Baked Brie with Garlic, Herbs and Toasted Walnuts
Why This Is Strictly Keto
Brie is a high-fat, low-carb cheese. Walnuts and olive oil add further healthy fats. This recipe uses only fresh herbs, garlic, and nuts for the topping — no sugar, no honey, no sweetened glaze. This is a purely savory, naturally keto appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 wheel of Brie (8 oz / 225g)
- 3 tablespoons walnut pieces (or pecans), roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
To serve:
- Cucumber slices
- Celery sticks
- Sliced red bell pepper strips
- Keto almond flour crackers (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a small baking dish or sheet pan with parchment paper.
Make the herb-nut mixture: In a small bowl, combine chopped walnuts, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and olive oil. Season with a small pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.
Prepare the brie: Score the top of the brie rind lightly with a sharp knife in a crosshatch pattern. Do not remove the rind — it holds everything together as the cheese melts. Place the brie on the parchment.
Top and bake: Spoon the walnut and herb mixture evenly over the top of the brie. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is visibly soft and puffed, and the nuts are toasted and fragrant.
Cool briefly: Let the brie rest for 3–5 minutes before transferring to a serving board — the cheese is molten inside and very fragile straight from the oven.
Serve: Place on a board surrounded by cucumber slices, celery sticks, and bell pepper strips. Eat by breaking through the rind with a knife or spoon and scooping the melted cheese onto the vegetables.
Nutritional Info (per serving, approximate)
| Calories | Fat | Protein | Net Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~195 kcal | 16g | 10g | 1g |
Tips
- Do not remove the brie rind — it is edible and acts as the container for the melted cheese.
- The cheese should feel very soft when you press gently on the top — that means it’s ready.
- For a festive variation, add a few fresh cranberries or thin apple slices to the topping (small amounts keep it keto-compatible).
