Easy Brown Sugar Baked Brie or Havarti Appetizer

This Easy Brown Sugar Baked Brie or Havarti Appetizer is melted cheese with the caramelized taste of sweet brown sugar on top, all in a pie crust.

Choose your favorite cheese, whether it's brie or havarti and dip apples in the hot cheese dip.

why i love this Easy brown sugar baked brie or havarti appetizer

• Simple and delicious is the best way to describe this  Brown Sugar Brie or Havarti appetizer.

• This appetizer only has 4 ingredients and it takes a few minutes to put together and only about 20 minutes to bake.

• You can choose you favorite soft, meltable cheese. I chose Havarti because it's one of my favorites!

• Experiment with additional ingredients like nuts, spices, or even a touch of honey for extra complexity.

• It's a great appetizer before your Thanksgiving dinner!

• Warm, gooey Brie or Havarti cheese with a sweet twist tends to be a crowd-pleaser and could be a surprising and delightful appetizer for guests.

• This fabulous recipe comes from my sweet friend, Debra Stipe. She's a talented actress you might know from Full House or more recently the Will Trent series. Debra enjoys preparing this very simple yet delicious appetizer for a holiday party or at a girls night get together.

what you need

ingredient notes

Havarti Cheese: Choose either slices or a block of Havarti cheese. Consider the flavor variation if choosing a flavored Havarti (like dill or jalapeño) for added interest.

Brie Cheese: Opt for a good quality Brie cheese wheel. You can choose between small or larger brie wheels depending on the number of servings required.

Brown Sugar: Use light or dark brown sugar based on your preference. Dark brown sugar can impart a slightly stronger caramel flavor due to its higher molasses content.

Pie Crust: Use a pre-made pie crust (store-bought) or prepare a homemade pie crust if preferred.

Egg Wash (Optional): A beaten egg to brush over the pie crust for a golden finish.

Apples: Choose your favorite type of apple to slice up and use to dip into the hot baked dip.

how to make Easy brown sugar baked brie or havarti appetizer

Preheat the oven to around 400°F.

Unroll out the ready made pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie plate.

Cut cheese into slices (either Brie or Havarti). Make sure they are evenly sized and enough to cover the surface of the pie crust.

Sprinkle brown sugar generously over the Havarti or Brie cheese. If desired, add chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.

Unroll the remaining pie crust onto cutting board. Using small 1-inch cookie cutters, cut desired shapes depending on your theme. We used Christmas cookie cutters (snowman, gingerbread man and ornament). Place pie crust cookies on top of brown sugar. Brush with egg wash, if desired.

Place in preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese becomes soft and slightly melted.

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This appetizer pairs well with apple slices, crackers, or bread for dipping or enjoying alongside the warm, gooey cheese.

Quick tips

Temperature Control: Keep an eye on the oven temperature and baking time. Brie should be warmed and gooey, not completely melted into a pool. Check it frequently after the 10-minute mark to prevent overcooking.

Toppings for the havarti or brie appetizer: Besides brown sugar, experiment with different toppings like chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts) for added texture and flavor. Dried fruits or a sprinkle of cinnamon can also complement the sweetness.

Serve Immediately: Baked warm Brie OR Havarti is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when it's warm and gooey. It can firm up as it cools, so aim to serve it promptly for the best texture.

Accompaniments for this easy appetizer: Prepare accompaniments like sliced apples, pears, your favorite crackers, or French bread before the Brie or Havarti is done baking. This way, everything is ready to enjoy as soon as the Easy Brown Sugar Baked Brie or Havarti Appetizer comes out of the oven.

Balance the Sweetness: While brown sugar adds sweetness, balance it with slightly tangy or crisp elements like sliced apples or crackers to create a well-rounded flavor profile.

Frequently asked questions

Should I remove the top rind from the Brie (if using) before baking? It's a matter of personal preference. Some people enjoy the rind, while others prefer to remove it for a softer texture and to allow the toppings to meld directly with the cheese.

Can I add toppings besides brown sugar for this appetizer recipe? Absolutely! You can add chopped nuts (like pecans, walnuts, or almonds), dried fruits, herbs (such as rosemary or thyme), or spices (like cinnamon) to enhance the flavor and texture of the baked Brie.

What should I serve with brown sugar baked Brie or Havarti? Baked Brie (and Havarti) pairs well with sliced fruits (apples, pears, grapes), crackers, bread, or even a crusty baguette. Consider including a variety of accompaniments for a delightful taste experience.

How do I store leftover baked Brie? If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave in short intervals to maintain its creamy texture.

Can I prepare brown sugar baked Brie ahead of time? While it's best served fresh, you can prepare the Brie with toppings ahead of time and refrigerate it. Bake it just before serving to ensure it's warm and gooey.

You might also like these appetizers: Tuna Cucumber Tea Sandwiches, Sweet Onion Dip, Turkey Pimento Cheese Ball or Cold Veggie Pizza Appetizer.

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