Indulge your taste buds with a dish that’s as decadent as it is easy to prepare: Baked Cheese with Lemon Garlic Herbs! This Italian-inspired appetizer transforms a simple wheel of brie into a gooey, flavorful delight that will have your guests begging for more. With just a handful of ingredients and a mere 35 minutes of your time, you can create a stunning centerpiece for any gathering. Imagine the aroma of roasted garlic and fresh rosemary wafting through your kitchen, enticing everyone to the table. Ready to impress? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 wheel of brie cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature will ensure that the cheese melts evenly and develops a nice golden crust.
- Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with a little olive oil to prevent the cheese from sticking.
- Take the wheel of brie cheese and place it in the center of the prepared baking dish. If desired, you can score the top of the brie in a crisscross pattern to allow the flavors to penetrate better.
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped rosemary, and olive oil. Mix well to create a flavorful herb-infused oil.
- Drizzle the lemon garlic herb mixture evenly over the brie cheese, ensuring that it seeps into the scored areas for maximum flavor.
- Season the brie with salt and pepper to taste. Be mindful not to over-salt, as the cheese itself can be quite rich.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and gooey. The top should be lightly golden and bubbly.
- While the cheese is baking, prepare any accompaniments you’d like to serve with it, such as crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
- Once the brie is done baking, carefully remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help prevent burns from the hot cheese.
- Serve the baked cheese warm, drizzled with any remaining herb mixture from the baking dish. Enjoy it with your chosen accompaniments for a delightful appetizer.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cheese: While brie is the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other soft cheeses like camembert or goat cheese for a unique twist.
- Score the Cheese: Scoring the top of the brie not only enhances the presentation but also allows the herb-infused oil to penetrate deeper, maximizing flavor.
- Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to mix and match herbs according to your preference. Thyme, oregano, or even a hint of basil can add a delightful twist.
- Serve with Style: Pair your baked cheese with a variety of accompaniments, such as crusty baguette slices, gourmet crackers, or fresh veggies for dipping. A drizzle of honey can also elevate the flavors!
- Keep an Eye on It: Ovens vary, so keep a close watch on the cheese as it bakes. You want it to be bubbly and golden but not overly melted.
- Let it Rest: Allow the baked cheese to sit for a few minutes before serving. This makes it easier to scoop and prevents burns from the hot cheese.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the herb mixture in advance. Just drizzle it over the cheese right before baking for a quick and easy appetizer.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 75mg
