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.
Balsamic Blueberry Baked Brie Recipe with Bacon
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Cascadian Farm. As a brand ambassador, I am being compensated for writing this post. As always, all opinions are my own.
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 food 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 with Bacon is the perfect combination of rich and savory, with the perfect amount of tangy sweetness, and just a bit of smoky 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.
You guys, just look at that awesomeness…
I used a technique for this baked brie recipe that I’ve recently discovered from RecipeGirl when I was searching Pinterest. For 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 baked it. While it was in the oven, I made the super easy blueberry bacon balsamic compote and just poured 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…
Found exclusively at Whole Food and grown on the Home Farm in Skagit Valley, WA, Mountain Peak Organic Blueberries is 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 this…
What are your tips for making small talk?
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Balsamic Blueberry Baked Brie with Bacon
An ooey gooey cheesy appetizer recipe with the perfect combo of sweet and savory.
Ingredients
- 1 large brie round (mine from Costco was 17.6 oz, though 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)
- 3-4 slices bacon
- 2 Tablespoons shallots, minced
- 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
- Cracker, 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.
Check out my Pinterest board for more Appetizer Recipes!
Follow Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips’s board Appetizer Recipes! on Pinterest.
Here are some more blueberry recipes…
 |  |  |
- Blueberry, Peach and Cream Green Smoothie
- Blueberry Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
- Gluten Free Almond Blueberry Mini Muffins
And a few from my friends…
- Gluten Free Cinnamon Blueberry Bagels from Ambitious Kitchen
- Blueberry Crisp Overnight Oats from Lemons for Lulu
- Blueberry and Grilled Corn Salsa from The Suburban Soapbox
Want to see lots more yummy food from me and my friends, and cute pictures of my kids?
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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I earn a small percentage from any purchases you may make if you click on them. These companies have not contacted me. I use the stuff because I love it.
I 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!
Kacey @ The Cookie Writer recently posted…Christmas Brownies (Mint Chocolate Brownies)
What?!?! I love fruit and balsamic!
I 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.
Amy Stafford recently posted…Broiled Shrimp and Broccoli with Cashew Sauce {gluten free}
Fruit and cheese is a winning combo!
I 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 !!
Becca @ Crumbs and Chaos recently posted…Peppermint Crunch Sugar Cookies
Oh my gosh, that is totally true!
Small 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.
Cookin Canuck recently posted…Italian Chicken & Vegetable Tortellini Soup Recipe
I totally hear you! I can talk food forever!
I could LIVE on brie. And then you add that topping????? Yes please!!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted…Macaroon Blossom Cookies
I could too!
I love brie and who doesn’t right? The topping looks amazing and a perfect app for the holidays!
Deb@ Cooking on the Front Burner recently posted…White Chocolate Peppermint Mousse
Anyone who doesn’t has no idea what they are missing!
This looks amazing!! And I’m all about shoving this in my face instead of making small talk 🙂
Lisa @ Wine & Glue recently posted…Chicken Taco Casserole
That sounds like a good plan!
Where has this been all my life? Brie and blueberries are two of my favorite things – I’ve never thought to combine them!
Haha, you totally need to try it!
Who needs small talk when there’s snacks?! That’s the trick! And this looks like the perfect snack to keep everyone busy 🙂
Serene @ House of Yumm recently posted…Sugar Cookie Cups
Baked 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 🙂
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen recently posted…Greek Yogurt Christmas Morning Muffins
Yes, 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!
Brie is one of my favorite cheeses to enjoy around the holidays. Great combo!
eat good 4 life recently posted…Cranberry pistachio chocolate bark
Me too! We often have it at holiday gatherings!
Giiiirl, 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!
oh em geeee that looks amazing.
Thanks so much! It was incredible!
Oh. 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!
You definitely have to give it a try!
I love me some brie! I will definitely have to try this! Looks ooey gooey delicious! Found you over at Wine’d Down Wednesday!
Lowanda J recently posted…Simply Me December ~ Christmas Edition
Thanks for stopping by!
Can 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!
Our 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!
This 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!!
Cheryl, 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!
I 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!
You’re very welcome, Rhonda. I hope that you and your hubby enjoy the brie!