There’s something comforting about the fall season the crisp air, golden leaves, and the unmistakable aroma of baked cheese wafting from the oven. Honey Walnut Baked Brie with Thyme has become a reader favorite for good reason. It’s gooey, rich, sweet, and savory, wrapped up in the kind of flavor harmony that makes you pause mid-bite.
My love for this recipe goes back to chilly evenings in a tiny Parisian apartment. We had no oven, just a toaster and a dream but somehow, melty cheese topped with toasted nuts and honey always brought people together. Fast forward to my kitchen today, and this baked brie is still a star on my fall table.
Perfect for gatherings, date nights, or solo indulgence, this recipe comes together in under 20 minutes and looks way more elegant than it has any right to. The honey walnut baked brie with thyme balances earthiness, sweetness, and herbal notes with incredible ease and yes, it tastes as magical as it sounds.
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Honey Walnut Baked Brie with Thyme
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Gooey, rich, sweet, and savory this baked brie is a fall favorite. Topped with toasted walnuts, honey, and thyme, it’s the perfect elegant appetizer for gatherings, date nights, or solo indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1 small wheel of brie (about 8 oz)
- ¼ cup raw walnuts (halves or chopped)
- 2 tablespoons honey (plus more to drizzle)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 sheet puff pastry (optional, for wrapping)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or olive oil
- Pinch of flaky salt (optional)
- Crackers or baguette slices, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place brie on parchment-lined baking sheet or in a small oven-safe skillet. Wrap in puff pastry if using, and seal edges.
- In a small pan, melt butter over medium heat. Toast walnuts for 2–3 minutes, stirring often. Add thyme in the last 30 seconds.
- Turn off heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of honey. Let sit while brie bakes.
- Bake brie uncovered for 10–15 minutes until center is soft. If using pastry, bake about 20 minutes until golden.
- Spoon warm honey walnut thyme mixture over brie. Sprinkle flaky salt if desired. Serve with crackers or baguette.
Notes
Let brie sit at room temp before baking for even heating. Use a small skillet for a warm and elegant presentation. Don’t overcook the honey mixture it hardens as it cools. Add figs or pear slices for extra sweetness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
This dish requires only a handful of seasonal, pantry-friendly ingredients that work beautifully together.
Main Ingredients:
- 1 small wheel of brie (about 8 oz)
- ¼ cup raw walnuts (halves or chopped)
- 2 tablespoons honey (plus more to drizzle)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 sheet puff pastry (optional, for wrapping)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or olive oil
- Pinch of flaky salt (optional)
- Crackers or baguette slices, for serving
Halal Tip: Ensure your brie is made with microbial or vegetarian rennet.
For similar elegant cheese-based starters, check out our Brie and Fig Flatbread Appetizer or the bite-sized Mini Brie Bites with Fig and Rosemary.
Step by Step Instructions
This recipe is beginner-friendly, takes 5 minutes of prep, and about 10–15 minutes to bake.
1. Preheat and prep.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a small oven-safe skillet. If using puff pastry, wrap it around the brie and crimp the edges to seal.
2. Toast the walnuts.
In a small pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the walnuts and toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring often until golden and fragrant. Add thyme leaves in the final 30 seconds.
3. Add honey.
Turn off the heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of honey. Let the mixture sit while the brie bakes.
4. Bake the brie.
Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or until the center feels soft to the touch. If using pastry, bake until golden brown about 20 minutes.
5. Serve immediately.
Spoon the honey walnut thyme mixture over the warm brie. Sprinkle with flaky salt if desired. Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or apple slices.
Recipe Tip: Pair it with this Pumpkin Soup in Mini Pumpkins for a festive fall meal.
Tips for Success
- Room Temp Brie: Let the brie sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before baking. This helps it heat more evenly.
- Use a Skillet: Baking brie in a small cast-iron skillet helps keep it warm longer and makes for an elegant presentation.
- Keep an Eye on the Honey: Don’t overcook the honey-walnut mixture or it’ll harden as it cools.
- Add Fruit: A few sliced figs or pears tucked in with the nuts adds a lovely touch of sweetness and texture.
If you enjoy skillet recipes, you’ll love our Skillet Brie with Fig Chutney, another fall favorite.
Possible Variations
Gluten-Free Option: Skip the pastry and bake the brie directly. Serve with gluten-free crackers or sliced fruit like apples and pears.
Add a Crunchy Streusel Topping: Mix 1 tablespoon oats, 1 tablespoon chopped pecans, a pinch of cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon butter. Bake on top of the brie for a sweet-savory twist. It pairs beautifully with Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins.
Vegan Adaptation: Use a vegan brie-style cheese and agave syrup in place of honey.
Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the honey-walnut mix adds surprising warmth.
Looking for more seasonal inspiration? Try our Sweet Sourdough Pumpkin Bread with Pecans next.
Storage and Reheating Tips
While baked brie is best enjoyed fresh and warm, here’s how to store and revive it:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes until soft again. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the brie rubbery.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture will suffer.
You can also repurpose leftovers on toast or fold them into puff pastry again for round two.
Need more cozy ideas? These Strawberry Danish Pastries also reheat beautifully.
FAQs: Honey Walnut Baked Brie with Thyme
How do I know when the brie is ready?
Gently press the center with a spoon if it gives slightly and feels soft, it’s ready to serve.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the walnut topping and keep it separate. Bake the brie just before serving and spoon the warmed topping over it.
What kind of honey works best?
Use mild floral honey like clover or orange blossom. Stronger honeys can overpower the thyme and brie.
Can I use dried thyme?
Yes, but reduce the amount to ½ teaspoon and crush it slightly in your hands to release the aroma.
Conclusion
Honey Walnut Baked Brie with Thyme is the kind of recipe that turns everyday moments into cozy, shared experiences. Whether you’re hosting or just indulging on a quiet night in, it brings that irresistible mix of melty cheese, earthy herbs, and sweet honey to your table with minimal effort and maximum joy.
For more warm, oven-friendly treats like this one, browse our ever-growing seasonal collection. Cooking should feel good and recipes like this make sure of it.