Effortless Instant Pot Baked Brie: Your Ultimate Healthy Holiday Appetizer (21 Day Fix Friendly!)
Searching for an incredibly quick, easy, and undeniably delicious appetizer for your upcoming holiday gatherings? Look no further! This Instant Pot Baked Brie is an absolute game-changer. It’s super simple to prepare, bursting with flavor, and the best part? You can serve it directly in the same dish you cooked it in, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for festive entertaining or a cozy night in!
As the holiday season officially kicks off, many of us are already in full planning mode, eager to create memorable moments without added stress. Between decorating, gift shopping, and festive events, simplifying meal prep and entertaining becomes a top priority. That’s precisely why this Instant Pot Baked Brie has become my new favorite secret weapon for effortless holiday hosting. It’s a dish that impresses guests with minimal effort and allows me to truly enjoy the season.
Beyond its incredible ease, this recipe also aligns perfectly with a balanced lifestyle. While traditional baked brie often comes laden with puff pastry, brown sugar, and rich sauces, my version focuses on fresh, wholesome toppings that enhance the creamy cheese without unnecessary added sugars. It’s a wonderful example of how you can elevate a classic holiday staple into something both decadent and mindful.
Why the Instant Pot is Your Holiday Hosting Hero for Baked Brie
When I first experimented with making baked brie in my Instant Pot, I was genuinely surprised by two things: how incredibly easy it was, and how much less mess I made compared to traditional methods. Brie can sometimes be a bit tricky to handle when it’s warm and gooey, but the controlled environment of the Instant Pot simplifies the entire process. No more sticky oven trays or cheese escaping its pastry prison!
One of the biggest advantages of using your Instant Pot for this delectable appetizer is freeing up valuable oven space. During the holidays, ovens are often in high demand, juggling turkeys, roasts, casseroles, and an array of baked goods. By preparing your baked brie in the Instant Pot, you save your oven for other critical dishes, making your holiday meal prep significantly smoother and less frantic. Plus, the convenience of cooking and serving in the same small dish means fewer dirty dishes – a true gift during a busy season. Just set it, forget it for a few minutes, and you’re left with perfectly melted, warm brie ready to be adorned with your favorite toppings.
Elevate Your Baked Brie with Wholesome Toppings
Gone are the days when baked brie automatically meant puff pastry, copious amounts of brown sugar, and dried cranberries. While undeniably delicious, I’ve discovered that simply adding fresh, vibrant ingredients like pomegranate seeds, a selection of crunchy nuts, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup is just as satisfying, if not more so, and significantly better for you. This approach makes the dish naturally gluten-free and refined sugar-free, catering to a wider range of dietary needs without compromising on flavor or festivity.
Feel free to get creative with your toppings! While I used pecans in this recipe because I had them on hand, other nuts like pistachios, walnuts, or even sliced almonds pair beautifully with the creamy, tangy brie. If you have a nut allergy, simply omit them – the pomegranate and honey alone will provide plenty of flavor and texture. For those who prefer dried fruit, a sprinkle of unsweetened dried cranberries or chopped apricots would also be a delicious addition, adding another layer of festive sweetness.
Pro Tip: Easily Deseeding Pomegranates
Don’t be intimidated by pomegranates! Removing the seeds (arils) is surprisingly simple and quite fun. Just cut the pomegranate in half horizontally. Hold one half, cut-side down, over a bowl. Give the back of the pomegranate a firm whack with a wooden spoon or spatula, and watch as the glistening red seeds tumble right out into your bowl. It’s a satisfying little kitchen hack that makes this beautiful fruit much more accessible for recipes.
Serving Suggestions for Your Instant Pot Baked Brie
This Instant Pot Baked Brie is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile in how it can be served. My absolute favorite way to enjoy it is with crisp apple slices – the sweetness and crunch perfectly complement the rich, warm cheese. However, it’s also fantastic with a variety of other dippers. Consider offering a platter with whole-grain crackers, toasted baguette slices, or even fresh cucumber rounds for a lighter, refreshing option. For those following the 21 Day Fix, remember to choose whole-grain options for your yellows to stay on plan!
Serving this appetizer with a mix of both “FIX” (21 Day Fix approved) and non-FIX approved options ensures everyone at your party finds something they love, and helps you stay true to your healthy eating goals without feeling deprived during holiday celebrations. It’s a win-win for festive, health-conscious entertaining!
Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Baked Brie
Before you dive into the recipe, here are some common questions about making baked brie in your Instant Pot, especially with a focus on healthy eating plans:
Is Brie approved for the 21 Day Fix?
While brie isn’t explicitly listed on the official 21 Day Fix food list, its nutritional profile is quite comparable to cheddar cheese, which is a blue container food. In fact, brie often contains slightly less fat and calories than cheddar. Given these similarities, it makes an excellent and satisfying option for your blue container serving. Always check your specific program guidelines, but many in the 21 Day Fix community consider it a perfectly acceptable alternative for your healthy fats.
What kind of dish or pan do I use in my Instant Pot to cook this brie?
For this Instant Pot Baked Brie, you’ll need an oven-safe dish that fits comfortably inside your Instant Pot. A small casserole dish or a small Springform Pan (like a 6 or 7-inch) works wonderfully. Ensure it’s made from ceramic, glass, or stainless steel. To easily lift the hot dish out of the Instant Pot, I highly recommend using a silicone sling or creating a makeshift one from aluminum foil.
Can I make this Instant Pot Baked Brie ahead of time?
