Caramelized Honey Baked Brie with Warm Olives. ~ TO BE TASTY

🛒 Ingredients

🧀 Brie & Seasoning:

✅ 1 wheel (12 oz) creamy brie
✅ 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary 🌿
✅ 1-2 cloves garlic, grated 🧄
✅ 2 tsp honey, plus more for serving 🍯

🫒 Warm Olive Mixture:

✅ 2 cups pitted Castelvetrano olives
✅ 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
✅ 2 tbsp Calabrian chili oil (or olive oil + red pepper flakes) 🌶️
✅ 1 tbsp lemon zest 🍋
✅ 2 sprigs fresh thyme 🌿
✅ Black pepper, to taste

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prep & Bake the Brie

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the brie in a small baking dish.
Using a knife, score the top of the brie in a crosshatch pattern.
Rub rosemary and grated garlic over the surface.
Drizzle honey on top.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the brie is soft and melty.

2️⃣ Prepare the Warm Olives

In a separate oven-safe dish, combine:
- Castelvetrano olives
- Olive oil
- Calabrian chili oil (or olive oil + red pepper flakes)
- Lemon zest
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- A generous pinch of black pepper
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the oil is sizzling and fragrant.

3️⃣ Serve & Enjoy

Place the warm brie on a serving platter.
Spoon the warm olives and flavored oil over the brie.
Drizzle with extra honey for a sweet-savory contrast.
Serve immediately with crackers, toasted bread, or crostini for dipping.

🌟 Pro Tips for the Best Baked Brie

✔ Use high-quality brie for the creamiest texture. Triple-cream brie works best!
✔ Don’t overbake—20 minutes is enough to achieve a melty consistency without breaking the cheese.
✔ Try different olives! Kalamata or green Cerignola olives make a great substitute.
✔ For a nutty crunch, sprinkle toasted walnuts or almonds over the top.

🍷 Perfect Pairings

🍷 Drink: A glass of Chardonnay or a bold Syrah pairs beautifully.
🥖 Side Dish: Serve with fig jam, fresh fruit, and nuts for a complete cheese board experience.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Skipping the scoring step—this helps the brie melt evenly.
🚫 Using low-quality honey—opt for raw honey for the best flavor.
🚫 Overcrowding the brie with olives—serve them around or on top after baking.

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake the olives in advance and reheat before serving. Bake the brie fresh for the best texture.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover brie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes.

Q: Can I use a different cheese?
A: Yes! Try Camembert or goat cheese for a different twist.

🧀 Enjoy your Baked Brie with Warm Spiced Olives! Let me know if you need any tweaks! 😊