Introduction
Baked brie, known in France as 'Brie en Croûte,' traditionally comes wrapped in puff pastry. This keto adaptation emerged during the low-carb movement of the early 2000s, proving that dietary restrictions don't mean sacrificing luxury. The almonds not only provide a satisfying crunch that replaces the traditional pastry but also add healthy fats that align perfectly with keto principles. This dish has become a staple at high-end keto dinner parties and holiday gatherings, where it never fails to surprise guests who can't believe it's low-carb friendly.
Ingredients
• 1 8-ounce wheel of Brie cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds, raw
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Step 1:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2:
In a small mixing bowl, combine sliced almonds, olive oil, chopped rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3:
Place the room temperature Brie wheel in a shallow baking dish.
Step 4:
Spread the seasoned almond mixture evenly over the top of the Brie, allowing some to fall around the sides.
Step 5:
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and almonds are golden brown.
Step 6:
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Q: Can I prepare this in advance?
A: You can prepare the almond mixture up to 24 hours in advance, but wait to assemble and bake until serving time.
Q: Should I remove the rind before baking?
A: No, keep the rind intact as it helps the cheese maintain its shape while baking.
Q: How do I know when it's done?
A: The cheese should be soft to touch but not completely liquid, and the almonds should be golden brown.
• Choose a high-quality double or triple cream Brie for best melting results.
• Almonds can be substituted with other keto-friendly nuts like pecans or macadamia nuts.
• Fresh garlic can replace garlic powder - use 1 small clove, minced.
• Allow Brie to come to room temperature for 30-60 minutes before baking for optimal melting.
• Contains dairy and tree nuts.
• Suitable for keto, gluten-free, and vegetarian diets.
Serve warm with keto-friendly vegetables or low-carb crackers. Use a cheese knife for easy portioning.
Best served immediately. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes.
Begin bringing the Brie to room temperature an hour before you plan to start cooking. Prepare the almond mixture while waiting.
- Don't overbake or the cheese will become too runny
- Ensure almonds are evenly coated with oil to prevent burning
- Score the top rind slightly before adding toppings for better flavor integration
Try using different herbs like thyme or sage, or add a touch of sugar-free maple syrup for a sweet variation. For extra richness, drizzle with truffle oil before serving.
Pair with dry red wine, sparkling water with lemon, or unsweetened hot tea. Serve with cucumber rounds or celery sticks for keto-friendly dipping.
Year-round, particularly appealing in fall and winter months
Contains dairy (Brie cheese) and tree nuts (almonds). Suitable for gluten-free diets.
