
Baked brie becomes the ultimate showstopper when you add a dramatic swirl of “blood” for Halloween. This ghoulish appetizer delivers all the gooey cheese goodness with a simple twist that thrills guests and gives your snack table a hauntingly festive centerpiece. It only takes a few pantry staples and a touch of creativity to turn classic baked brie into a conversation piece everyone dives straight into.
I can still remember the first time I served this at a spooky movie night and everyone circled around the platter snapping photos and digging in for second helpings.
Ingredients
- Brie cheese wheel: the creamy texture is key for the luscious melt and mild flavor palate
- Red pepper jam: brings the perfect sweet bite and a shock of Halloween red color look for one with a chunky consistency for best drips
- Hot water: a little goes a long way to thin the jam so you can swirl or drip as needed use freshly boiled water for fastest results
- Baguette: crusty and fresh is best for dipping and scooping up all the melty cheese opt for one with a chewy crumb inside
- Flaky salt: adds a pop of texture and amplifies flavor make sure you use a light sprinkle to avoid overpowering the brie
Instructions
- Prepping the Brie:
- Carefully remove any packaging from the brie wheel but leave the rind intact as it helps the cheese hold its shape and adds earthy flavor
- Baking to Perfection:
- Set your oven to three hundred and fifty degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the brie in the center and bake for fifteen to twenty minutes watching closely at the end so the cheese turns gooey but does not collapse
- Making the Pepper Jam Blood:
- In a small mixing bowl blend the red pepper jam with two tablespoons of hot water stirring thoroughly until the jam thins but still covers a spoon. Add small splashes of water if needed
- Creating Your Spooky Centerpiece:
- Once the brie is melty use the parchment paper to carefully lift it to your serving platter. Spoon the pepper jam over the top letting it ooze down the sides for a realistic bloody effect. Add a light sprinkle of flaky salt across the jam if desired
- Serving with a Scare:
- Fill a clean syringe or small squeeze bottle with the jam mixture and tuck it into the brie or set it on the side for dramatic effect. Slice your baguette and serve immediately while the cheese is hot and spreadable

One year my niece helped with the pepper jam drips and we spent the whole afternoon giggling at how spooky we could make the brie look on the platter. The brie itself is always my favorite simply because of that gooey center with each pull of bread.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Wrap leftover baked brie in wax paper or foil and store in the fridge. Reheat gently in a low oven just until soft again. If you have extra jam you can save it for topping sandwiches or even stirring into cream cheese for another party snack. If you want to rewarm directly on your serving dish make sure it is oven safe. Brie firms up as it cools but returns to creamy with a bit of heat. Refrigerated leftovers will keep two to three days.
Easy Ingredient Swaps
Sub a round of camembert cheese if brie is not available and you will get the same creamy results. Use raspberry or strawberry preserves tinted with a little food coloring if red pepper jam is hard to find. Try gluten free baguette or crispy rice crackers for allergy friendly substitutions.
Perfect Ways to Serve This
Pair with roasted grapes on the side for an elevated appetizer plate. For extra crunch offer honey roasted pecans or chopped pistachios sprinkled on top. Once the brie is gone drizzle the jam left on the plate over a salad for a sweet savory kick.

Want ultra gooey cheese Let it bake a minute or two longer keeping a close eye on the shape so it does not burst.
Recipe Q&A
- → How long should the brie be baked?
Bake the brie for 15-20 minutes at 350°F, until soft and gooey but not completely melted.
- → What can I use instead of red pepper jam?
Try raspberry or strawberry jam for a similar look and sweetness, or use cranberry sauce for a tangy touch.
- → Do I need a syringe for the jam?
No, a spoon works just as well for drizzling jam over the brie, but a syringe adds a spooky effect.
- → Is flaky salt necessary?
Flaky salt is optional but adds texture and enhances the flavors of the baked brie and pepper jam.
- → What’s the best way to serve this dish?
Pair with warm baguette slices or crackers for dipping. Serve immediately while the brie is melty and warm.