Creamy Baked Brie with Caramelized Pears and Thyme

Experience the rich, creamy goodness of our Creamy Baked Brie with Caramelized Pears and Thyme. This vegetarian French appetizer combines the luscious texture of Brie cheese with sweet, caramelized pears and aromatic shallots, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Ideal for gatherings or cozy nights, this dish is gluten and dairy-friendly, making it a versatile choice for various diets.

Enjoy it as a centerpiece for your cheese board or paired with crackers for a delightful snack. With EasyChef Pro, you can easily access this recipe and create a convenient shopping list to ensure the lowest cost per serving. Elevate your meal prep today!

Recipe Collection: Appetizer

Serving Size: 8

Cooking Time: 80 minutes

Overview

This delightful appetizer features creamy Brie cheese baked in a sourdough bread bowl, topped with caramelized pears, shallots, and thyme. It's a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, ideal for entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy night in.

Diet Type

Vegetarian

Allergies

Dairy, Gluten, Tree Nuts

Cuisine

French

Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon (tbsp) unsalted butter
• 2 Whole shallots, sliced
• 2 Whole pears, peeled
• 0.33 Cups dry white wine
• 0.5 Teaspoons (tsp) brown sugar
• 0.5 Teaspoons (tsp) fresh thyme, minced
• 1 Pinch salt, to taste
• 1 Pinch ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 8 Ounces (oz) round loaf sourdough bread
• 1 8 Ounces (oz) round Brie cheese
• 0.5 Cups slivered almonds
• Assorted crackers

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook, stirring, for 1 minute until softened.
3. Add the pears to the skillet and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the white wine, brown sugar, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and simmer until the liquid evaporates and the pears are lightly caramelized, about 10 minutes. Set aside.
5. Cut a hole in the top of the sourdough loaf to fit the Brie, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Cut the removed bread into pieces for serving and set aside.
6. Score the Brie around the edge, halfway down, using a paring knife to cut 1/4-inch deep. Cut the Brie in half horizontally using a thin string or unflavored dental floss.
7. Place the bottom half of the Brie, cut-side up, into the sourdough loaf. Top with half of the pear mixture and sprinkle with half of the slivered almonds.
8. Place the remaining Brie half on top, spread with the remaining pear mixture, and sprinkle with the remaining slivered almonds.
9. Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven until the Brie is soft and gooey, about 45 minutes.
10. Serve with the reserved sourdough bread pieces and assorted crackers. Enjoy!