Grilled Brie with Strawberries offers a captivating blend of creamy cheese, luscious sweet strawberries, and a bright, tangy balsamic glaze, creating an unforgettable appetizer that’s tailor-made for delightful summer entertaining.

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Grilled Brie with Strawberries: Your Ultimate Summer Appetizer Guide

Forget your average cheese board; we’re taking casual summer dining to a whole new level of elegance and flavor with this sensational Grilled Brie with Strawberries. Summer is synonymous with light bites and leisurely grazing, and this dish fits perfectly into that vibe. It’s the kind of appetizer that looks incredibly impressive but is astonishingly simple to prepare, making you look like a culinary genius without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, enjoying a cozy date night, or simply craving a gourmet snack, this recipe promises to be a showstopper.

Why This Isn’t Just Any Grilled Cheese: A Symphony of Flavors

While the name might evoke images of a classic grilled cheese sandwich, this recipe is a world apart. It transforms a humble wheel of brie into a warm, gooey, and irresistibly decadent delight. We’re not just melting cheese; we’re elevating it with the vibrant freshness of in-season strawberries and the sophisticated complexity of a balsamic-honey glaze. This combination creates a truly unique flavor profile that is both sweet and savory, rich and refreshing – an absolute triumph for your taste buds and a testament to the magic that happens when simple, quality ingredients are expertly combined.

Imagine: the velvety warmth of perfectly grilled brie, its rind lightly crisp, yielding to a molten interior that oozes with rich creaminess. Nestled atop this smooth, warm cheese are juicy, bright red strawberries, glistening with a sweet and tangy balsamic-honey dressing. A final sprinkle of fresh mint leaves adds an aromatic lift and a hint of coolness, while a touch of flaky sea salt perfectly balances the sweetness, enhancing every single note. Each bite is an experience, a harmonious dance of textures and tastes that will leave you utterly captivated and reaching for more. It’s the ideal treat for a relaxed gathering with friends, a romantic date night with your own honey, or simply to indulge yourself after a long day.

The Magic of Simplicity: Mastering Grilled Brie with Strawberries

You might be surprised at how effortlessly this gourmet appetizer comes together. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and about ten minutes of your time, you can create a culinary masterpiece that will impress everyone. The secret to its success lies in the quality of your chosen ingredients and a few straightforward grilling techniques. Let’s walk through how to achieve grilled brie perfection, ensuring every serving is a delightful experience.

Choosing Your Ingredients Wisely for Optimal Flavor

Brie Cheese: Opt for a good quality, soft-ripened brie. An 8-ounce wheel is usually perfect for serving 6-8 people. Keeping it cold until just before grilling is crucial, as its firm state helps prevent it from melting too quickly and losing its shape on the grill.
Fresh Strawberries: Select ripe, vibrant red strawberries that are in season. These will offer the best natural sweetness and aromatic flavor. Wash them thoroughly under cool water, hull them (remove the green leafy tops), and then dice them into small, bite-sized pieces for even distribution.
Balsamic Vinegar: A good quality balsamic vinegar will make a noticeable difference in the glaze, providing a rich, deep flavor and a delightful tang that cuts through the richness of the brie.
Honey: Local honey can add a unique floral note, but any good quality, liquid honey will work wonders in balancing the tartness of the balsamic and adding a lovely sweetness to the strawberries.
Olive Oil: Use a light olive oil for brushing the brie and mixing into the glaze. Its subtle flavor won’t overpower the delicate notes of the other ingredients.
Fresh Mint Leaves: These are not just for garnish; fresh mint adds an essential aromatic lift and a hint of coolness that brightens the entire dish.
Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt at the end is crucial. It enhances all the other flavors, making the sweet notes sweeter and the tangy notes tangier.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Grilled Brie with Strawberries

Prepare Your Grill: Begin by heating your outdoor grill to a medium temperature. While it’s warming up, lightly brush the grill grates with olive oil. This simple step is vital to prevent the brie from sticking and ensures you get those beautiful, appetizing grill marks.
Prep the Strawberries: While the grill heats, wash and hull your fresh strawberries, then dice them into small, uniform, bite-sized pieces.
Craft the Balsamic-Honey Glaze: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, 2 teaspoons of olive oil, and 2 teaspoons of honey until thoroughly combined and smooth. Add the diced strawberries to this mixture and gently toss them to ensure they are evenly coated. Set this aside to allow the flavors to meld and the strawberries to slightly macerate.
Grill the Brie to Perfection: Take your cold wheel of brie directly from the refrigerator. Lightly brush one side of the brie with olive oil. Carefully place the oiled side down onto the preheated grill grates. While the first side is grilling, brush the top side of the brie with olive oil. Grill each side for approximately 2-3 minutes. You’re looking for appealing light grill marks and a softened interior, but it shouldn’t be completely melted to the point of collapse. Use a wide, sturdy spatula to gently flip the brie.
Assemble and Garnish: Once grilled, carefully transfer the warm, softened brie from the grill onto a clean serving plate. Spoon the delightful strawberry balsamic mixture generously over the top of the brie, ensuring every piece gets a good coating.
The Finishing Touches: For an extra layer of sweetness and shine, drizzle a little more honey over the strawberries. Finally, sprinkle generously with freshly chopped mint leaves and a pinch of flaky sea salt. These elements are not just for show; they elevate the entire flavor profile of the dish.
Serve Immediately: This appetizer is absolutely best enjoyed warm, right off the grill. Serve it right away with your favorite flatbread crackers, thinly sliced crusty baguette, or even crisp apple slices for a delightful gluten-free option.

