Sweet, Savory, and Smoky—The Perfect Backyard Appetizer
Baked brie is one of those appetizers that feels decadent and impressive, but it’s actually simple to make at home. By pairing creamy brie with bourbon-soaked cherries, a drizzle of hot honey, and a crunchy topping of pecans, you get a dish that hits every note—sweet, salty, spicy, and savory. Cooked in the Ooni Karu Pro wood-fired oven, this baked brie takes on a subtle smokiness that makes it stand out from anything you’d order in a restaurant. Around here in Colorado, we grill and cook year-round, and this recipe is one we’ll be making again and again.
Introduction: Backyard Cooking, Family Style
Living in Denver means that our backyard is the heart of our home—whether it’s a snowy January evening or a sunny September afternoon. As a dad of 3-year-old twins and a full-time STEM teacher, I know that meals need to be both practical and memorable. That’s why I love recipes like this baked brie with bourbon cherries. It looks fancy enough to impress guests, but it’s quick enough to throw together on a weeknight or before friends come over for game day.
Cooking outdoors on my Ooni Karu Pro or Traeger grills has become second nature. It’s about more than just food—it’s about making memories with my family. My twins love snacking on cherries, and my wife and I love a recipe that can go from backyard to table with minimal fuss. This baked brie is exactly that: approachable, flavorful, and perfect for sharing.
Brie 101: Why This Cheese Works for Baking
Brie has been beloved for centuries, originating from the Brie region of France. Known as the “Queen of Cheeses,” it’s a soft-ripened cow’s milk cheese with a white bloomy rind. That rind is entirely edible and adds an earthy flavor that balances the buttery richness of the interior.
When brie is baked, the magic really happens. The interior transforms into molten, gooey goodness, while the rind holds everything together. That makes it the perfect centerpiece for sharing—just cut or scoop into it and let the creamy cheese flow out.
What makes brie so versatile is its ability to pair with both sweet and savory ingredients. Honey, jam, fruit, and nuts bring out its natural sweetness, while herbs, garlic, or bacon highlight its savory side. In this recipe, the brie becomes a canvas for bold toppings: boozy bourbon cherries, spicy-sweet honey, and crunchy pecans.
Spotlight on Bourbon: Why Weldon Mills Elevates This Dish for Baked Brie with Bourbon Cherries
What Makes Bourbon Unique
Bourbon is a uniquely American whiskey, made primarily from corn and aged in new charred oak barrels. This gives it its signature caramel, vanilla, and oak flavors. By law, bourbon must be at least 51% corn, made in the U.S., and aged in those charred barrels.
Compared to Scotch whisky, which can be smoky and peaty, or Irish whiskey, which tends to be light and smooth, bourbon delivers a bold sweetness that pairs beautifully with fruit and cheese.
Why Weldon Mills Soldier’s Cut Works
For this recipe, we used Weldon Mills Soldier’s Cut Bourbon, a smooth and strong expression that brings warmth without overpowering the dish. It infuses the cherries with notes of caramel, oak, and vanilla, which complement the natural sweetness of the fruit and the creaminess of the cheese.
The name “Soldier’s Cut” honors military service, which also makes this bourbon a meaningful addition to the dish. Food is always better when it carries a story, and this bottle certainly does.
Bourbon vs Whiskey in Cooking
You might be wondering if any whiskey will do for this recipe. The short answer is yes—you can use what you have. But bourbon, with its sweetness and richness, balances fruit better than rye whiskey (which is spicier) or Scotch (which can be smoky). That balance is why bourbon and cherries together feel like such a natural pairing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes this recipe shine:
- 1 large wheel of brie
- 2 cups fresh Bing cherries, pitted
- 2–3 tbsp Weldon Mills Soldier’s Cut bourbon
- 1–2 tbsp Trader Joe’s Spicy Honey Sauce (or other hot honey)
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
- The Matzo Project’s matzo chips (cinnamon-sugared for contrast)
Optional garnishes:
- Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Prep the Brie
Place your brie wheel in a cast-iron skillet. Score the top of the rind with a sharp knife in a crisscross pattern. This allows the flavors to penetrate the cheese as it melts.
Step 2: Bourbon Cherries
Pit your cherries and toss them with bourbon in a bowl. Let them soak for at least 15 minutes so they absorb the flavor. You’ll notice the cherries start to release some of their juices, creating a rich sauce.
Step 3: Assemble Baked Brie with Bourbon Cherries for Baking
Arrange the cherries around the brie in the skillet. Drizzle hot honey over the scored top of the cheese, then sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
Step 4: Bake in the Ooni Karu Pro
Slide the skillet into your Ooni Karu Pro, preheated to between 425–500°F. The wood fire will infuse the dish with smokiness while the brie softens and the cherries roast. Bake for about 8–12 minutes, or until the brie is melted and bubbly.
Note: If your oven is running closer to 500°F, check the brie around 8 minutes to avoid overcooking. At slightly lower temps (425–450°F), the full 12 minutes may be needed.
Step 5: Serve with Matzo Chips
Remove the skillet carefully (it will be piping hot). Drizzle with a little extra honey if desired, and serve immediately with cinnamon-sugared matzo chips for dipping.
Why the Ooni Karu Pro Works for This Recipe
The Ooni Karu Pro is one of my favorite tools for backyard cooking. It heats quickly, reaches high temperatures, and imparts a smoky, wood-fired flavor that elevates simple dishes. While you could bake this brie in a Traeger or even a conventional oven, the Ooni brings a restaurant-quality flair to the dish.
The high heat ensures the brie melts evenly while the cherries blister and caramelize. The cast-iron skillet also helps retain heat, keeping the cheese molten for longer while serving.
