Balsamic Blueberry Baked Brie with Bacon
Balsamic blueberry baked Brie with bacon. All of those b words can’t be wrong! I don’t know about you, but my heart goes all aflutter at the sight of ooey gooey cheese, especially when it’s in a sweet and savory combination like this cheesy appetizer recipe. Dip some crackers, apple slices, or a spoon into this Balsamic Blueberry Baked Brie Recipe with Bacon for an easy gluten free appetizer recipe perfect for any occasion.
Disclosures: This post is sponsored by Cascadian Farm and I was compensated for writing this post. As always, all opinions are my own. Also, there are affiliate links in this post, meaning that if you click and make a purchase, the cost to you is the same, but I will receive a small commission.
Balsamic Blueberry Bacon Baked Brie
A simple mixture of blueberries and balsamic vinegar is simmered together while a wheel of baked Brie cheese gets melty in the oven. Add just a bit of bacon for the perfect amount of smoky salty flavor and you have a cheesy blueberry appetizer worthy of any special occasion. Here’s a brief video tutorial for how to make Balsamic Blueberry Baked Brie with Bacon.
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The other day I was reminded how socially awkward I truly am. On the morning radio show I listen to, they were talking about small talk, and I realized how I manage to screw up small talk in different settings. I make it through the “Hi, how are you, and how is your family?” stage, but beyond that, I’m kind of a bumbling fool, especially when I don’t know people very well.
Sometimes I just don’t say anything. I’ll make a snap decision that I’m just not fitting in well, you know, as the science-geek-turned-food-blogger-recluse that I am. I used to spend my days mixing chemicals in a lab, and now I spend my days taking pictures of things like easy peanut butter banana snacks and sharing it on social media and “talking” to my friends who live in my computer. So I just feel like I either stick out like a sore thumb or blend into the background totally unnoticed or totally uninteresting.
Worse than that is when I latch on to one thing someone says and then start rambling endlessly about myself, and then say something that is just weird or goofy or too much information or, heaven forbid, unintentionally offensive. I try to stop myself, but once I get going, well, it’s just a slippery slope, and it’s not until hours later that I realize I should have asked the person I was talking at something about themselves.
I think I just need more practice. Soooo, who wants to invite a social misfit to some parties? Any takers? I can bring food.
Because who needs small talk when you and other party guests can just gather around a dish of melted cheese…
This Balsamic Blueberry Baked Brie Recipe is the perfect combination of rich and savory, with the perfect amount of tangy sweetness, and just a bit of smoked, salty bacon.
Because, well, duh, bacon. Sure you can spread it on some crackers, but I was literally eating it off a spoon. I actually even put it on some chicken I made for dinner. Oh wait, hmmm, maybe that’s a future recipe idea.
I used a technique for this baked brie recipe that I discovered from RecipeGirl when I was searching Pinterest. In my Honey Nut Baked Brie recipe, I prepare the topping, slice the top rind off of the brie, then put on the topping and pop it in the oven or microwave to get all gooey. In this case, I cut a circle in the top of the rind and bake it. While it is in the oven, I make the super easy blueberry bacon balsamic compote and just pour it over the top. Done and done.
And those blueberries, well they are pretty special too, because they are Mountain Peak Organic Blueberries from Cascadian Farm.
You guys, just look at that awesomeness…
Here are some more blueberry recipes…
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- Blueberry, Peach and Cream Green Smoothie
- Blueberry Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
- Gluten Free Almond Blueberry Mini Muffins
- Banana Blueberry Frozen Yogurt Pops
Blend those berries into Frozen Blueberry Margaritas from Cooking with Curls. Blueberry Fool from She Wears Many Hats is a simple sweet treat. Or churn some delicious Blueberry Buttermilk Sherbet from Brown Eyed Baker.
Found exclusively at Whole Foods and grown on the Home Farm in Skagit Valley, WA, Mountain Peak Organic Blueberries are a combination of four varieties of berries that have been grown in that location for 25 years. This flavorful blend is frozen at the peak of freshness so that you can have the sweet flavor of these delicious berries any time of the year. Just look at those big, juicy berries. Make sure you pick up some Mountain Peak Organic Blueberries the next time you are at Whole Foods so that you can make some smoothies, parfaits, and a platter of balsamic blueberry baked brie with bacon!
