Buzz
Baked brie is a hit at upscale parties, whether it's Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or even the Super Bowl. But don't let that fool you—it's not just for fancy events. In fact, you could easily enjoy it on a laid-back Thursday afternoon. While traditionally baked in the oven, it’s totally unnecessary. You can create the same delicious dish quickly and casually by microwaving it.
Step 1: Place your wheel of brie on a plate.
While brie en croûte—where the brie is wrapped in puff pastry—requires oven time, not all baked brie follows that rule. Some simply get warmed until they’re gooey, melty rounds of cheese, and it’s a quick process. Start with any basic wheel of brie or camembert, removing it from any wooden packaging or plastic wrap. Place it in a microwave-safe dish or bowl. I prefer wide ceramic soup bowls with flat bottoms and tall sides, but a plate with a slight edge works just as well. The key is to contain the melted cheese and avoid spills, so skip flat surfaces like cheese boards or cutting boards without rims.
Step 2: Heat in short bursts
Place the dish with brie in the microwave and heat it for 20 seconds. After each burst, check how melted the cheese is by gently pressing it with your finger. It will probably still be firm in the center, but softening at the edges. Heat it for another 20 seconds and check again. Continue heating until the center is slightly soft, usually around a minute and a half.
Microwaves can vary, and larger wheels, like a 13-ounce one, take longer to warm than smaller ones, such as a six-ounce wheel. To avoid overdoing it, check often. After about one minute of heating, I typically start checking every 10 or 15 seconds until the cheese is just right.
Step 3: Add toppings and serve
Once the brie has reached the perfect consistency, serve it right away. You can top it with a variety of delicious options such as chopped nuts, dried fruit, bacon jam, honey, or even Crunchwrap Supreme toppings, or simply keep it plain. Grab a chip, apple slice, carrot stick, or pretzel and dip it into the gooey, melty cheese. Before you know it, the half-time show will end, and you'll be ready to microwave another wheel. Fortunately, you'll have the next round ready before the commercials even finish.