Cooking outdoors in Colorado means adapting to all kinds of weather. Whether it’s snowing or sunny, I know my Ooni Karu Pro can handle the job. This baked brie is a great reminder that gourmet cooking doesn’t need to happen in a restaurant—it can happen right in your backyard.
The Matzo Chips: A Crunchy and Cultural Twist
One of the details that makes this baked brie with bourbon cherries so fun and unique is the choice of dipping vessel: cinnamon-sugared matzo chips. Instead of the usual crackers or baguette slices, we reached for a bag from The Matzo Project, a company that has reimagined matzo for the modern snacker.
The Matzo Project started in Brooklyn with a mission to bring matzo out of the holiday-only pantry and into everyday life. They’ve managed to make a product that is both nostalgic and completely fresh, taking something traditional and turning it into something crave-worthy. Their packaging is playful, their flavors are bold, and their chips are seriously addictive.
For this recipe, we used their Cinnamon Sugared Matzo Chips. The touch of sweetness from the chips pairs beautifully with the creamy, savory brie and the rich bourbon cherries. The cinnamon sugar adds another layer of flavor that makes every bite feel balanced. It’s a reminder that great food doesn’t have to be predictable—you can mix tradition with a little creativity and end up with something entirely new.
If you’ve never tried The Matzo Project’s products, they also make plain salted chips, “everything” chips, and even soup crackers. Any of them would work well with baked brie, but the cinnamon sugar variety made this dish feel extra special, almost like a dessert-meets-appetizer hybrid.
This brand is all about surprising people with how good matzo can be, and that aligns perfectly with the way I like to cook: simple ingredients, prepared in unexpected ways, that make people stop and say, “Wow.”
The Role of Hot Honey in This Recipe for Baked Brie with Bourbon Cherries
Trader Joe’s Spicy Honey Sauce was our choice here, and it delivered the perfect kick. Hot honey has exploded in popularity because it’s one of those condiments that goes with everything—pizza, fried chicken, grilled veggies, and yes, baked brie.
The drizzle of spicy honey cuts through the richness of the cheese and balances the sweetness of the cherries. If you don’t have Trader Joe’s, you can make your own by simmering honey with red pepper flakes, or you can pick up a bottle from other brands like Mike’s Hot Honey.
Entertaining Tips: How to Serve Baked Brie with Bourbon Cherries
This dish is meant for sharing, and it shines at gatherings. Here are some ideas:
- Holiday appetizer: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, or Christmas.
- Game day snack: Serve with extra chips or crostini for hearty dipping.
- Wine night: Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé.
- Bourbon night: Serve alongside a bourbon tasting flight for friends.
Pro tip: Always serve baked brie hot. If you need to prep ahead, assemble the skillet with brie, cherries, and toppings, then refrigerate. Pop it into the Ooni or Traeger just before guests arrive.
Colorado Lifestyle: Cooking Year-Round
One of the best parts of living in Colorado is embracing outdoor cooking in all four seasons. Snow falling? Fire up the Traeger. Sunny spring day? Break out the Ooni Karu Pro. My twins, Beatrice and Bodie, love helping with little steps—like pitting cherries or sprinkling pecans—and it makes them excited about food.
As a teacher, I think of cooking as another form of STEM—measuring ingredients, watching reactions, experimenting with flavors. Recipes like baked brie with bourbon cherries give us a chance to teach our kids while making something delicious.
Cheesy Appetizers to Try
If you enjoyed this baked brie recipe, definitley consider taking a stab at some of these other recipes featured on my website. Or check out my cookbook, available here.
Products Used in This Cook
- Ooni Karu Pro – Wood-fired versatility for backyard cooking
- Weldon Mills Soldier’s Cut Bourbon – Smooth, bold flavor for soaking cherries
- Trader Joe’s Spicy Honey Sauce – Sweet heat that ties everything together
- The Matzo Project Cinnamon-Sugared Chips – Crunchy and unique dipping vessel
Make Baked Brie with Bourbon Cherries tonight: Easy, Elegant, and Crowd-Pleasing
This baked brie with bourbon cherries checks all the boxes: it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and a show-stopper at the table. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, a casual cookout, or just a family night at home, this recipe brings everyone together around the skillet.
As a dad, teacher, and backyard cook here in Colorado, I love recipes that make life easier while still feeling special. This one is going into our rotation for sure—and I hope it finds a place in yours too. Fire up your Ooni Karu Pro, grab some fresh cherries and bourbon, and give it a try.
Baked Brie with Bourbon Cherries
Equipment
- Ooni Karu Pro or other high-heat oven (425–500°F)
- Cast iron skillet
- Sharp knife (for scoring the brie)
- Cherry pitter (optional but helpful)
Ingredients
- 1 large wheel of brie
- 2 cups fresh Bing cherries pitted
- 2-3 tbsp Weldon Mills Soldier’s Cut bourbon
- 1-2 tbsp hot honey Trader Joe’s Spicy Honey or similar
- 1/4 cup pecans chopped
- Cinnamon-sugared matzo chips The Matzo Project, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Ooni Karu Pro (or Traeger/oven) to 425–500°F.
- Place the brie wheel in a cast iron skillet and score the top rind in a crisscross pattern.
- Pit cherries and toss with bourbon in a small bowl. Let sit for 15 minutes to absorb flavor.
- Arrange cherries around the brie in the skillet. Drizzle hot honey over the cheese and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8–12 minutes, until the brie is melted and bubbly.
- Carefully remove skillet, drizzle with more honey if desired, and serve hot with matzo chips.
Leave a Reply