Brie With Pesto Recipe

Brie covered with basil pesto is a rich and impressive appetizer that is easy to prepare. Use an inexpensive Brie with a mild flavor. If you are in a rush, simply buy pesto at the store instead of making your own. Serve with a sliced baguette.

Brie With Pesto Recipe serves 4-6

• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1 large garlic clove, skin removed
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 - 3/4 lb. Brie wedge

Preheat oven to 325

Combine pine nuts, garlic, and cheese in a food processor. With the food processor running, add olive oil. Pulse until a paste is formed, about 30-40 seconds. Add basil leaves. Pulse until basil leaves are roughly choppped and blended into the nut paste. Be careful not to overprocess the pesto. The texture should be slightly chunky, not completely smooth. The color will be bright green.

Put the wedge of Brie on a cookie sheet and warm the Brie in the oven until the edges are melting and bubbly, about 6-8 minutes. Be careful not to overheat, or the Brie will completely melt.

Place the warm Brie on a serving platter. Spread the pesto on top. Extra pesto can be spooned around the brie, or placed in a separate bowl.

Recipe by Jennifer Meier