Easy Mezze:Baked Brie with Onion Jam & Walnuts

This retro classic is having a well-deserved comeback - and we’re here for it. Melty, oozy, utterly delicious… baked brie never stopped being a crowd-pleaser. Think 80s dinner party nostalgia, elevated with sweet onion jam and a satisfying crunch of walnuts.

Pair it with a crisp baguette and a good glass of wine, the perfect warm-up act for your next dinner party or impromptu Friday night feast.

🛒 Ingredients

Olive oil

½ white onion, cut into small wedges

2 tbsp brown sugar

3 tbsp balsamic vinegar

¼ cup water

1 small wheel of brie (no need to splurge — gooeyness is the goal)

¼ cup walnuts

To serve:
1 baguette, sliced and brushed with olive oil, then baked until golden and crisp

🔥 Method

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan).
2. Make the onion jam:
Add a little olive oil, the onion, sugar, balsamic vinegar and water to a small saucepan with a lid. Simmer on a low heat until the onion is soft — about 20 minutes. Stir every few minutes, topping up with a splash more water if needed. Towards the end, remove the lid and let the liquid reduce to a sticky jam.
3. Prep the brie:
Use a sharp knife to gently score the top of the brie in a criss-cross pattern — this helps it melt evenly.
4. Assemble and bake:
Line a small baking dish (a cake tin works well) with baking paper and place the brie in the centre. This makes it easier to lift once it’s hot and gooey. Spoon over the onion jam and sprinkle with walnuts.
Bake for 15 minutes until molten and golden.
5. Serve immediately with your crispy baguette slices or good-quality crackers.

📝 Notes

• This is the perfect use for a supermarket brie. Save the artisan wheels for your cheeseboard and let this one shine in melty form.

• You can make the onion jam ahead — or use a good store-bought version.

• Want to switch it up? Try honey, pear & walnut, or a tart cherry compote (just skip anything too sweet — balance is key).