Baked Brie with Spiced Pears and Rosemary Honey
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This baked Brie is basically fall on a plate. Warm, gooey Brie cheese topped with buttery spiced pears and a drizzle of rosemary honey. Simple to make, cozy to eat, and perfect for sharing.
Cozy Fall Appetizer
This is one of those appetizers that feels special but takes almost no effort. We’re talking about a wheel of Brie baked until gooey, topped with pears cooked in warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Then comes the rosemary honey drizzle to bring it all together. It’s the kind of dish you set out with some crostini or sliced baguette, and suddenly everyone is gathered around, digging in.
Perfect for a cozy night in or adding something a little fancy to your fall gatherings.
For more seasonal fall appetizers be sure to try our cranberry tartlets with whipped feta, whipped truffle burrata dip, prosciutto-wrapped dates, creamy artichoke dip bites, and our tasty truffled deviled eggs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredient Notes
Brie Cheese: Look for an 8-ounce wheel of Brie that’s soft and creamy. The rind is edible and adds an earthy flavor. Triple-cream Brie will give an extra luscious texture.
Honey: Use a mild honey, like clover or wildflower, to let the rosemary flavor shine. Warming it with rosemary infuses a subtle, aromatic depth.
Fresh Rosemary: Fresh rosemary is key here. The sprig infuses the honey with a hint of piney, herbal flavor. Save some extra leaves to chop for garnish, adding a pop of color and extra aroma.
Pear: Choose a ripe but firm pear, like Bosc or Anjou, for the best balance of sweetness and texture. Chop into 1/2-inch pieces to ensure even caramelization without becoming mushy.
Brown Sugar: Enhances the pears with a deep, molasses-like sweetness. Opt for dark brown sugar if you want a richer caramelization.
Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger): This warm blend of spices brings cozy, autumnal notes to the dish. They complement the sweetness of the pears and add complexity.
Lemon Juice: A splash of acidity from freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the caramelized pears and balances the dish’s sweetness.
Chopped Toasted Pecans (Optional): Adds a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. Toasting the pecans beforehand enhances their flavor, providing a satisfying contrast to the creamy Brie.
*Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
Seasonal Produce Spotlight: Pears
Let’s talk pears in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Our neck of the woods is renowned for its fantastic variety of pears, and autumn is peak pear season.
Washington and Oregon together grow 81% of the fresh pears in the U.S.; the main varieties cultivated are Bartlett, Bosc, and d’Anjou. Juicy and sweet, these local treasures are practically bursting with flavor.
Whether you’re whipping up a classic pear tart or adding a twist to your salad with some sliced ripe pears, these gems from the PNW will elevate your dishes to a whole new level.
Step-By-Step Directions
1
Make Rosemary HOney
Warm honey and rosemary in a saucepan on low heat for 5 minutes. Let it steep for 10 minutes, then remove the rosemary.
2
Bake Brie
Place Brie on a baking sheet and bake for 6-8 minutes until soft. Cool slightly.
3
Cook Pears
In a skillet, melt butter. Add pears, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Cook for 5-7 minutes until caramelized. Stir in lemon juice.
4
Assemble and Serve
Transfer Brie to a platter, top with pears, and drizzle with rosemary honey. Add toasted pecans and sprinkle with rosemary.
Pro Tips
- Don’t Overbake the Brie: Bake just until softened (6-8 minutes). Overbaking will cause it to lose its shape and become too runny. Keep an eye on it to catch that perfect oozy texture!
- Warm the Honey, Don’t Boil: When infusing the honey with rosemary, heat it gently over low heat. Boiling can make the honey lose its delicate flavor and become too thick.
- Toast the Pecans: If using pecans, toast them in a dry skillet for a few minutes to enhance their flavor and add a crunchy texture to each bite.
- Assemble Just Before Serving: For the best texture, assemble the Brie, pears, and honey right before serving. This keeps the Brie soft and the pears warm, ensuring each bite is perfect.
- Reheat Gently: If the dish cools down before serving, pop it in a warm oven (about 200°F) for a few minutes to soften it back up without overcooking.
Serving Suggestions
- Presentation Perfection: Place the baked Brie on a rustic wooden board and surround it with sliced baguette, crackers, and fresh rosemary sprigs for a cozy, fall-inspired look.
- Pair with Wine: This dish pairs beautifully with a glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light, fruity red like Pinot Noir. Create a simple wine pairing station for a touch of elegance.
- Cheese Board Addition: Include this baked Brie as the centerpiece of a fall cheese board or fall charcuterie board. Add sliced apples, dried figs, nuts, and a few other cheeses for a well-rounded spread.
- Appetizer Trio: Serve alongside other small bites like cranberry tartlets with whipped feta, creamy artichoke dip bites, and truffle burrata dip. This variety creates an inviting fall appetizer table for your guests.
- Elegant Dessert Board: Serve the baked Brie as part of a dessert cheese board with sliced apples, fresh berries, and a handful of dark chocolate pieces. Add a small bowl of extra rosemary honey for drizzling to make it extra indulgent.
- Brunch Favorite: Add this Brie to your brunch spread alongside flaky croissants, fruit platters, and mimosas for an elegant and indulgent morning gathering.
- Holiday Gatherings: Ideal for holiday celebrations! Serve as a warm, festive appetizer to start your meal. Pair it with our crispy roasted sweet potatoes and maple bourbon glazed turkey breast for a cozy fall or Thanksgiving menu.
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Baked Brie with Spiced Pears
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese (about 8 ounces)
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary plus extra leaves, chopped, for garnish
- 1 medium pear, chopped into ½-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup chopped toasted pecans (optional)
- 1 baguette sliced for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour the honey into a small saucepan and add the rosemary sprig. Warm over low heat for 5 minutes, but do not let it boil. Remove from heat and let it steep for 10 minutes. Take out the rosemary and set the honey aside.
- Place the Brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in an ovenproof dish. Bake for 6-8 minutes until softened but not fully melted. Let it cool for a minute.
- While the Brie is baking, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped pears and brown sugar, stirring to coat them.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon, nutmeg, and nutmeg over the pears. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the pears are tender and caramelized. Stir in the lemon juice and remove from heat.
- Transfer the Brie to a serving platter. Spoon the spiced pears on top and drizzle with the rosemary honey. Sprinkle with toasted pecans if desired.
- Serve immediately with crackers, baguette slices, or crostini. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Top Tips
- Use Room Temperature Brie: This ensures the cheese bakes evenly and melts perfectly.
- Don’t Overcook: Bake the Brie just until it’s soft to prevent it from becoming too runny.
- Warm the Honey Gently: Heating the honey on low prevents it from becoming too thick and losing its flavor.
- Toast the Nuts: Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best served warm right after it’s assembled for the ultimate gooey texture.
Leftovers and Storage
- Storing Leftovers: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm the leftovers in a 200°F (95°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until the Brie softens. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cheese rubbery.
- Serving Leftovers: Use leftover baked Brie as a spread on toast or in a sandwich for a decadent twist!
Nutrition
*Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Maplevine Kitchen makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
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This is hands down one of my favorite fall appetizers! Serve it straight out of the oven with crackers or bread, and watch it disappear.