Start by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s almost crispy. You want that delightful crunch but not completely charred. About 6-8 minutes should do the trick. Once it’s done, transfer the slices to a paper towel-lined plate to cool. This will also help absorb some of that excess grease. Once cooled, finely chop the bacon into small pieces for easy topping later.

In the same skillet, add the olive oil and turn the heat down to medium-low. Toss in the sliced onions, allowing them to cook slowly for about 20 minutes. This low-and-slow method is essential for getting that deep flavor, so don’t rush it! A few minutes before the onions are finished, sprinkle in the brown sugar. Stir it around and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the sugar dissolves and the onions become beautifully golden caramelized.

Now that your bacon and onions are ready, it’s assembly time! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take your round brie cheese and place it in a baking dish. Top the brie generously with the caramelized onions followed by the chopped bacon bits. Feel free to add a sprinkle of salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and those optional thyme leaves for an extra aromatic touch.

Slide that baking dish into your preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is warm and starts to ooze deliciously. You’re looking for that gooey texture, which is the hallmark of a great brie dish.

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for just a moment before serving. Pair it with crostini, crackers, or even fresh veggie sticks to scoop up all that cheesy goodness. Enjoy every bite!