Discover the ultimate appetizer that blends elegance with simplicity: Whipped Brie. This recipe transforms a classic wheel of brie into a luxuriously creamy, airy, and scoopable dip in just minutes. It’s an absolute game-changer for holiday parties, quiet evenings, or any time you crave a sophisticated yet effortless snack. Forget basic cheese and crackers; this whipped brie is a culinary experience that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
What is Whipped Brie?
Whipped brie is a creamy cheese dip made by blending brie cheese, often with a little cream cheese or oil, in a food processor until it becomes smooth, light, and fluffy. The process aerates the cheese, giving it a consistency similar to a thick mousse or frosting. It maintains the rich, earthy flavor of brie but presents it in a completely new, incredibly spreadable format. This makes it a perfect centerpiece for any appetizer platter.
Why You’ll Love This Whipped Brie Recipe
- Incredibly Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and a food processor, this appetizer comes together in under 10 minutes.
- Effortlessly Elegant: It looks and tastes like a gourmet dish from a high-end restaurant, making it perfect for impressing guests.
- Endlessly Versatile: This recipe is a blank canvas. Serve it sweet with honey and figs, or go savory with herbs and garlic. The possibilities are endless!
- A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: The creamy texture and rich flavor make it an instant hit at any gathering, from casual get-togethers to formal celebrations. If you enjoy this, you might also love these festive Cranberry Brie Bites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of high-quality ingredients to create this masterpiece.
- Brie Cheese: The star of the show. A standard 8-ounce wheel is perfect. You can trim the rind off for a smoother texture, but it’s not strictly necessary.
- Cream Cheese: This adds extra creaminess and a slight tang, helping to stabilize the dip. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for easy blending.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil helps the cheese blend smoothly and adds a touch of fruity, savory flavor.
- Honey: For a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the earthy brie.
- Toppings: We’re using fresh figs, chopped walnuts, and fresh thyme for a classic, delicious combination.
Essential Equipment
You don’t need much to bring this recipe to life. The most important tool is a food processor, which is key to achieving that signature light and airy texture. You’ll also want a good spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl, ensuring every last bit of cheese is perfectly blended.
How to Make Whipped Brie: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect whipped brie every time.
- Prepare the Brie: Start by chilling your brie wheel for about 15-20 minutes. A cold cheese is much easier to handle. Once chilled, slice the wheel into 1-inch cubes. For the smoothest possible texture, you can trim off the white rind, but this is optional. The rind is edible and will incorporate into the dip with a slightly more rustic texture.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the brie cubes, softened cream cheese, and olive oil into the bowl of a food processor.
- Whip Until Creamy: Secure the lid and process on high for 2-3 minutes. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula, then continue processing until the mixture is completely smooth, light, and airy. Don’t be afraid to let it run for a few minutes to incorporate plenty of air.
- Plate and Garnish: Transfer the whipped brie to a shallow bowl or serving plate. Use the back of a spoon to create elegant swirls on top. Drizzle generously with honey, then scatter the fresh fig slices, chopped walnuts, and fresh thyme leaves over the top.
Expert Tips for the Fluffiest Whipped Brie
Want to guarantee a perfect result? Keep these pro tips in mind.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Aside from chilling the brie for cutting, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened. This helps everything blend together seamlessly without lumps.
- Don’t Under-Whip: Let the food processor run for a full 2-3 minutes, or even longer. The longer it whips, the more air is incorporated, resulting in a lighter, fluffier dip.
- Scrape Down the Bowl: Periodically stopping to scrape the sides of the food processor bowl is crucial for an even, smooth consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, give your whipped brie a taste. You might want to add a pinch of salt or an extra drizzle of honey to balance the flavors perfectly.
Delicious Topping Ideas & Variations
While the honey and fig combination is classic, this Whipped Brie is a fantastic base for all sorts of flavors. For another appetizer that’s easy to customize, try our Italian Sliders.
Sweet Toppings
- Hot Honey & Pistachios: A drizzle of spicy hot honey and a sprinkle of salty pistachios creates an irresistible sweet and savory combination.
- Berry Compote: A spoonful of warm raspberry or blackberry compote adds a bright, fruity contrast.
- Caramelized Pears & Pecans: Top with thinly sliced caramelized pears and toasted pecans for a sophisticated, dessert-like appetizer.
Savory Toppings
- Roasted Garlic & Herbs: Fold in a head of creamy roasted garlic and top with fresh rosemary and thyme.
- Balsamic Glaze & Crispy Prosciutto: Drizzle with a thick balsamic glaze and top with crispy, salty shards of prosciutto.
- Pesto & Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Swirl in a spoonful of basil pesto and top with chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of Italian flavor. Love Italian-inspired recipes? Our Cacio e Pepe is a must-try.
What to Serve with Whipped Brie
The perfect dippers are essential! Offer a variety of textures and flavors to complement the creamy brie.
- Crostini or Baguette Slices: Toasted slices of a crusty baguette are the classic choice.
- Assorted Crackers: Offer a mix of plain, seeded, and whole wheat crackers.
- Fresh Fruit: Sliced apples, pears, and grapes add a sweet, crisp contrast.
- Vegetables: Crunchy celery sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips are great for a lighter option.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
You can easily make whipped brie ahead of time. Prepare the dip as instructed, transfer it to an airtight container, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes to soften slightly. Give it a quick stir, then add your fresh toppings just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
For the smoothest, creamiest texture, it’s best to trim the rind off. However, the rind is completely edible and you can leave it on if you don’t mind a slightly more rustic texture in your dip.
You can store whipped brie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes to soften before serving.
Whipped brie is typically served chilled or at room temperature. Serving it cold from the fridge will make it firmer, while letting it sit at room temperature makes it softer and more spreadable.
A food processor is highly recommended for the best light and airy texture. In a pinch, you could try a high-powered blender or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, but the final texture might be denser.
Whipped brie is incredibly versatile! For sweet options, try honey, hot honey, fruit jams, or fresh berries. For savory toppings, consider balsamic glaze, roasted garlic, fresh herbs, or crispy prosciutto.
More Delicious Recipes to Try
If you loved this Whipped Brie, we know you’ll enjoy exploring more of our easy and delicious recipes. From savory dinners to sweet treats, there’s always something new to discover. We hope this becomes a new favorite in your recipe collection! Don’t forget to share your creations and follow us on Pinterest for more inspiration.
Whipped Brie Recipe
Whipped Brie Recipe with Honey and Figs
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Chill the brie for 15-20 minutes. Cut the chilled brie into 1-inch cubes. Trim the rind if you prefer an ultra-smooth texture.
- Place the brie cubes, softened cream cheese, and olive oil into the bowl of a food processor.
- Process on high for 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed, until the mixture is completely smooth, light, and fluffy.
- Transfer the whipped brie to a serving bowl. Use a spoon to create swirls on top. Drizzle with honey and garnish with fresh fig slices, chopped walnuts, and thyme leaves before serving.
Notes
Rind On or Off? For the absolute smoothest dip, remove the rind. If you don't mind a slightly more rustic texture, feel free to leave it on—it's completely edible and adds flavor.
