Craft the Perfect Olive Platter with Decadent Olive Baked Brie for National Olive Day

There’s an undeniable joy in savoring a perfectly crafted snack, and for many, that joy begins with olives. Whether you’re a seasoned olive enthusiast or new to their diverse flavors, preparing an exquisite olive platter is an art form that truly shines when paired with a warm, gooey Olive Baked Brie. This recipe isn’t just a snack; it’s an experience, especially as we approach National Olive Day on June 1st. Get ready to impress your guests (or simply treat yourself) with a sophisticated yet incredibly easy appetizer that celebrates the humble, versatile olive.

My affection for savory treats often rivals my love for dessert. While I possess a certain discipline when it comes to sweet indulgences, a bag of salty chips or a beautifully arranged cheese board can vanish in an instant. This deep appreciation for delicious, easy-to-share bites has previously inspired recipes like my quick pickled red onions and a festive cranberry baked brie. Today, however, we’re putting the spotlight squarely on olives.

Olives are a staple in many cuisines, often playing a supporting role in dishes such as Mediterranean roasted chicken thighs. However, their true potential as a star ingredient in a gourmet snack is often overlooked. They offer a unique blend of briny, earthy, and sometimes fruity notes that make them perfect for direct consumption straight from the jar – but let’s be honest, that’s not exactly blog-worthy! That’s why I’ve curated this simple yet elegant Olive Baked Brie recipe, transforming a beloved staple into a truly memorable appetizer.

Although National Olive Day falls on June 1st, this recipe is designed for enjoyment year-round. It’s an ideal addition to any charcuterie board for two or an expansive spread for larger gatherings. Whether you’re hosting friends and family or simply craving a luxurious solo dinner, this Olive Baked Brie makes an exceptionally easy party appetizer that consistently delights. It’s perfect for those busy days when cooking a full meal feels daunting, offering a sophisticated snacking alternative.

Traditionally, cheese boards highlight an array of cheeses and cured meats, with olives often relegated to a small side dish. However, to truly celebrate National Olive Day, we’re shifting the focus to these magnificent fruits. The sheer variety of olives available allows for an entire board dedicated to their diverse flavors and textures. Here are some key olive varieties to consider for your ultimate olive platter:

• Pimento Stuffed Olives: A timeless classic, these green olives stuffed with sweet red pimentos offer a familiar and beloved salty-sweet crunch that appeals to almost everyone.
• Garlic and Jalapeno Stuffed Olives: For those who enjoy a little kick and bold flavor, these offer a delightful zing. Don’t hesitate to experiment with other stuffed varieties like creamy feta or pungent blue cheese olives for added complexity and a surprising twist.
• Sliced Black Olives: Offering a different visual and textural element, sliced black olives are mild, slightly fruity, and incredibly easy to incorporate onto crackers or crostini, providing a softer bite.
• Pitted Green Olives: These unripened olives, picked before they fully mature, retain a firmer texture and a bright, distinct briny flavor. A fun fact: green and black olives actually come from the same tree; the difference lies simply in their ripeness at harvest.
• Kalamata Olives: Hailing from Greece, these almond-shaped, purplish-brown olives are known for their rich, fruity, and slightly wine-like flavor. They are exceptionally well-suited for pairing with a wide range of cheeses and are a must-have on any olive board.
• Castelvetrano Olives: Often praised for their buttery, mild, and sweet flavor, these vibrant green olives from Sicily are a crowd-pleaser and a great contrast to more pungent varieties. Their firm texture makes them excellent for snacking.
• Cerignola Olives: Large and meaty, these Italian olives come in various colors (green, black, red) and have a delicate, slightly sweet taste, making them perfect for snacking on their own due to their impressive size and tender flesh.

Beyond the star olives, a truly memorable platter requires a thoughtful selection of complementary items. Consider an assortment of crackers with varying shapes, textures, and flavors to provide an ideal vehicle for the cheese and olives. A handful of nuts – such as crunchy almonds, earthy walnuts, or vibrant pistachios – adds a satisfying crunch and healthy fats. Cured meats like thinly sliced salami or delicate prosciutto introduce a savory, umami dimension. And, of course, the cheese!

Brie holds a special place in my heart for cheese boards due to its irresistible creamy texture and effortless preparation. Simply unwrap, top, and bake (or serve as is!). It’s a guaranteed hit every time.

While baking brie yields the most delightfully molten, cheesy experience, there are several methods to prepare it depending on your preference or the weather. If it’s too warm to fire up the oven, you can gently “bake” it on the grill in a heat-safe dish, or even grill it directly on the rack (with careful attention to prevent punctures and messy oozing). For a simpler approach, serving brie at room temperature allows it to soften beautifully, becoming easily spreadable. Alternatively, keep it chilled and cut into elegant wedges for a firmer option, offering a different textural experience.

For this particular recipe, I chose a cabrie cheese, which is brie made with goat’s milk, offering a slightly tangier, more pronounced flavor profile compared to traditional cow’s milk brie. However, whether you opt for cow’s milk brie or its goat’s milk counterpart, both melt into a glorious, gooey consistency that pairs perfectly with the briny olives, promising a decadent experience.

