Does the thought of entertaining overwhelm you? This 3-ingredient 15-minute appetizer is what you need: Baked Brie with Cherry Preserves and Almonds.
I love catching up with friends and neighbors around the holidays. It heightens the festive feel of the time of year. Unfortunately for me I can’t switch gears easily from the rigors of my mom responsibilities to be the hostess with the most-est these days. There is so much going on. When I’m overextended, thinking up what to serve for a gathering or cocktail party feels like reciting all the decimals of Pi, while standing on one leg, blindfolded.
My friends, I have a secret to let you in on. I have a foolproof appetizer recipe that takes 15 minutes max and only uses 3 ingredients: Baked Brie with Cherry Preserves and Almonds. I challenge you to think of a quicker, easier appetizer recipe AND one that is as sophisticated!
To make this, one side of a wheel of brie is sliced off exposing the soft, delicious cheese. Some cherry preserves are spread on top and then sprinkled with almonds (sliced or slivered or a mix). It is baked for 8-10 minutes; just until it has softened and is warmed through but not begun to melt. Serve it with a soft cheese knife, crackers and fruit. Bam! You are done. Guests can slice it and eat it on crackers or fruit.
I keep a couple wheels of brie in the refrigerator along with a selection of crackers. We always seem to have an abundance of preserves or all kinds as well as nuts. Even if caught completely off guard I can whip this up and no one would know I wasn’t totally prepared at all times (well, I guess by having all the ingredients on hand I AM ready at all times).
I love the flavor combination of brie, cherries and almonds. Other preserves can certainly be used too. This is a very flexible appetizer to put together with what you have on hand.
Another super quick 3-ingredient recipe you’ll love is Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Roll. Very easy to make and perfect to add to holiday entertaining!
Recipe
Baked Brie with Cherry Preserves and Almonds
Ingredients
- 1 8- ounce wheel of Brie cheese
- 1/4 cup Cherry Preserves
- 2 tablespoons Sliced Almonds or Slivered Almonds (or a mix)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place parchment paper on a baking sheet with sides (note: dark colored baking sheets may require less baking time).
- Carefully slice the top of brie off removing only the rind. Spoon the preserves over the top. Distribute the almonds evenly over the top. Bake 8-10 minutes until the cheese is warmed and soft but not melted. Remove and serve.
Cyndi says
What are the thick crackers pictured with the Brie- I had some like that at a party & loved them- but no clue what to look for or where to find them! Thanks! Possible source for cherry preserves would be great as well!
( when I had this it was garnished with fresh cherries ( stems removed of course & was divine!)
Toni Dash says
Oh Cyndi this is a memory test (the post was from 2016). BUT I do remember! The crackers are all Skinny Crisps brand and are gluten free. Here is a link to them on Amazon. I found them locally but since they are sold there you can at least see the packaging and the choices. You may be able to track down where to buy them near you or have them shipped from Amazon.
My guess is that I used Cherry Preserves from Bon Maman which is an excellent jam company. Also a link to Amazon so you can see them or order from here if you can’t find them locally.
Rosey says
Brie is the best, isn’t it? And this looks great. I lve the idea of using cherries. I usually use apricots, but I’m going to try it this way!
Tess says
I would love this ! I love cherries and this will be perfect!
Dawn McAlexander says
That sounds really tasty. I would love to try it.I love cherry preserves and almonds. Sounds like a winning recipe to me.
Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place says
This would be a great addition to our appetizers for our Christmas party this coming weekend. I love serving cheese because everyone loves cheese! I love how simple it is!
Nancy at Whispered Inspirations says
Oh, this is so festive and looks incredibly delicious. I’m going to have to try my hand at it!
Toni Dash says
It’s super simple Nancy! The only thing that you don’t want to do is over cook it so it melts; but if you stick to the timing in the recipe you’ll have no issues!