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A couple of things you may need to make this easy baked Brie appetizer recipe:
Balsamic Blueberry Baked Brie with Bacon + VIDEO
Ingredients
- 17 oz brie cheese*
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 shallot minced (2 Tablespoons)
- 1 cup frozen blueberries (I used Mountain Peak Organic Blueberries from Cascadian Farm)
- 3 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Crackers, toasted baguette, apples, etc., for serving.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place brie round on baking sheet. With a sharp knife, cut into the rind on the top of the brie about a quarter inch from the edge. Do not remove the rind.
- Bake 15 minutes, or until cheese is soft and melted.
- While the Brie is baking, in a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove bacon from the pan and place on paper towels. Leave about 1 Tablespoon of the bacon grease in the pan.
- Reduce heat to medium low, add shallot and sauté for 1-2 minutes or until they become translucent.
- Add the frozen blueberries, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and cinnamon to the pan, stir and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 8-10 minutes until the liquid is reduced and the mixture is thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the bacon.
- Move the hot brie to a serving plate. Carefully remove the top rind using a sharp knife to separate it, if needed.
- Top brie with blueberry mixture and serve with crackers, baguette, apple, etc.
Notes
- Recipe adapted from the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council and RecipeGirl.
- If you can't find a large wheel of brie (I bought mine at Costco), you could just have more berries on one of the smaller rounds from the grocery store, or use half and save the rest of the berry mixture for another use.
Nutrition
Enjoy!
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Simone says
December 9, 2018 at 4:30 amLooks lovely. Think I could prep the blueberry topping mixture a day or two ahead and just warm it prior to adding it to the cheese?
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
December 10, 2018 at 11:53 amHi Simone,
I’ve never tried, but I think that would work just fine! I hope you enjoy the baked brie!
Emily says
October 30, 2018 at 7:08 pmLooks amazing ! Were you saying you did cut the top of the Brie off , or you only made a circle around the top of the rind and left it on?
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
October 31, 2018 at 3:44 pmThank you, Emily. You cut a circle around the top before it goes into the oven so that it’s easier to remove after the cheese has melted. You can leave it on during baking if you’d like.
Linda says
July 14, 2018 at 8:56 pmThis looks amazing. I’ll be making this very soon. Question, please. I assume that the cooked bacon is very finely chopped? I would think that blackberries would be good if you wanted to try a different fruit. Thanks.
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
July 16, 2018 at 11:28 amHi Linda!
Blackberries sounds like a fantastic fruit option for the baked brie! As for the size of the bacon, I chop mine just a little bit bigger than the bacon pieces you can buy at the grocery store. If you watch the video in my post, you can see the size of mine. Good luck and I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Rhonda L says
September 21, 2016 at 5:59 pmI never thought of combining blueberry and bacon. Hmmm. Sounds delicious. I’m making this for date night with the hubby. Thanks for a great idea!
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
September 22, 2016 at 11:36 amYou’re very welcome, Rhonda. I hope that you and your hubby enjoy the brie!
Nan says
August 19, 2016 at 8:44 pmCan you describe how to cut the rind in the brie? 1 cut or several cuts…..not sure what you mean. Picture of that stage of recipe!
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
August 29, 2016 at 12:54 pmOur apologies for the delay in responding, Nan.
I typically turn the wheel on it’s side, or lay it flat (whichever is most comfortable for you), then carefully with a sharp knife cut a thin layer off of the top. This usually gets most of the rind off, and it’s OK if you leave a little. Some people actually enjoy eating the rind!
Cheryl Kelly says
November 17, 2016 at 2:25 amThis looks incredible! I am confused as to the cutting of the top of the rind though. In your instructions in step2 you say to cut into the rind on the top of the brie about a quarter inch from the edge. Do not remove the rind. Is this one cut or all the way around?
Then in step 9 you say to Carefully remove the top rind using a sharp knife to separate it, if needed.
Could you please update to add more detailed instructions? Thanks so much! I may have to make this for Christmas Eve or earlier for just me if I can’t wait!!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
November 29, 2016 at 9:22 pmCheryl, make one cut all the way around the top before baking to kind of score a circle into the top. This helps keep it together while baking. Then you remove that circular piece after it bakes. It should peel right off, but you can use the knife to help scrape off any cheese that sticks to the rind. Does that make sense? Enjoy! I want to make this again myself!
