Name: Baked Brie with Pear and Honey
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 8 oz wheel of Brie cheese; 1/2 ripe pear (thinly sliced); ¼ cup chopped walnuts; 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or a few sprigs); 2 tbsp honey (plus more for serving if desired)

If you’ve been looking for an appetizer that feels like a warm hug, this Baked Brie with Pear and Honey is your new best friend. Imagine this: a golden, ooey-gooey wheel of Brie, topped with buttery pear slices, crunchy toasted walnuts, fragrant thyme, and a generous drizzle of golden honey – all baked to melty perfection. Sounds dreamy? It is.

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Honestly, I’ve made this recipe for everything from quiet nights in with a glass of wine to full-blown holiday gatherings, and it never fails to get a chorus of “oohs” and “aahs.” There’s just something magical about the combination of creamy cheese, warm fruit, and sweet honey with a subtle nutty crunch. It’s simple, elegant, and tastes way fancier than it is.

So, if you’re craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that comes together in minutes but feels totally elevated, you’ve found it!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Brie with Pear and Honey

There are appetizers, and then there are show-stopping appetizers. This baked Brie sits firmly in the second camp. Here’s why I love it so much – and I think you will too:

It’s easy but impressive – only a handful of ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time, but it looks and tastes like you spent hours.
The flavor combo is unreal – sweet pears, savory Brie, earthy thyme, crunchy walnuts, and floral honey… it’s a total symphony.
Perfect for any occasion – holidays, date nights, brunches, book clubs – you name it, this dish belongs there.
It’s super customizable – want to use apples instead of pears? Pecans instead of walnuts? Add a touch of fig jam? Go for it!

A Little Story Behind This Recipe

The first time I made this was actually by accident. I had friends coming over for a last-minute wine night, and I realized I needed something to snack on that felt special but required very little effort. Brie was in the fridge, a pear was sitting on the counter, and I had honey and walnuts in the pantry. I thought, “Why not?” and popped it all in the oven.

Twenty minutes later, I was pulling out this bubbling, golden masterpiece. We devoured it with crackers and slices of baguette, and everyone asked for the recipe. Since then, it’s become one of my signature appetizers!

Ingredient Spotlight

Let’s talk about the key players in this recipe. Simple ingredients, yes- but each one brings something essential to the table.

Brie cheese: Choose a good-quality wheel of Brie. It’s the star of the show! You don’t need to remove the rind; it softens beautifully in the oven and helps hold everything together.
Pear: Go for something ripe but not overly soft – like Bosc or D’Anjou. They bake beautifully and offer just the right amount of sweetness.
Walnuts: Toasted walnuts add that essential crunch and nutty depth. You could also use pecans or even hazelnuts.
Fresh thyme: A few sprigs add an herby note that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese and sweet honey.
Honey: Use good quality honey – it’s the final touch that ties everything together and adds a note of golden sweetness.

How to Make Baked Brie with Pear and Honey

This recipe is so easy, you’ll be tempted to make it every week (and honestly, I wouldn’t stop you).

Step 1: Prep the oven

Preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C). Line a small baking dish or sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup (optional, you can also make this, using small baking dish like I did here).

Step 2: Slice and top the Brie

Place the wheel of Brie on the parchment-lined pan. Thinly slice your pear (no need to peel it!) and layer the slices neatly on top of the Brie.

Step 3: Add the good stuff

Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the pear slices, followed by a few sprigs of fresh thyme. Drizzle the entire top generously with honey.

Step 4: Bake

Pop it into the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and the top is golden and bubbling slightly. You’ll know it’s ready when you can gently press the center and it feels soft and warm inside.

Step 5: Serve warm

Carefully transfer the Brie to a serving plate (you can leave it on the parchment, or in a baking dish for a rustic look), and serve it immediately with crackers, crostini, or sliced baguette. I also love it with apple slices!

Tips & Variations

Want to customize your baked Brie? Here are some fun ideas:

Wrap it in puff pastry: for an extra-luxe version, wrap the Brie and toppings in puff pastry and bake until golden brown.
Add jam: spread a thin layer of fig jam, apricot preserves, or cranberry sauce under the pear for extra flavor.
Use different nuts: try pecans, pistachios, or sliced almonds.
Add a splash of balsamic glaze: a drizzle of balsamic reduction after baking gives a tangy-sweet finish that’s absolutely divine.

Serving Suggestions

This baked Brie shines all on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can really elevate your appetizer spread. Here are a few suggestions:

Assorted crackers or toasted baguette slices
Fresh fruit like apple slices or grapes
Charcuterie board-style accompaniments – think cured meats, olives, and marinated vegetables
A glass of chilled white wine or a light rosé

And don’t forget a small cheese knife or spoon to help serve the gooey center!

Storing & Reheating

If you happen to have leftovers (rare, but it happens!), you can store the baked Brie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it back in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes until warm and melty again.

If there’s one recipe that always delivers major flavor with minimal effort, it’s this Baked Brie with Pear and Honey. It’s cozy and elegant, sweet and savory, creamy and crunchy—all at once. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want to treat yourself to something special, this appetizer checks all the boxes.