Baked Brie with Red Pepper Jelly

Baked brie with red pepper jelly is the easiest appetizer you'll ever make. It takes two ingredients, ten minutes in the oven, and it's gone from the table before you've finished pouring drinks. If you need a fast, no-fail app for a holiday party or a Tuesday night with friends, this is the one to keep on repeat.

This post is about how to make baked brie with red pepper jelly, a simple three-ingredient appetizer of brie, pepper jelly, and crackers. It's for anyone hosting on a tight timeline who wants something that looks impressive but takes almost no effort. You'll find the exact bake time, ingredient swaps, topping ideas, and answers to the most common baked brie questions, all in one place.

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission when you click on the links and make a purchase. I will never recommend a product that I don't support 100%.

You'll love this baked brie with red pepper jelly

You'll love the combination of brie with hot pepper jelly. It's sweet, creamy, spicy, and savory, all the flavor combinations with only 2 ingredients.

It's the perfect winter appetizer. It only takes 10-12 minutes to bake in the oven, so you can quickly throw it in there when guests arrive!

It's so simple to make! Trust me when I say you cannot mess this recipe up. With only 3 ingredients and minimal time, it's the easiest appetizer to make, especially during the holiday season.

Ingredients

Brie cheese. I buy wheels of brie from Aldi. The price is hard to beat and the quality is just as good as the pricier options.

Red pepper jelly. Any brand works well here. Most have a similar spice level, so use whatever you can find at your grocery store.

Crackers. You could eat this with a spoon, but crackers make it a proper appetizer.

How to bake brie without a brie baker

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Place the wheel of brie in the center of an oven-safe dish.
3. Spread 3 to 4 tablespoons of red pepper jelly over the top.
4. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is soft to the touch.
5. Let it cool for 2 minutes before serving.
6. Serve with crackers and enjoy.

You don't need a brie baker for this. Any oven-safe dish that fits the wheel works fine, and you bake it uncovered the whole time.

Tips to make the best spicy baked brie recipe

Leave the rind on. It holds the cheese together as it bakes, so the brie doesn't spread out into a puddle.

Watch the clock closely. Baked brie goes from perfectly gooey to rubbery fast, so start checking around the 8-minute mark.

Add a little crunch. Roasted pepitas or chopped walnuts scattered on top add texture against the soft cheese.

Want it spicier? A drizzle of hot honey or a few diced jalapeños on top will kick up the heat.

Topping ideas beyond red pepper jelly

Red pepper jelly is my go-to, but brie is a blank canvas. Here are other toppings I love:

• Candied pecans
• Fig or apricot jam
• Cranberry sauce
• Hot honey
• Caramelized onions
• Bacon jam
• Pesto

What to serve with baked brie

Buttery crackers like Ritz are my top pick. They're sturdy enough to hold the melted cheese but still add their own flavor. Water crackers work too if you want something more neutral.

Beyond crackers, baked brie pairs well with sliced apples or pears, grapes, toasted baguette, bagel chips, and pretzels.

If you bake brie often, a brie baking dish with a lid and serving spoon is worth having. It keeps the cheese warm at the table longer than a regular dish.

You might also like this baked brie with garlic for a savory twist.

Do you take the rind off brie before baking?

No. The rind holds the cheese together while it bakes and keeps it from spreading out into a puddle in the dish.

Do you have to use red pepper jelly?

No. Red pepper jelly gives you that sweet and spicy combination, but fig jam, cranberry sauce, or apricot preserves all work well if you want something different.

Why is my baked brie rubbery?

It's overcooked. Baked brie cooks fast, so pull it from the oven as soon as it feels soft when you press it gently.

Do you bake brie covered or uncovered?

Uncovered. That's part of what makes this recipe so easy. You don't need a special covered dish, just any oven-safe one.

Should brie be heated before serving?

For this recipe, yes. Baked brie with red pepper jelly is meant to be served warm, right out of the oven.

More easy appetizers to try

• Charcuterie Board for Two
• Reuben Crescent Rolls
• Burrata Caprese

Pin it for later!