Lowanda J says
December 25, 2015 at 10:01 pmI love me some brie! I will definitely have to try this! Looks ooey gooey delicious! Found you over at Wine’d Down Wednesday!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
January 6, 2016 at 9:10 pmThanks for stopping by!
Whtiney Mullennex says
December 23, 2015 at 12:17 amOh. My. Goodness. My mouth is watering so much right now! Brie is not a cheese I have very often, but this recipe warrants a change in that habit. Thanks so much for sharing! Merry Christmas!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
January 6, 2016 at 10:03 pmYou definitely have to give it a try!
the cape on the corner says
December 22, 2015 at 3:04 pmoh em geeee that looks amazing.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
January 6, 2016 at 10:00 pmThanks so much! It was incredible!
amanda @ fake ginger says
December 17, 2015 at 11:13 amGiiiirl, I am the queen of awkward small talk. I just don’t have it in me. I wanna know your life story the second I meet you, I don’t want to chitchat about the weather.
This brie! I was planning brie for Christmas Eve and I’m thinking this is going to be it!
eat good 4 life says
December 15, 2015 at 8:39 pmBrie is one of my favorite cheeses to enjoy around the holidays. Great combo!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
December 19, 2015 at 4:28 pmMe too! We often have it at holiday gatherings!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
December 15, 2015 at 9:23 amBaked brie is the best appetizer, hands down. The addition of blueberries is such a fun departure from the typical cranberries this time of year (and I like them better any way!) Also, you could totally stand there and be a blubbering fool in a conversation, but I wouldn’t notice if I was stuffing my face with this 🙂
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
January 6, 2016 at 10:03 pmYes, it’s nice to have a break from the cranberries, which is why these Cascadian Farm berries are so great. Fresh taste in the winter!
Serene @ House of Yumm says
December 15, 2015 at 8:00 amWho needs small talk when there’s snacks?! That’s the trick! And this looks like the perfect snack to keep everyone busy 🙂
Deborah says
December 14, 2015 at 11:00 pmWhere has this been all my life? Brie and blueberries are two of my favorite things – I’ve never thought to combine them!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
January 6, 2016 at 10:00 pmHaha, you totally need to try it!
Lisa @ Wine & Glue says
December 14, 2015 at 10:25 pmThis looks amazing!! And I’m all about shoving this in my face instead of making small talk 🙂
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
January 6, 2016 at 10:00 pmThat sounds like a good plan!
Deb@ Cooking on the Front Burner says
December 14, 2015 at 10:11 pmI love brie and who doesn’t right? The topping looks amazing and a perfect app for the holidays!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
January 6, 2016 at 10:00 pmAnyone who doesn’t has no idea what they are missing!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
December 14, 2015 at 8:04 pmI could LIVE on brie. And then you add that topping????? Yes please!!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
January 6, 2016 at 10:01 pmI could too!
Cookin Canuck says
December 14, 2015 at 12:42 pmSmall talk is not my thing either – unless I’m talking about food and then you can’t shut me up. 🙂 This gorgeous baked Brie is something I could babble about all day long.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
January 6, 2016 at 10:01 pmI totally hear you! I can talk food forever!
Becca @ Crumbs and Chaos says
December 14, 2015 at 9:46 amI am at a loss for words over how delicious this combination sounds…I wouldn’t be doing much talking because I’d be too busy diving into this !!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
January 6, 2016 at 10:01 pmOh my gosh, that is totally true!
Amy Stafford says
December 14, 2015 at 8:48 amI love brie and adding fruit is the perfect way to serve it up. I will have to pick up some Mountain Peak Blueberries when I am at whole foods this week.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
January 6, 2016 at 10:04 pmFruit and cheese is a winning combo!
Kacey @ The Cookie Writer says
December 14, 2015 at 8:22 amI was just thinking last night how great balsamic is with fruit (after reading some rage-inducing posts where people think balsamic does not belong with fruits!) This looks so yummy!! And do not worry, I feel I am awkward, too! I always think before I speak and worry what people will say. However, I do love hiding behind my computer and chatting with other food bloggers with no issues, surprisingly!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
January 6, 2016 at 10:04 pmWhat?!?! I love fruit and balsamic!