Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies Brie Fondue: An Irresistible Appetizer Recipe

Are you looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both elegant and easy to make? Look no further than Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies Brie Fondue! This decadent dish combines the smoky, savory goodness of Lit’l Smokies with the creamy, rich flavor of melted brie, creating a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for more. This recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings, game day parties, or any special occasion where you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into the details and create this unforgettable fondue!

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Simple Ingredients:** This recipe requires only a few high-quality ingredients, making it accessible and budget-friendly.
* **Quick and Easy:** With minimal prep time and a straightforward cooking process, you can have this appetizer ready in under 30 minutes.
* **Impressive Presentation:** The bubbling brie fondue, served with juicy Lit’l Smokies, is visually appealing and adds a touch of sophistication to your gathering.
* **Flavor Combination:** The combination of smoky sausage and creamy cheese is a classic pairing that never fails to delight.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe by adding different herbs, spices, or toppings to suit your taste.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* 1 package (12-14 oz) Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies cocktail sausages
* 1 wheel (8 oz) brie cheese
* 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
* Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
* Fresh baguette, sliced and toasted, for serving
* Apple slices, for serving (optional)
* Crackers, for serving (optional)
* Vegetables such as broccoli florets or carrot sticks, for serving (optional)

## Equipment Needed

* Oven-safe skillet or baking dish (approximately 8-10 inches in diameter)
* Small saucepan (if pre-cooking Lit’l Smokies)
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Garlic press (optional)
* Spatula or spoon

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this delectable Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies Brie Fondue:

### Step 1: Prepare the Brie

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Prepare the Brie Wheel:** Place the brie wheel in the center of your oven-safe skillet or baking dish. You can score the top of the brie with a knife in a crosshatch pattern. This will help it melt more evenly and allow the flavors to infuse into the cheese. Some people choose to remove the rind of the brie, but this is optional. Removing the rind will result in a smoother, creamier fondue, while leaving it on will give it a slightly firmer texture and a more pronounced brie flavor. If you prefer a milder flavor, removing the top rind is recommended.

### Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Thyme

1. **Heat Olive Oil:** In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. **Sauté Garlic:** Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will give it a bitter taste.
3. **Add Thyme and Red Pepper Flakes (Optional):** Stir in the dried thyme and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another 30 seconds, allowing the herbs to release their aroma.

### Step 3: Deglaze with White Wine

1. **Add White Wine:** Pour the dry white wine into the saucepan and bring to a simmer.
2. **Reduce Slightly:** Allow the wine to simmer for about 2-3 minutes, or until it has reduced slightly. This will help to concentrate the flavors.

### Step 4: Pour Over Brie and Bake

1. **Pour Wine Mixture Over Brie:** Carefully pour the white wine mixture over the brie wheel, ensuring that it evenly covers the top.
2. **Bake:** Place the skillet or baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the brie is melted and bubbly. The cheese should be soft and easily spreadable.

### Step 5: Prepare the Lit’l Smokies (While the Brie Bakes)

There are two options for preparing the Lit’l Smokies: baking or pan-frying. I prefer a little caramelization, so this guide will show the pan-frying option. Feel free to bake the Lit’l Smokies instead.

**Option 1: Pan-Frying**

1. **Heat a Skillet:** Heat a large skillet over medium heat. No need to add extra oil as the Lit’l Smokies will release their own oils.
2. **Cook Lit’l Smokies:** Add the Lit’l Smokies to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook, turning occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are browned and heated through. You want them to be nicely browned on all sides for maximum flavor.

**Option 2: Baking**

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Spread Lit’l Smokies on Baking Sheet:** Spread the Lit’l Smokies in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. **Bake:** Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they are heated through and lightly browned.

### Step 6: Assemble and Serve

1. **Remove Brie from Oven:** Carefully remove the skillet or baking dish from the oven. Allow it to cool slightly for a minute or two before serving.
2. **Arrange Lit’l Smokies:** Arrange the cooked Lit’l Smokies around the melted brie in the skillet or baking dish.
3. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added visual appeal and flavor.
4. **Serve Immediately:** Serve immediately with toasted baguette slices, apple slices, crackers, and/or vegetables for dipping. Encourage your guests to dip the Lit’l Smokies and other dippers into the melted brie.

