Baked Brie with Caramelized Pears, Shallots, and Thyme: A Decadent Fall Appetizer

As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, our cravings shift towards warm, comforting flavors. This Baked Brie with Caramelized Pears, Shallots, and Thyme recipe is the perfect appetizer to welcome the autumn season. It’s an elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to make, combining creamy, melted brie with sweet and savory caramelized toppings, all infused with the aromatic essence of thyme. This recipe is guaranteed to impress your guests at any gathering, from cozy weeknight dinners to festive holiday parties.

## Why This Recipe Works

There are many baked brie recipes out there, but this one stands out for several reasons:

* **Flavor Combination:** The combination of sweet pears, savory shallots, and earthy thyme creates a complex and well-balanced flavor profile that complements the richness of the brie perfectly. The balsamic glaze adds a touch of acidity that cuts through the richness and enhances the other flavors.
* **Ease of Preparation:** Despite its elegant appearance, this appetizer is incredibly easy to make. The caramelized pears and shallots can be prepared ahead of time, making it a stress-free option for entertaining.
* **Versatile:** This baked brie can be served with a variety of accompaniments, such as crusty bread, crackers, fruit slices, or even toasted nuts. It’s also delicious on its own!
* **Visually Appealing:** The golden-brown brie topped with glistening caramelized pears and shallots is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:

* **Brie Wheel:** 8-ounce wheel of brie (make sure it’s not a triple-cream brie, as it will melt too much)
* **Pears:** 2 medium-sized ripe but firm pears, such as Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
* **Shallots:** 2 medium-sized shallots, thinly sliced
* **Fresh Thyme:** 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, plus extra sprigs for garnish
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
* **Brown Sugar:** 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
* **Balsamic Glaze:** 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (or balsamic vinegar, reduced until syrupy)
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Optional:** 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted

## Equipment Needed

* **Oven:** For baking the brie.
* **Skillet:** A large skillet for caramelizing the pears and shallots.
* **Baking Sheet:** Lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
* **Small Baking Dish or Oven-Safe Skillet:** To bake the brie.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For preparing the ingredients.
* **Spatula or Wooden Spoon:** For stirring the pears and shallots.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create this stunning appetizer:

**1. Prepare the Pears and Shallots:**

* Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.
* Add the sliced pears, brown sugar, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pears are tender and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. The pears should be golden brown and slightly softened. The sugar will melt and create a beautiful caramel sauce.
* Stir in the balsamic glaze and cook for another minute, allowing the glaze to coat the pears and shallots evenly. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.

**2. Prepare the Brie:**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
* Place the brie wheel in a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet. If you prefer, you can score the top of the brie with a sharp knife in a crosshatch pattern. This will help the cheese melt more evenly.

**3. Assemble and Bake:**

* Spoon the caramelized pears and shallots evenly over the top of the brie wheel, making sure to cover the entire surface. You can leave some of the brie exposed if you prefer a rustic look.
* If using, sprinkle the toasted walnuts or pecans over the pears and shallots.
* Place the baking dish on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the brie is softened and melted but not completely oozing. Keep a close eye on it, as baking times may vary depending on your oven and the type of brie you use.

**4. Serve:**

* Remove the baked brie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will prevent it from being too runny.
* Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs.
* Serve immediately with crusty bread, crackers, fruit slices (such as apple or pear), or toasted nuts. You can also drizzle additional balsamic glaze over the top, if desired.

## Tips for Success

* **Choose the Right Brie:** Look for a good quality brie wheel that is firm to the touch. Avoid brie that is too soft or runny before baking, as it will likely melt too much in the oven. A double-cream brie might work, but a standard brie is preferred.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking the brie will result in a messy, runny cheese. Bake it just until it is softened and melted, but not completely oozing.
* **Prepare Ahead:** The caramelized pears and shallots can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them slightly before topping the brie.
* **Toast the Nuts:** Toasting the walnuts or pecans will enhance their flavor and add a nice crunch to the dish.
* **Use Fresh Thyme:** Fresh thyme adds a wonderful aroma and flavor to the recipe. If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can use dried thyme, but use half the amount.
* **Balsamic Glaze is Key:** The balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that balances the richness of the brie and the sweetness of the pears. If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar in a saucepan over low heat until it reduces to a syrupy consistency.
* **Serving Suggestions:** To prevent a mess, serve the baked brie on a platter or in a shallow dish. Provide a cheese knife or spoon for easy serving. Make sure to have plenty of accompaniments on hand, such as crusty bread, crackers, and fruit slices.

## Variations

* **Add a Spicy Kick:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the caramelized pears and shallots for a touch of heat.
* **Use Different Fruits:** Substitute the pears with apples, figs, or cranberries for a seasonal twist.
* **Add Other Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary or sage, in addition to or instead of thyme.
* **Wrap in Puff Pastry:** For an extra-indulgent treat, wrap the brie wheel in puff pastry before baking. This will create a flaky, golden-brown crust around the cheese.
* **Add Honey:** Drizzle a little honey over the baked brie before serving for added sweetness.

## Serving Suggestions

This Baked Brie with Caramelized Pears, Shallots, and Thyme is best served warm and melty. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **As an Appetizer:** Serve as a starter for a dinner party or holiday gathering.
* **As Part of a Cheese Board:** Add it to a cheese board with other cheeses, meats, fruits, and nuts.
* **For a Brunch:** Serve it alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, and pastries for a decadent brunch.
* **As a Dessert:** Serve it with a glass of dessert wine for a sweet and savory treat.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This recipe can be partially prepared ahead of time. The caramelized pears and shallots can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat them slightly before topping the brie. You can also assemble the brie with the caramelized pears and shallots ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

## Storage Instructions

Leftover baked brie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving. However, the texture of the brie may change slightly after being refrigerated.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 350-450 per serving (depending on serving size and accompaniments)
* Fat: 25-35g
* Saturated Fat: 15-20g
* Cholesterol: 80-100mg
* Sodium: 200-300mg
* Carbohydrates: 15-25g
* Fiber: 2-4g
* Sugar: 10-15g
* Protein: 10-15g

## Recipe Card

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 15 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 8-ounce wheel of brie
* 2 medium-sized ripe but firm pears, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
* 2 medium-sized shallots, thinly sliced
* 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, plus extra sprigs for garnish
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add pears, brown sugar, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook until pears are tender and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Stir in balsamic glaze and cook for another minute. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Place brie in a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Score the top of the brie if desired.
6. Spoon caramelized pears and shallots over the top of the brie.
7. Sprinkle with toasted walnuts or pecans, if using.
8. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until brie is softened and melted. Do not overbake.
9. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
10. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs.
11. Serve warm with crusty bread, crackers, fruit slices, or toasted nuts.

Enjoy this delightful Baked Brie with Caramelized Pears, Shallots, and Thyme! It’s the perfect appetizer to impress your guests and celebrate the flavors of fall.