Andy Montoya
Brie is a soft-ripened French cheese with a delicate flavour and a creamy texture. It is a popular choice for gatherings and parties, and can be served in a variety of ways. The French traditionally serve Brie with baguette or another crusty bread, or plain crackers. It pairs well with acidic foods such as apples, grapes or pears, or sweet sides like honey or fig jam. It can also be baked in the oven with various toppings, or wrapped in puff pastry. Brie is best enjoyed at room temperature, so it should be removed from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving.
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What You'll Learn
Serving temperature: Room temperature is best, but it can be served cold
Most cheese experts agree that Brie is best enjoyed at room temperature. This allows the cheese to become softer and more flavourful. To achieve this, remove the cheese from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before serving. If you are pressed for time, you can accelerate the process by zipping the wedge into a zip-top bag and submerging it in water that is just above room temperature. You can also microwave the cheese in 30- to 60-second intervals.
However, if you prefer your Brie cold, you can serve it straight from the refrigerator. It is easier to cut and style Brie when it is cold. If you like your Brie warm, you can bake it in the oven with various toppings or wrap it in store-bought puff pastry.
When serving Brie to a group, place it on a cutting board with a soft-cheese knife or spreader. You can pre-slice the cheese into bite-size slices, but this is more challenging if the Brie is particularly soft and runny. If you are serving a wheel of Brie, you can slice it into halves or quarters to make it more manageable for your guests.
If you are serving Brie as part of a cheeseboard, you may want to pair it with something acidic to bring out its velvety texture. Fruits such as apples, grapes, or pears, or sweet and zippy sides like fig jam or honey, all complement Brie well. Brie also goes well with earthy nuts like unsalted pecans or candied walnuts.
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Pairings: Fruits, crackers, bread, nuts, meats, and more
Brie is a soft, creamy French cheese with a mild, buttery, nutty, and delicate flavour. It is a versatile cheese that can be served as an appetiser, dessert, or part of the main course.
When it comes to pairings, Brie goes well with fruits, crackers, bread, nuts, and meats. Here are some specific suggestions:
Fruits
Brie pairs well with fruits that are less acidic and sweeter. Some recommended fruits include apples, grapes, pears, apricots, and dates. You can also dip fruits, such as strawberries, into the Brie. Additionally, baking Brie in the oven with different fruit preserves or serving it with fresh fruit is a popular option.
Crackers
Plain crackers are a convenient choice that won't detract from the cheese. They provide a neutral base to enjoy the flavour of the Brie.
Bread
Traditionally, the French serve Brie with a baguette or another type of crusty bread. French bread or a similar variety can be used to pile on toppings like Brie, meats, and fruits.
Nuts
Earthy nuts such as unsalted pecans, almonds, and candied walnuts pair well with Brie. These nuts add a crunchy texture and complement the cheese's flavour.
Meats
Brie can be served with salty cured meats such as salami and prosciutto. It also goes well with something salty like bacon. For a festive touch, you can roll salami slices into flower shapes and pair them with Brie and fruit.
When serving Brie, it is recommended to bring it to room temperature before serving to enhance its flavour and texture. You can also bake Brie in the oven or wrap it in puff pastry for a warm and melty option.
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Drinks: Champagne, wine, beer, or fruit juice
Brie is a soft, creamy, and decadent French cheese with a delicate and nutty flavour. It is best served at room temperature to allow its flavours, aromas, and texture to be at their best.
Brie's buttery flavour generally pairs well with the acidity of wines, especially full-bodied Chardonnays, crisp Pinot Noirs, and Champagnes. The acidity of these wines helps to complement the cheese's velvety texture. Soft and fruity red wines, such as Pinot Noir, beautifully contrast the mellowness of Brie. Acidic, herbaceous, and dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc also work well.
If you are looking for something bubblier, Champagne is the go-to beverage to pair with Brie. French champagne, in particular, is a good choice since you are enjoying a French cheese.
For beer lovers, pairing Brie with a hearty beer like Scotch Ale, Stout, or Porter will enhance your experience. Fruitier beers or highly carbonated Pilsners will also work well.
If you prefer something non-alcoholic, light and fresh fruit juices like apple or grape juice will also pair perfectly with the cheese's soft flavour.
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Cutting: Cut from the centre to the outer edge of the rind
When serving Brie to a group, it is recommended to place it on a cutting board with a soft-cheese knife or spreader. You can get the ball rolling by slicing a few "example" pieces. Brie is a soft-ripened cheese that ages and solidifies from the outside in, developing a ""bloomy" rind that encases a soft and flavourful interior. The cheese matures from the outside inward, resulting in a firmer texture around the sides and a softer centre.
To get the most flavour out of the cheese, it is best to cut a wheel or wedge of Brie from the centre point to the outer edge of the rind. Cutting from the centre to the outer edge ensures that each slice includes a variety of textures, from the softer centre to the firmer sides, providing a well-rounded tasting experience. This cutting technique also allows for a more uniform presentation of the cheese, with each slice resembling a crescent moon.
When cutting Brie, it is important to use a sharp knife and exercise gentle pressure to avoid crushing the cheese. Starting at the centre, carefully slice through the cheese, following a radius towards the outer edge. You can adjust the thickness of the slices according to your preference or the number of guests you are serving. Thinner slices may be preferable for larger groups, ensuring that everyone has a taste.
For a creative touch, you can cut the Brie wheel into a decorative shape, such as a snowflake, before slicing it into wedges. This approach adds a festive element to your presentation, especially during the holiday season. Whether you opt for a traditional or decorative cut, always remember to let the Brie come to room temperature before serving to maximise its flavour and texture.
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Baking: Bake in an oven with toppings, or wrap in puff pastry
Baked brie is an easy, elegant, and crowd-pleasing appetizer. It can be baked in an oven with toppings or wrapped in puff pastry.
Baking Brie in an Oven with Toppings
To bake brie in an oven with toppings, first, remove the top layer of the rind. Then, top the cheese with fruit preserves, herbs, honey, or maple syrup and thyme. Next, place the brie in a small cast iron skillet or oven-safe serving dish. Bake at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and beginning to ooze. If baking a 250g/8oz brie, bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until melted through. For a 500g/1lb brie, increase the time to 25 minutes.
Wrapping Brie in Puff Pastry
To wrap brie in puff pastry, first, cut the puff pastry into six 3x3-inch squares. Then, place the brie in the center of the pastry and wrap it up, trimming any excess. Brush the seam of the pastry with a mixture of beaten egg and water, and decorate with pastry scraps if desired. Finally, bake at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes, letting it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
For a make-ahead option, wrap the brie in pastry and plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready to bake, brush with egg wash and bake directly from frozen, which may require a few extra minutes.
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