jagged edge. A coarse wire cheese cutter can be replaced by a knife or sturdy fishing line. The line is easier to check if it is pulled towards the person slicing the cheese.
The brie should then be allowed to come to room temperature, which takes about 30 minutes to an hour. This promotes the flavor of the cheese. Once it has reached room temperature, it is heated in an oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) for about ten minutes or until melted and sticky.
It’s best to heat the jam separately from the brie. Use a microwave or stove to bring the jam to a warm, thick consistency. If using the stove, the jam should be heated slowly over medium-low heat to avoid burning it. In a microwave oven, this shouldn’t take more than a minute or two. Stir until smooth and pour over the heated brie.
To keep the brie with jam melting during serving, cook it in an oven-safe serving dish. The dish should be large enough to leave a generous lip for the brie with jam, as the jam will spread a bit. To serve it with bread or crackers, there should also be enough space on the platter to arrange these items around the brie. The serving dish will retain its heat and act as a warmer for the brie, and it’s a good idea to warn guests that the dish is hot. For easy cleaning, the pan should be lightly greased before placing the cheese on it.
The crusty, toasted bread offers an excellent contrast to the brie with jam as the cheese and jam have a smooth texture. Similarly, a sprinkle of nuts, such as sliced almonds, can also make for a satisfying crunch. For a spicy alternative, jalapeno peppers can be pureed and added to jam before reheating.
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