Candied Bacon Baked Brie
This Candied Bacon Baked Brie recipe is the perfect appetizer for the holidays! Gooey baked brie is topped with sweet and salty candied bacon. It’s a reader favorite!
This Candied Bacon Baked Brie cheese is one of the easiest appetizers for the holidays! With cheese boards and charcuterie boards becoming popular, so is baked brie.
When you think of baked brie, you probably think of brie en croute! It’s a classic, retro appetizer that I love to make (check out this cute Halloween Baked Brie en Croute) but I don’t always have phyllo dough or puff pastry to make wrapped brie.
“This was probably the most delicious thing I’ve ever made!”
– Hannah
When this is the case, I turn instead to delicious toppings! I first published this baked brie recipe, and then I dreamed up a version with quick candied bacon. It’s a showstopper, a reader favorite and perfect party food.
When it’s a super special occasion, I take it to the next level with this melty brie recipe!
I love this easy appetizer recipe because the creamy texture and richness of the cheese pairs so well with the sweet, salty and savory candied bacon topping! It’s a match made in heaven.
I think this is the best appetizer for the holidays! We usually serve it as a Thanksgiving appetizer, but it’s appropriate for any special occasion.
“Every year a goner in 10 minutes! So good. #bestappetizers”
– Jamie
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I remove the rind?
No, the bloomy rind should not be removed, it’s what keeps the brie in! if you don’t like the taste of it, you can use a sharp knife to shave a bit of the top and bottom off of the brie wheel, and then eat around it once baked.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This elegant appetizer can be prepped ahead of time. Just make the candied bacon topping and store it in the fridge. Bake the cheese right before serving.
Be prepared that the candied bacon topping with harden substantially over time. You may want to add extra maple syrup while gently reheating to help it loosen back up.
What should I bake this on?
You can choose to bake this on a baking sheet or sheet pan, but I would recommend lining it with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
You can also use a small ceramic dish, I have also used a pie plate. The benefit of using a smaller ceramic dish is that you won’t need to transfer the baked brie to a serving platter.
What to serve with Baked Brie
You have so many options to serve with this cheesy appetizer that either help to scoop up the melty cheese OR add complimentary flavor to this dish.
One of my favorite thins to served alongside baked brie is Cowboy Candy! The sweet and spicy combination of the jalapenos is so good.
I like to serve it with an assortment of:
- Crusty bread
- Your favorite crackers
- Your favorite jam (I like fig jam or apricot jam)
- A drizzle of honey
- Dried cranberries
- Walnuts, pecans or pine nuts
- Caramelized onions
This baked brie pairs beautifully with wine! I prefer a dry, light red like a Pinot Noir or an old vine Red Zinfandel.
Other Holiday Appetizers that I Recommend:
- Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts: My ALL-TIME favorite appetizer! Your guests will definitely ask for the recipe.
- Mini Egg Muffins with Bacon: I like making these when I have guests that I know are on a low carb diet.
- Bacon Jam: This is the best gift ever, and awesome on charcuterie boards!
- Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms: Always a favorite!
- How to Make a Grazing Table: Learn how to make a charcuterie board for up to 40 people!
- Easy Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball: A crowd favorite, every time!
If you have leftovers, consider using them as the cheese on these Cranberry Turkey Sliders. It is divine!
Candied Bacon Baked Brie
Gooey baked brie topped with quick candied bacon. The perfect easy appetizer recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 8-ounce brie wheel or wedge of brie
For the bacon topping:
- ½ pound hickory smoked bacon, uncooked, diced
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- pinch of fresh thyme, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large skillet, add diced bacon. Cook for 10-15 minutes until just barely crispy, stirring frequently.
- Drain grease from skillet. Return bacon to hot skillet, add brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, maple syrup, black pepper and optional cayenne and/or thyme.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until bubbly, stirring frequently.
- Line a baking tray or small ceramic dish with aluminum foil, then lightly spray foil with cooking spray.
- Add brie to baking tray, then top with candied bacon mixture.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until brie is starting to become gooey inside but not runny.
- Allow to rest for about 10 minutes before digging in.
- Use a sharp knife to cut into brie and serve warm with crackers.
Notes
Bacon topping will be hard and crunchy, like hard candy or brittle.
If you'd like the bacon topping to be soft and loose, bake the brie, THEN add the topping directly from the skillet and serve.
If you do not have rice wine vinegar, substitute white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
Nutrition Information
Yield 8 Serving Size 6Amount Per Serving Calories 259
Holy. Smokes. This is bacon cheese heaven!
I love Brie Bacon. Putting these tow together sounds wonderful!
Why wouldn’t Santa want bacon instead of cookies?? 😉 And what a great cause to support! I just tweeted.
OH wow! This is genius! I can taste this already… soo good!
Ummmmm I need this in my life STAT! All that candied bacon on top is calling my name!
This looks amazing!! I know for a fact Santa loves bacon in our household 🙂
This looks awesome! Such a perfect appetizer!
Oh my goodness! That looks so divine!
I made this for my husband and myself, and it was FANTASTIC!!! Thank you, I will be making it a lot! 😉
did you trim the top away from the brie?
Hi! I did not, but you certainly could to make it easier to cut into!
I am so glad to hear this! It’s my favorite appetizer in the world!
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Is it possible to wrap this in puff pastry?
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What kind of crackers go with this?
I would serve with traditional buttery crackers like a ritz!
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This is always a huge hit each and every time I make it. Thanks for the great recipe!
Renee, so glad you love it! Thanks for letting me know.
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Am I able to make the candied bacon the night before and reheat it and top the brie the next day?
Hi Stephanie- I think that could work. The candied bacon will likely harden so you’ll definitely want to heat it up and may need to add a bit of extra liquid to loosen it back up!
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Looks so good. I can’t wait to make it.
You will love it!
I always use this candied bacon and Brie recipe for those little phyllo cups. Cut the Brie to fit in and top with bacon. Always a hit. Sometimes I use balsamic instead of rice vinegar. Perfect recipe for baked Brie!!!
You’re a genius! I actually have some of those little phyllo cups in the freezer right now. I think I might do this for Christmas Eve instead of making the normal brie wheel like I usually do. Thanks for the idea!