Tips for Success and Delicious Variations

Maintain Brie Temperature: As previously mentioned, a cold brie wheel is your best friend when grilling. It maintains its structure better under heat.
Monitor Grill Time Closely: The goal is a gooey, soft interior, not a completely liquid mess. Keep a close eye on the brie; individual grills and brie sizes can vary.
Experiment with Alternative Fruits: While strawberries are divine, feel free to get creative with other seasonal fruits. Sliced peaches, fresh figs, raspberries, or even blueberries can offer equally delicious results.
Explore Different Herbs: If mint isn’t quite your preference, a sprinkle of fresh basil or thyme can also complement the sweet and savory notes beautifully.
Indoor Preparation Option: No outdoor grill? No problem! You can achieve a similar effect by baking the brie in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the brie for 10-15 minutes, or until it’s wonderfully softened, then add the toppings.
Add a Touch of Spice: For those who enjoy a hint of heat, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes mixed into the strawberry balsamic glaze can add an intriguing kick.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Brie

Can I prepare the strawberry mixture in advance?: Yes, absolutely! You can dice the strawberries and mix them with the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and honey a few hours ahead of time. Store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to deepen even further, making it even more delicious.
What kind of crackers or bread should I serve with Grilled Brie?: Flatbread crackers are an excellent choice, but a thinly sliced crusty baguette, artisanal multigrain bread, or even gourmet water crackers would also be delicious. For a refreshing and healthy crunch, consider serving with cucumber slices or crisp apple wedges.
How do I know when the brie is perfectly grilled?: The brie should feel soft and slightly springy to the touch when gently pressed. You might also notice the sides starting to bulge slightly, which indicates the interior is warm and gooey. Avoid leaving it on for too long, as it might become overly liquid and difficult to handle or transfer.
Can I use a different type of cheese?: While brie is ideal for this recipe due to its creamy texture and mild flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet strawberries and tangy balsamic, you could certainly experiment with other soft, rind-on cheeses like Camembert for a similar effect. Just be aware that cooking times might vary slightly.
What are the best drinks to pair with this appetizer?: Grilled Brie with Strawberries pairs wonderfully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, a light-bodied Rosé, or even a sparkling wine or Prosecco for a celebratory touch. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water infused with berries and mint, or a light iced tea, would be refreshing complements.

More Irresistible Appetizer Ideas for Your Summer Gatherings

If you’re anything like us, summer means finding delicious, easy, and impressive dishes to share with loved ones. Beyond this fabulous Grilled Brie with Strawberries, we have a treasure trove of crowd-pleasing recipes perfect for any occasion. Expanding your appetizer repertoire has never been easier, allowing you to create memorable culinary experiences without the stress:

Creamy Spinach Dip: A timeless classic that always disappears fast! Our scrumptious Spinach Dip is rich, incredibly flavorful, and undeniably satisfying, making it perfect for dipping crusty bread, pita chips, or an assortment of crisp vegetables.
Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint and Balsamic Glaze: For another fantastic sweet and savory summer combination that truly embodies the spirit of the season, you absolutely must try our Watermelon Feta Salad. The cooling freshness of watermelon, the salty tang of feta, the vibrant kick of fresh mint, and a luxurious balsamic glaze come together to create a symphony of refreshing flavors that are simply divine. It’s the ultimate light and bright summer salad!
Ultimate Charcuterie & Cheese Board: For those who love variety, presentation, and the joy of communal eating, don’t underestimate the power of a well-curated Charcuterie and Cheese Board. It’s an artful way to offer a diverse selection of artisanal cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruits, crunchy nuts, olives, and an array of crackers, allowing your guests to graze, mingle, and discover their own perfect pairings.

These recipes, much like our Grilled Brie with Strawberries, focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and bold, balanced flavors, ensuring your summer entertaining is both delicious and wonderfully stress-free. Enjoy creating and sharing these delightful dishes!

Print Recipe

Grilled Brie with Strawberries

5 out of 5 stars from 2 reviews

Author: The BakerMama
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 11 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

Description

Grilled Brie with Strawberries combines creamy cheese, sweet strawberries, and tangy balsamic vinegar in a delicious appetizer that’s perfect for summer entertaining.

Ingredients

1 (8 ounce) wheel soft-ripened brie cheese, cold
1 cup diced strawberries
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons olive oil, plus more for brushing
2 teaspoons honey, plus more for drizzling
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves, for garnishing
Sea salt, for garnishing
Flatbread crackers, for serving

Instructions

Heat the grill to medium and brush the grates with oil.
While the grill is heating up, wash and dice the strawberries.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil and honey. Add the strawberries and gently stir to combine. Set aside.
Remove the wheel of brie cheese from the refrigerator. Brush one side of the brie with olive oil and place the oiled side down on the heated grill. Brush the other side of the brie with olive oil while the bottom side is grilling. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side.
Remove the grilled brie with a spatula and place on a serving plate. Top with the strawberry balsamic mixture.
Drizzle with honey. Sprinkle with chopped fresh mint and sea salt.
Serve warm with flatbread crackers.

Notes

Make sure the brie cheese is cold, straight from the refrigerator, when placing it on the grill to help it maintain its shape.

Share Your Culinary Creations!

We truly hope you adore this Grilled Brie with Strawberries as much as we do. It’s a recipe designed to bring joy and deliciousness to your table, making every summer gathering feel a little more special. When you whip up this delightful appetizer, we’d absolutely love to see your masterpiece! Don’t forget to snap a picture and share it on Instagram, tagging @thebakermama. It brings us so much joy to see how you get inspired and add your creative touch to the recipes we share!

xoxo,