Savory BLT Baked Brie Delight
Indulge in the ultimate fusion of flavors with our Savory BLT Baked Brie Delight! This irresistible appetizer brings together the creamy richness of melted Brie cheese, the crunch of fresh romaine lettuce, and the refreshing taste of vine-ripened tomatoes, all drizzled with a sweet and tangy balsamic reduction. Served in a crispy, golden-brown boule, this dish is perfect for gatherings, serving as a show-stopping centerpiece that satisfies all your cheesy cravings while sneakily incorporating fresh salad ingredients. Enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors that will have everyone reaching for more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
round boule bread
1 lb (hollowed and top sliced off)
olive oil
4 tablespoons (divided)
Italian seasoning
3/4 teaspoon (dry)
Brie cheese
6 inches (17 ounces) (whole, rind removed from top)
balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup (for reduction)
sugar
1 tablespoon (for reduction)
tomatoes
2 (diced)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
basil
2 tablespoons (diced)
romaine lettuce
3 cups (shredded)
bacon
8 slices (cooked and crumbled)
scallions
3 (green parts only, thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2
Using a serrated knife, carefully slice off the top of the round boule of bread to create a circular opening, using the Brie cheese wheel as a guide for size.
3
Cut the top piece of bread into cubes and set them aside. Hollow out the center of the boule, tearing the bread into additional chunks. Place all the torn and cubed bread on a baking sheet.
4
Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the bread pieces and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure even coverage, then push them to one side of the baking sheet to make space for the Brie.
5
Remove the rind from the top of the Brie wheel, carefully using a sharp knife. Nestle the cheese into the center of the hollowed-out boule.
6
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the bread cubes are golden and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted.
7
While the cheese and bread are baking, prepare the balsamic reduction. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine balsamic vinegar and sugar. Bring it to a simmer and allow it to reduce by half until it becomes syrupy. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
8
In a medium bowl, mix together the diced tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, chopped basil, salt, and pepper to create a fresh tomato salad.
9
Once the cheese has melted, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Top the gooey Brie with the shredded romaine lettuce, followed by the tomato mixture. Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top.
10
Drizzle the balsamic reduction over everything, and finish with a sprinkle of sliced scallions for garnish. Serve warm with the crispy bread pieces for dipping and scooping!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory BLT Baked Brie Delight?
It is an indulgent appetizer featuring melted Brie cheese inside a hollowed-out bread boule, topped with shredded romaine, a fresh tomato salad, crumbled bacon, and a balsamic reduction.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
A 1 lb round boule bread is recommended for hollowing out and serving as the bowl for the cheese.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
How do I prepare the bread boule?
Use a serrated knife to slice off the top and hollow out the center, using the Brie wheel as a guide for the size of the opening.
What should I do with the bread removed from the center?
Tear or cube the removed bread, drizzle with olive oil and Italian seasoning, and bake them until crispy for dipping.
Do I need to remove the rind from the Brie?
You should carefully remove the rind only from the top of the Brie wheel before placing it in the bread.
How long does the Brie need to bake?
Bake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the bread cubes are golden.
How do I make the balsamic reduction?
Simmer 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar with 1 tablespoon of sugar in a saucepan until the liquid reduces by half and becomes syrupy.
What goes into the fresh tomato salad topping?
Mix diced tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, chopped basil, salt, and pepper.
How much bacon is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 slices of bacon, which should be cooked and crumbled before topping the cheese.
What type of lettuce is used for the BLT topping?
3 cups of shredded romaine lettuce are used to provide a fresh crunch.
When do I add the fresh ingredients like lettuce and tomatoes?
Add the lettuce, tomato mixture, and bacon immediately after removing the melted cheese and bread from the oven.
How is the dish finished before serving?
Drizzle the balsamic reduction over the toppings and sprinkle with sliced scallions.
What size Brie wheel is required?
A 6-inch wheel of Brie cheese, weighing about 17 ounces, is needed.
How much olive oil is used in total?
Total olive oil used is 4 tablespoons, divided between the bread seasoning and the tomato salad.
Which part of the scallions should be used for garnish?
Use only the green parts of the 3 scallions, thinly sliced.
Can I use dry herbs for the bread pieces?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 3/4 teaspoon of dry Italian seasoning.
Is the garlic used in the recipe cooked or raw?
The 2 cloves of garlic are minced and mixed raw into the tomato salad for a fresh bite.
How do I ensure the bread cubes bake evenly?
Toss the bread pieces well with olive oil and seasoning, and place them on the same baking sheet as the boule.
What is the recommended serving style?
Serve the dish warm, using the crispy bread pieces to dip and scoop the melted cheese and toppings.
How many tomatoes are needed for the salad?
The recipe requires 2 diced tomatoes.
What is the main flavor profile of this dish?
It is a savory and creamy dish with salty notes from bacon and sweetness from the balsamic reduction.
Do I need to season the tomatoes?
Yes, the tomato salad is seasoned with salt, pepper, and fresh basil.
Can I prepare the balsamic reduction ahead of time?
Yes, but let it cool slightly; it will thicken as it rests.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 main ingredients in this recipe.
Is the bread boule baked before adding the cheese?
No, the cheese is nestled into the hollowed-out bread and they are baked together.
How do I know the balsamic reduction is done?
It is done when the volume has decreased by half and it reaches a syrupy consistency.
What type of knife is best for hollowing the bread?
A serrated knife is best for cleanly slicing the top off the boule.
Should the bacon be hot when added?
The bacon should be pre-cooked and crumbled; it will be warmed by the cheese when added as a topping.
What is the texture of the finished cheese?
The Brie becomes gooey and fully melted, making it perfect for dipping.