Some appetizers are designed to warm up your appetite, while others can steal the spotlight altogether. Baked brie belongs to the second group.
Originating in France, brie has long been considered one of the most elegant cheeses—a soft, creamy wheel with delicate flavor. But when baked, it transforms: the rind softens, the center turns luscious and spreadable, and the cheese becomes the perfect canvas for sweet, savory, or even spicy toppings.
At its heart, baked brie is simple: a wheel of brie placed in the oven until the inside is molten and inviting. But simplicity is deceptive here. Once warmed, the cheese takes on a luxurious texture, making it ideal for pairing with bread, fruit, or charcuterie.
Part of its appeal is versatility—dress it up with honey and nuts, or keep it rustic with a loaf of fresh bread. However you enjoy it, baked brie proves that comfort food can be both cozy and sophisticated.
At Corazón, baked brie takes the spotlight on the hot appetizers section. On the menu, you’ll find it topped with candied bacon, apricots, togarashi honey, and served with rosemary crostini. For sure it’s an appetizer that sets the tone for the rest of the meal.
Baked brie is as much about what you sip alongside it as what’s on the plate. The creaminess of the cheese makes it a natural match for wines with enough acidity to cut through the richness.
A Chardonnay from Napa, like Far Niente, brings citrus and oak notes that balance beautifully. For those who lean toward reds, a Pinot Noir from Oregon’s Willamette Valley or Burgundy offers a lighter touch that complements rather than overwhelms.
Cocktails can also step in. Something bright and fruit-forward, like Corazón’s Ambrosia de Rosa, with vodka, lychee, and passion fruit, provides a refreshing contrast. The idea is simple: let the drink enhance the experience, never overshadow it.
But if you're tempted and don't want to miss out on gourmet flavors just because you're staying home, just choose a good-quality wheel of brie and bake it just until soft. (Warning: overbaking can make it oily.) For toppings, honey and walnuts are classics, but you can experiment with apricot preserves, figs, or even a drizzle of chili oil for spice.
Serve it straight from the oven with slices of rustic bread, crostini, or crackers. Presentation matters too—place it on a wooden board, surround it with fruit, and you’ve instantly created an appetizer that looks as good as it tastes.
Few appetizers strike the balance between comfort and elegance as well as baked brie. It’s creamy, versatile, and capable of turning the start of any meal into something memorable.
At Corazón, served with candied bacon, apricots, togarashi honey, and rosemary crostini, it delivers a mix of flavors that makes you want to slow down and savor the moment. Try it once, and you’ll see why baked brie has earned its place as an appetizer that feels like an occasion all on its own.