If you love the idea of a warm, melty cheese centerpiece that combines sweet and savory flavors, then you are absolutely going to adore this Grilled Cedar Plank Brie with Blackberries and Honey Recipe. It’s a luxurious yet surprisingly simple dish where the smoky notes from the cedar plank meet the juicy tartness of fresh blackberries and the gentle sweetness of honey, creating a show-stopping appetizer that feels like a celebration in every bite. Whether you’re entertaining friends or craving an indulgent snack, this grilled brie dish is sure to impress and satisfy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A single round white cheese wheel sits on a light wooden plank, topped with a generous pile of dark purple-black blackberries that add deep color and texture contrast. The cheese has a smooth, slightly crumbly surface with a pale creamy hue. The wooden plank rests on a dark grill grate with a blurred background. The scene is lit warmly, highlighting the fresh look of the fruit and creamy cheese surface, all placed on a white marbled texture base. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe keeps things straightforward with simple, fresh ingredients that each bring their own magic to the final dish. These essentials combine to create a balance of sweet, salty, smoky, and herbal flavors that will delight your palate and guests alike.

8-ounce wheel brie cheese: The star of the dish, creamy and soft, perfect for melting over the grill.
1/2 cup fresh blackberries, halved: Adds a vibrant color and juicy tartness that pairs beautifully with brie.
1 tablespoon honey: Brings natural sweetness and helps create that luscious glaze.
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy depth that complements the berries and honey.
1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme: Infuses an earthy herbal aroma.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly without overwhelming.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Brings a subtle spicy kick to the topping.
1 loaf baguette: The crispy bread base that you’ll grill to golden perfection for scooping the brie.
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Used to brush the baguette slices for a crisp, flavorful crust.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Sprinkled on the bread for that perfect seasoning before grilling.

How to Make Grilled Cedar Plank Brie with Blackberries and Honey Recipe

Step 1: Soak the Cedar Plank

First things first, soak your cedar plank in water for at least 30 minutes, and up to 2 hours. This is essential so the plank can withstand the heat of the grill without burning to a crisp. I like to place the plank on a rimmed baking sheet, cover it fully with water, and weigh it down with cans to keep it submerged uniformly. This step is the foundation for that beautiful smoky aroma that infuses the brie as it cooks.

Step 2: Prepare the Baguette Slices

While the plank is soaking, slice your baguette diagonally into 1/2-inch thick pieces—this shape is perfect for little crunchy boats of cheese. Brush both sides of each slice with extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle lightly with kosher salt. Setting these aside prepped and ready makes the grilling process smooth and ensures the bread crisps up nicely without drying out.

Step 3: Make the Blackberry Topping

Now, whisk together those fresh blackberries with honey, balsamic vinegar, thyme, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. This mixture is the game-changer–the honey balances the tang of the vinegar, and the thyme adds an herbaceous lift. Set aside and allow the flavors to marry while you get the grill ready.

Step 4: Heat and Prepare the Grill

Preheat your grill for indirect grilling, aiming for about 350°F. If you’re using a gas grill, light burners on one side only and turn them to medium heat, leaving the other side off. Charcoal grill users should light coals and once covered in white ash, spread them over half the grill. This setup lets you cook the plank and brie directly over the heat while the bread crisps on the cooler side, preventing flare-ups and burning.

Step 5: Precook the Cedar Plank and Grill the Baguette

Place the cedar plank directly over the heat for about 3 minutes per side. It will start releasing a smoky aroma and blacken at the edges, which is exactly what you want. While that’s happening, grill your baguette slices on the indirect side, turning after 2 to 3 minutes, until they reach a golden, crunchy perfection. Set these aside for serving.

Step 6: Cook the Brie with Blackberry Topping

Finally, place the wheel of brie on the cedar plank directly over the heat. Spoon the blackberry topping generously over the brie and close the grill lid. Let it warm for 10 to 12 minutes until the brie is softly melted and pillowy inside—you’ll know it’s ready when it feels slightly liquid when poked gently. Resist the urge to overcook or it can lose that luscious texture.

How to Serve Grilled Cedar Plank Brie with Blackberries and Honey Recipe

A round, soft white cheese with a creamy inside melts slightly and sits in the middle of a wooden board. On top, there is a thick layer of dark and shiny blackberries mixed with small green herb leaves. On each side of the cheese, there are several slices of toasted bread with a golden crust and soft white inside. A silver knife rests on the wooden board near the cheese, and a small green herb sprig lies beside it. The image is set on a wooden table with a green grassy background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your presentation and flavors by garnishing the grilled brie with a few fresh blackberries and a sprinkle of fresh thyme right before serving. A drizzle of extra honey adds a glossy finishing touch and an irresistible touch of sweetness that guests will love.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness or some roasted nuts like almonds or pecans for added texture and flavor contrast. A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling rosé will partner perfectly with the cheese’s creamy texture and fruity topping.

Creative Ways to Present

For a wow factor, serve the grilled brie right on the cedar plank so everyone can appreciate that aromatic smoky effect. You can also create mini versions by slicing the brie and serving on smaller planks or wooden boards, adorned with dollops of the blackberry topping, making a beautiful platter for a party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover grilled brie (and it’s rare, but it happens), cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. The texture may firm up, but it’s still great for snacking within a day or two.

Freezing

Despite brie’s soft nature, freezing this dish is not recommended as it alters the smooth creamy texture once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh for peak flavor and consistency.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, microwave on low power for 10 to 20 seconds until just soft again. Avoid overheating to keep the cheese creamy and luscious without becoming oily or hardened.

FAQs

Can I use other berries instead of blackberries?

Absolutely! Raspberries or blueberries work wonderfully and offer a different fruity twist, but blackberries have the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness that pairs beautifully with the honey and balsamic.

Do I have to use a cedar plank for this recipe?

The cedar plank is essential for that smoky, woodsy flavor and to prevent the brie from direct heat contact. If you don’t have one, you can use a cast-iron skillet on the grill or bake indoors, but you’ll miss out on the unique aroma.

How do I know when the brie is perfectly cooked?

Look for a softened center that jiggles slightly when you gently poke it. The cheese should feel creamy and molten inside, not firm or cold.

Can this be made on an indoor grill or oven?

Yes! Place the soaked cedar plank indoors on a preheated oven at 350°F and follow the same timing. The aroma won’t be as smoky, but the flavors will still be delicious.

What’s the best way to slice the brie for serving?

For serving, keep the wheel whole to maintain meltiness, but if you want to portion it, slice wedges with a sharp knife after grilling and place them onto your toasted baguette slices.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Cedar Plank Brie with Blackberries and Honey Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that combines simple ingredients in the most delightful way. It’s comforting, elegant, and bursting with flavor, making it a fantastic choice for any gathering or a special treat just for you. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll soon see why this recipe has a special place in my heart and, hopefully, yours too!