While the actual cooking process for Instant Pot Baked Brie is incredibly fast (just 16 minutes!), it’s best served warm and gooey. You can definitely prep it ahead by unwrapping the brie, slicing the top rind, and having your toppings ready. When it’s time to serve, simply pop it into the Instant Pot for fresh, melty goodness. This minimal cooking time means you can easily prepare it just before guests arrive, ensuring the best possible texture and flavor.
Can I reheat this Instant Pot Baked Brie?
Absolutely! If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare with this delicious appetizer!), reheating is a breeze. You can warm it gently in your Instant Pot for a few minutes on “Keep Warm” or on low pressure, or use the microwave for quick individual servings. The oven also works well at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) until just melted through.
What can I serve this Instant Pot Baked Brie with?
The beauty of baked brie lies in its versatility. As mentioned, apples are a personal favorite for their crispness and natural sweetness. Beyond that, consider an assortment of dippers: whole-grain crackers for a satisfying crunch, toasted slices of a fresh baguette, or even a vibrant selection of raw vegetables like cucumber slices, carrot sticks, or bell pepper strips. For a truly healthy approach, emphasize fresh fruits and veggies to balance the richness of the cheese.
What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
If you don’t yet own an Instant Pot, I highly recommend getting one – this is the model I use most often, and it’s a kitchen essential for quick, healthy meals! However, you can still enjoy delicious baked brie. Simply melt it in the microwave for about 3-4 minutes (keep a close eye on it), or bake it in a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 10 minutes, or until it’s perfectly gooey and warm.
More Healthy & Delicious Appetizer Ideas
Looking for more fantastic appetizers that fit your healthy lifestyle, especially for the 21 Day Fix? Explore these mouth-watering options:
- 21 Day Fix Roasted Shrimp Cocktail with Cranberry Horseradish Chutney
- 21 Day Fix Harvest Salad Bites with Honey Goat Cheese
- 21 Day Fix Italian Stuffed Mushrooms
- 21 Day Fix Mini Arancini (Rice Balls)
- Pear, Pecan, and Goat Cheese Appetizers | The Foodie and the Fix
- 21 Day Fix Buffalo Chicken Dip | My Crazy Good Life
- 21 Day Fix Bean Dip | Carrie Elle
- 21 Day Fix Appetizers for the Holiday Season
New to Your Instant Pot? I Can Help!
If you’re just starting your Instant Pot journey, welcome! It’s an incredible tool, and I’ve got resources to help you get comfortable with it:
- Easy Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners | What to Cook First in Your New Instant Pot
- Gifts for Instant Pot Owners [from someone who has THREE] | My Favorite Instant Pot Accessories
- What Does the Instant Pot Burn Message Mean? | Troubleshooting the Instant Pot Burn Message
Explore More Instant Pot Recipes
Once you’ve mastered this delicious baked brie, you’ll want to discover even more ways to use your Instant Pot for healthy meals. Here are some of my favorite recipe roundups:
- 31 Days of Healthy Instant Pot Recipes [21 Day Fix | Weight Watchers Freestyle]
- Healthy Instant Pot Summer Recipes | 21 Day Fix | Weight Watchers
- Healthy Instant Pot Mexican Favorites (21 Day Fix | 80 Day Obsession | Weight Watchers)
- Healthy Instant Pot Meal Plan & Grocery List Round Up | 21 Day Fix | 2B Mindset
Enjoy this Instant Pot Baked Brie recipe! It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a stress-saver this holiday season.
Instant Pot Baked Brie
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz wheel of Brie
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
Instructions
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Unwrap the wheel of brie. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice off the top rind. Immediately place this removed rind back on top of the brie wheel. This trick helps contain the melting cheese, preventing it from spilling over during the cooking process and keeping your serving dish neat.
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Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of your Instant Pot’s inner pot. Then, place the trivet (the metal rack that comes with your Instant Pot) at the bottom, ensuring it’s stable.
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Carefully place your brie wheel into a small Instant Pot-safe bowl or pan. A 6 or 7-inch springform pan or a ceramic casserole dish works perfectly. If you don’t have a suitable dish, you can fashion a sturdy bowl out of aluminum foil for the brie to sit in. Cover the bowl containing the brie tightly with aluminum foil to prevent condensation from dripping onto the cheese.
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To easily lift the dish in and out, prepare a foil sling: take an 18-inch strip of aluminum foil and fold it twice lengthwise to create a strong band. Alternatively, use a reusable silicone sling if you have one. Place this sling under your dish of brie and then carefully lower the dish onto the trivet inside the Instant Pot.
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Secure the Instant Pot lid and make sure the venting knob is set to “Sealing.” Set your Instant Pot to cook on High Pressure for 16 minutes.
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Once cooking is complete, perform a Quick Release by carefully turning the venting knob to “Venting.” When the float valve drops, open the lid. Carefully lift the brie out using your foil or silicone sling. Check to ensure the brie is beautifully melted and hot throughout.
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Carefully remove and discard the top rind that was replaced earlier (be sure to scrape off any delicious melted brie from it first!). Drizzle the warm, gooey brie generously with honey or maple syrup, then sprinkle with chopped pecans and vibrant pomegranate seeds.
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Serve immediately with fresh apple slices, gluten-free crackers, and a selection of fresh vegetables for dipping. Enjoy this festive and easy appetizer!
Video
Notes
WW link for personal points: Instant Pot Baked Brie (8 servings)
Nutrition