Peach and Almond Baked Brie
Warm Brie Cheese With Fresh Fruit and Nuts
A baked Brie recipe that features the fresh taste of peaches and crunchy almonds. Makes a wonderful appetizer or party food any time of the year!
Baked Brie by itself is a terrific and easy appetizer. The beauty of Brie cheese, however, is that it goes so well with such a wide variety of flavors. Sweet or savory, gooey and delicious Brie matches and compliments all kinds of different foods and seasonings, from fruit and nuts as in this recipe, to fresh herbs, meat, and even roasted vegetables. Cranberry Baked Brie is a wonderful combination of tart berries and smooth cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serving Brie as a party appetizer is a snap. Use a pretty plate that leaves a generous edge around the wheel of Brie, and include a few cheese knives, spreaders, or even butter knives for guests to slice off a wedge with. A bowl of crusty French baguette slices is the best thing to spread warm Brie onto, but crackers and other types of bread can be used as well.
If the party is fancy or a prettier presentation is called for, dress up the serving plate with seedless grapes or berries and a few fresh mint leaves to add color. Lining the rim of the plate with toasted almonds is another way to boost the eye-pleasing element of this recipe.
Hints and Tips
When baking Brie, keep an eye on both the cheese and the topping. If the cheese starts to run and bubble, or seep out from the rind, it may be overdone. Likewise, make sure that the toppings don't scorch or burn. If the cheese is looking done but the topping still needs a minute or two, turn the oven to broil and keep a watchful eye to ensure nothing burns.
With this particular baked Brie recipe, fresh peaches are preferred but canned or frozen may be substituted. The texture will be different with these two alternatives, however. If using canned peaches, don't use the ones canned in syrup. Opt instead for peaches canned in water or juice, and pat them dry with a paper towel. Frozen peaches should be thawed and patted dry as well. Fresh plums or apricots can also be used in place of the peaches.
To toast the almond slivers, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the almonds in a single layer in a jelly roll pan, and place in the heated oven. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring a few times, until fragrant and toasted.
Baked Brie with Peaches and Almonds Recipe
- 1 wheel Brie cheese, about 8 ounces
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and diced fresh peaches
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place Brie wheel in a small casserole dish or baking pan. In a small bowl, combine peaches, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Spread mixture over Brie. Sprinkle with almonds.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until peach mixture is just starting to bubble and cheese is softened throughout. Serve warm with bread and/or crackers.
Makes 8-10 appetizer servings.
Optional: For extra almond flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract to the peach mixture before spreading on the Brie.
