Maple, Walnut and Bacon Brie Bites
This recipe creates elegant and easy-to-make Brie bites, perfect for an appetizer. Mini Brie wheels are gently warmed until oozy, then topped with a delightful mix of crunchy toasted walnuts, savory bacon, sweet maple syrup, and tangy apple cider vinegar. Finished with fresh scallions, these bites offer a harmonious balance of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy textures, making them an instant crowd-pleaser.
Equipment
- 1 Baking Sheet Or oven-safe serving platter
- 1 Small Mixing Bowl
- 1 Measuring Spoons
- 1 Chef's knife For chopping bacon and scallions
- 1 Cutting Board
Ingredients
Main
- 8 mini .9 ounces each Brie wheels
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon apple-cider vinegar
- 5 slices cooked bacon chopped
- Sliced scallions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.
- On a baking sheet or ovensafe serving platter, bake the Brie wheels until warm to the touch and slightly oozy, 3 to 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine the walnuts, maple syrup, vinegar and bacon. Top each warmed Brie bite with a spoonful of the maple syrup mixture. Garnish with scallions. Serve immediately.
Notes
For optimal results, ensure the oven temperature is precisely 250°F (120°C). The goal is to gently warm the Brie until it's just soft and oozy, not fully melted. Overbaking will cause it to lose its shape and leak. Using pre-cooked, crispy bacon is crucial for textural contrast. If you're cooking bacon fresh, ensure it's rendered well and crumbled. Toasting the walnuts deeply before chopping will amplify their nutty flavor. A high-quality pure maple syrup will make a significant difference. For an elevated touch, consider adding a tiny pinch of smoked paprika to the bacon-maple mixture or a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves with the scallions for an aromatic finish. These bites are best served immediately to enjoy the warm, creamy Brie.