The topping for our baked brie is a simple yet impactful combination of halved kalamata and pitted green olives, fresh thyme, and a generous sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. The olives provide a wonderful “meatiness” and depth of flavor that complements the mild, creamy brie beautifully. The aromatic fresh thyme introduces an herbaceous, slightly floral note, while the black pepper adds a subtle warmth and spice, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

To elegantly tie all these elements together and enhance the overall experience, I recommend pouring a thin, shimmering layer of high-quality extra virgin olive oil onto your serving dish before placing the baked brie. This subtle addition ensures that as you spread the warm, olive-infused cheese onto your chosen crackers, you also pick up some of that rich, fragrant olive oil, elevating every single bite to a gourmet level.

Olive Baked Brie: An Easy & Elegant Appetizer

Yield:
6-8 servings

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
10 minutes

Total Time:
15 minutes

Craft a stunning olive platter for National Olive Day or any gathering with this effortless Olive Baked Brie, infused with fresh thyme and premium olive oil.

Ingredients for Olive Baked Brie

• 8 ounces brie cheese round (or cabrie cheese)
• 1/4 cup halved Kalamata olives
• 1/4 cup halved pitted green olives
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
• Extra virgin olive oil, for serving
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions for Preparing Olive Baked Brie

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully place the brie cheese round on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-8 minutes, or until the interior of the cheese is beautifully softened and molten, but the outer rind remains intact, holding its shape.
3. While the brie bakes, pour a thin, even layer of high-quality extra virgin olive oil into the bottom of your chosen serving dish or platter. Once baked, carefully transfer the warm brie into the center of the olive oil pool.
4. Artfully arrange the halved Kalamata and pitted green olives over the top of the baked brie. Sprinkle generously with the fresh thyme and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Serve immediately with your favorite crackers, bread, or crudités.

Notes & Pro Tips

For an equally delicious but quicker option, skip the baking step and serve the brie cheese cold, cut into elegant wedges, on your olive platter. It will still be a fantastic accompaniment to your olive selection.

Feel free to experiment with different types of olives for the topping, such as sliced black olives or chopped Castelvetrano olives for a milder flavor. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add an intriguing sweet or spicy contrast to the creamy brie.

Ensure your extra virgin olive oil is fresh and of good quality, as its flavor will be prominent in this dish. Always use fresh thyme for the best aromatic results; dried thyme will not provide the same vibrant flavor.

Made this Delicious Olive Baked Brie?

I’d love to hear from you! Rate the recipe above, share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to post a photo on Instagram using #HITKrecipes to show off your culinary creation!

Beyond the Brie: Building a Complete Olive Platter Experience

While the Olive Baked Brie is undoubtedly the star, a truly spectacular olive platter is a symphony of flavors, textures, and colors. Think about offering a diverse range of accompaniments to complement the creamy cheese and briny olives. Crusty baguette slices, artisan crackers (like water crackers, multi-grain crisps, or even flavored options like rosemary crackers), and elegant breadsticks are all excellent for scooping up the melted brie. For added freshness and crunch, include some fresh vegetable crudités such as crisp cucumber slices, vibrant carrot sticks, or colorful bell pepper strips, offering a healthy balance to the richness of the cheese.

Introduce additional elements that provide contrast and interest. A small bowl of gourmet marcona almonds or candied pecans can add a sweet and nutty crunch, while cured meats such as thinly sliced prosciutto or Spanish chorizo can provide a salty, savory counterpoint. Dried fruits like figs, apricots, or dates offer a chewy sweetness that pairs surprisingly well with salty olives and rich cheese. Consider a small dish of fig jam, sweet honey, or savory quince paste for another layer of sweetness, aroma, and sophistication. Even a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or a small bunch of luscious grapes can elevate the visual appeal of your platter, making it an irresistible centerpiece for any gathering.

Why Olives Deserve Their Own Day (and Your Platter!)

Beyond their delightful taste and culinary versatility, olives offer numerous health benefits, making them a fantastic addition to any diet. They are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid, which is known to support heart health. Olives are also packed with powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols, and possess anti-inflammatory properties that contribute to overall well-being. Incorporating a variety of olives into your diet can enhance flavor and nutrient intake, reflecting the principles of the renowned Mediterranean diet. National Olive Day is more than just an excuse to snack; it’s a celebration of this ancient, nutritious fruit that has played a significant role in Mediterranean cultures for thousands of years. From producing the liquid gold that is olive oil to being a beloved table snack, olives embody a healthy, flavorful, and enduring lifestyle.

Embrace the Olive Revolution

Creating this Olive Baked Brie and an accompanying olive platter is more than just preparing an appetizer; it’s about embracing a culinary journey. It’s an invitation to explore the nuanced world of olives, to appreciate their immense versatility, and to share a truly delicious and memorable experience with loved ones. Whether it’s for National Olive Day, a spontaneous gathering, a holiday party, or simply a cozy evening at home, this recipe promises ease of preparation, undeniable elegance, and unparalleled flavor. So go ahead, gather your favorite olives, bake that brie to golden perfection, and let your taste buds embark on a delightful adventure. Your perfect olive platter awaits, ready to be devoured!