## Tips for Success

* **Use High-Quality Brie:** The quality of the brie will significantly impact the flavor of the fondue. Choose a good quality, creamy brie for the best results.
* **Don’t Overbake the Brie:** Overbaking the brie can cause it to become rubbery and lose its creamy texture. Keep a close eye on it while it’s baking and remove it from the oven as soon as it’s melted and bubbly.
* **Adjust the Wine:** If you don’t have dry white wine on hand, you can substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable broth. However, the wine adds a unique flavor that complements the brie and Lit’l Smokies perfectly.
* **Add More Garlic:** If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove of garlic to the recipe. Just be careful not to burn it.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** This recipe is easily customizable. Consider adding other toppings such as chopped nuts, dried cranberries, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted vegetables.
* **Keep it Warm:** If you’re serving this fondue at a party, keep it warm by placing it on a warming tray or in a slow cooker set to the warm setting.
* **Ensure Dippers are Sturdy:** Toasted baguette slices are ideal because they hold up well to dipping and provide a good contrast to the creamy brie. Crackers and vegetables are also great options, but make sure they are sturdy enough to hold the weight of the melted cheese.
* **Prepare Ahead of Time:** You can prepare the garlic-herb-wine mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake the fondue, simply pour the mixture over the brie and bake as directed. The Lit’l Smokies can also be cooked in advance and reheated before serving.
* **Consider a Fondue Pot:** If you have a fondue pot, you can transfer the baked brie and Lit’l Smokies to the pot to keep it warm and melty throughout the party.

## Variations and Add-ins

Here are some ideas to customize your Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies Brie Fondue:

* **Spicy Fondue:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the wine mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Sweet and Savory Fondue:** Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the melted brie for a touch of sweetness.
* **Herbaceous Fondue:** Add fresh herbs such as rosemary, oregano, or parsley to the wine mixture.
* **Mushroom Fondue:** Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic and thyme for an earthy flavor.
* **Caramelized Onion Fondue:** Caramelize sliced onions and add them to the wine mixture for a sweet and savory twist.
* **Cranberry Brie Fondue:** Top the melted brie with cranberry sauce for a festive holiday appetizer.
* **Fig Jam Fondue:** Swirl fig jam into the melted brie for a rich and complex flavor.
* **Bacon Brie Fondue:** Cook crispy bacon and crumble it over the melted brie for a smoky and savory delight.

## Serving Suggestions

This Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies Brie Fondue is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of accompaniments.

* **Baguette Slices:** Toasted baguette slices are a classic choice for dipping into the melted brie.
* **Apple Slices:** Crisp apple slices provide a refreshing contrast to the rich cheese and smoky sausage.
* **Crackers:** Choose a variety of crackers, such as water crackers, sesame crackers, or whole wheat crackers.
* **Vegetables:** Offer a selection of raw vegetables such as broccoli florets, carrot sticks, celery sticks, and bell pepper strips.
* **Pretzels:** Soft or hard pretzels are a fun and satisfying option for dipping.
* **Pears:** Sliced pears are another great fruit option that pairs well with brie.
* **Grapes:** Red or green grapes add a touch of sweetness and acidity.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or butternut squash can be added to the fondue or served alongside it.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** If you have any leftover fondue, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** To reheat the fondue, place it in an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and creamy. Be careful not to overheat it, as this can cause the cheese to become rubbery.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

* Calories: 250-300 per serving
* Fat: 18-22g
* Saturated Fat: 10-12g
* Cholesterol: 60-70mg
* Sodium: 500-600mg
* Carbohydrates: 8-10g
* Protein: 10-12g

## Conclusion

Hillshire Farm Lit’l Smokies Brie Fondue is a winning combination that’s guaranteed to impress your guests. The blend of smoky, savory sausage and creamy, rich brie is simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, game day gathering, or a casual get-together, this appetizer is sure to be a hit. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and customizable options, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a fondue experience that your friends and family will rave about!

Enjoy!