Roasted Brie with Honey, Dried Fruits, and Olives

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this dish because it hits all the right notes—sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy—all with minimal prep. It feels gourmet, but I can put it together in under 20 minutes with ingredients I usually have on hand. The brie becomes soft and melty without losing its shape, and the honey and dried fruit add a beautiful contrast to the salty olives. It’s perfect for entertaining or simply indulging in something special.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 whole brie or camembert (250–300 g)
2 tablespoons liquid honey
1 handful dried fruits: almonds, hazelnuts, cashews (or a mix)
4 green olives, halved or sliced
1 teaspoon fresh or dried thyme
Freshly ground black pepper
Bread or country bread, sliced

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. I place the whole brie in a small baking dish or directly on parchment paper on a baking sheet. I make a few light cuts on the surface to let the flavors soak in.

3. I drizzle the honey over the top of the cheese, then scatter the dried fruits and olives across the surface.

4. I sprinkle on the thyme and grind some black pepper over everything for a hint of spice.

5. I bake the brie for 10–12 minutes, keeping an eye on it so it warms through without melting out completely. I look for a soft, gooey texture without it bursting.

6. I serve it hot right in the dish, surrounded by slices of crusty bread for dipping into the warm, melted center.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 15–17 minutes
Calories per serving: ~180 kcal

Variations

Sometimes I swap the olives for dried cranberries or apricots to make it more festive. For a more robust flavor, I toast the nuts in a dry pan for a couple of minutes before adding them on top. I’ve also used a round of camembert for a slightly earthier taste. And if I’m feeling indulgent, I tuck a few slivers of garlic into the cheese before baking for a savory depth.

storage/reheating

This dish is best served fresh out of the oven while the cheese is still warm and soft. If I have leftovers (rarely), I store them in the fridge in an airtight container. To reheat, I place the cheese back in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes until softened again. I don’t recommend microwaving, as it can overcook the cheese unevenly.

FAQs

Can I use camembert instead of brie?

Yes, I’ve used camembert with great results. It melts the same way and offers a slightly more intense flavor.

Do I need to remove the rind?

No, I leave the rind on—it holds the cheese together as it bakes and adds a lovely texture and flavor.

What type of bread works best for serving?

I love using sliced baguette, sourdough, or rustic country bread. Crackers also work well, especially ones with seeds or a bit of salt.

Can I prep this in advance?

I often assemble the cheese with toppings ahead of time and refrigerate it. Then I just bake it right before serving.

Is this dish gluten-free?

The brie itself is gluten-free, as are the toppings. I serve it with gluten-free crackers or bread if I’m making it for someone avoiding gluten.

Conclusion

Roasted brie with honey, dried fruits, and olives is a luxurious yet easy dish that brings warmth and elegance to any table. I love the blend of creamy cheese, sweet and salty toppings, and crisp bread for dipping. It’s one of those appetizers that looks fancy but takes almost no effort—making it a go-to for holidays, dinner parties, or just treating myself to something special.