Baked Brie with Caramelized Onions

Baked Brie with Caramelized Onions: A Perfect New Year’s Eve Appetizer

If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer to ring in the New Year, this Baked Brie with Caramelized Onions is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s rich, creamy, and topped with sweet, golden caramelized onions for a flavor-packed bite that will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!).

This recipe is elegant enough for a celebration but simple enough to whip up with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a big party or enjoying a cozy night at home, this dish is perfect for making your New Year’s Eve feel extra special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy: Melted brie is the ultimate indulgence.

• Perfectly Sweet and Savory: Caramelized onions add just the right touch of sweetness.

• Easy to Make: Minimal ingredients and prep for maximum flavor.

The Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 round (8–12 oz) of brie cheese

• 3-5 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced (I love to make extra caramelized onions and save them for other recipes)

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1/2 - 1 cup red wine

• 1 teaspoon of chopped rosemary and thyme

• ½ teaspoon salt

• Optional: 1 sheet of puff pastry (if you want a wrapped version)

Instructions:

1. Caramelize the onions:

   • Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

   • Add the sliced onions and salt, cooking until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.

   • Stir in the brown sugar and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 60-90 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden and caramelized. After the first 20 minutes add the wine and continue to cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, until the onions have cooked down and are extremely tender.

2. Preheat the oven:

   • Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).

3. Prepare the brie:

   • Add brie to a circular baking dish that fits the brie.

   • For a wrapped version, roll out the puff pastry and place the brie in the center. Top with the caramelized onions, fold the pastry around the brie, and seal the edges.

4. Bake:

   • Bake the brie for 10–15 minutes (or 20–25 minutes if using puff pastry), until the cheese is melted and bubbly. In the last few minutes add the caramelized onions allow everything to begin to melt together.

   • Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

5. Serve:

   • Top the baked brie with extra caramelized onions if desired. Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh fruit like apples or pears for dipping.

Tips for Perfect Baked Brie

• Choose the right brie: A double or triple cream brie works best for melting.

• Make ahead: Caramelize the onions up to a day in advance to save time.

• Customize it: Add dried cranberries or toasted nuts to the caramelized onions for extra flavor.

Why It’s a New Year’s Favorite

This baked brie is the perfect blend of indulgent and festive, making it an ideal appetizer for celebrating. It’s easy to make, versatile, and guaranteed to impress your guests. Pair it with a glass of bubbly, and you’ve got the ultimate start to your New Year’s Eve menu!

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to see it—tag me on Instagram @WeeknightHomemaker to share your creations!

Happy New Year and happy baking,

Lauren

The Weeknight Homemaker