A heat- or microwave-activated browning composition is prepared for coating a food product to produce surface browning on exposure to heat or microwave energy. A method of browning a food product includes the steps of coating a food product with a microwaveable browning composition and subjecting the coated product to heat or microwave energy. The microwaveable browning composition includes at least one liposome-encapsulated Maillard browning reagent. A basic amino acid is encapsulated in the aqueous interior of the liposome. A reducing sugar is dissolved in the external aqueous phase of the liposome. The external aqueous phase may also contain a film-forming material. The Maillard browning reaction is triggered by heat or microwave energy. This heat or microwave energy causes the liposomes to rupture, releasing amino acid to react with reducing sugar, producing Maillard browning products. If a basic amino acid is used, the reaction is further catalyzed by a rise in pH of the external aqueous phase upon release of the amino acid from the liposome. Furthermore, phospholipids (from which the liposome vesicles are made) can enhance the extent and rate of Maillard browning product formation.