Randy Chandler
Brie cheese is one of the most well-known and beloved cheeses globally, originating from the Brie region of northern France. It is typically made from cow's milk, although goat's milk is also used. When it comes to cutting and serving Brie, there are several techniques and considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended to serve Brie at room temperature to fully enjoy its aroma and creamy texture. Therefore, it should be removed from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before serving. Secondly, the rind of Brie cheese is edible and provides a nice texture contrast, but it can be trimmed off if desired. When cutting Brie, it is essential to use a sharp knife, and the cheese should be sliced from the centre to the outer edge to get the most flavour. The cheese can be presented in various ways, such as on a cheese platter with other cheeses, baked in the oven with toppings, or as part of a sandwich or appetizer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese texture | Creamy |
| Cheese flavour | Buttery |
| Cheese temperature | Room temperature |
| Cheese accompaniments | Crackers, baguette, salami, prosciutto, nuts, fruits, jams, honey |
| Cheese storage | Refrigerate leftover brie for up to 2-3 days |
| Cheese cutting tools | Sharp knife, cheese knife |
| Cheese cutting technique | Cut small pieces, thin slices, small wedges, trim the rind |
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What You'll Learn
Cutting Brie for a cheese platter
To cut brie for a cheese platter, first let the cheese reach room temperature—while it's easier to cut when it's cold, it tastes better at room temperature. Place the brie on a cutting board, and if you want to trim the rind, hold the cheese on its side and slice off the top and bottom layers with a sharp knife, then lay the wheel down and trim off the sides.
Next, cut the wheel in half, keeping one half on the cutting board and placing the other on a separate surface. With a sharp knife, cut the half into small wedges about 1/3 inch thick, or in long, narrow slices. Transfer the uncut half and the wedges to your cheese platter, fanning out the wedges so they overlap slightly. Place a cheese knife near the half-wheel so guests can cut additional pieces.
You can add other cheeses to your platter, such as sharp cheddar, gouda, and gruyere. Brie is a mild, creamy cheese, so adding some variety with stronger cheeses can create a more dynamic platter. To round out the table setting, include a sliced baguette, salami or other meats, and glasses of red wine. If you want to get creative, use cookie cutters to cut the brie into different shapes, such as leaves for fall or a Christmas tree for the holidays.
When serving brie, it's best to let guests cut their own slices, as cutting the cheese can halt the ripening process.
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Tools and techniques for cutting Brie
The first step to cutting Brie is to ensure it is at the right temperature. Brie should be served at room temperature to enjoy its aromas and creamy texture. Remove the cheese from the refrigerator 30 to 40 minutes before serving.
When it comes to tools, a sharp knife is essential for cutting a whole wheel of Brie. A cheese knife is ideal for serving and spreading the cheese later. If cutting a wedge, a thin knife with a long, narrow blade that won't stick to the cheese is recommended.
There are a few different techniques for cutting Brie, depending on the desired presentation and serving style. Here are some options:
- Cutting a wheel: Place the wheel of Brie on its side and use a sharp knife to slice off the top and bottom layers of the rind (if desired). Then, lay the wheel down and trim off the sides. Cut the wheel in half and then slice each half into small wedges about ⅓ inch thick. Fan out the wedges on a cheese platter, slightly overlapping each other, and place the uncut half on the platter as well for visual contrast.
- Cutting a wedge: Avoid cutting off the triangular tip of the wedge, as this is considered the ripest and most flavorful part. Instead, start at the tip of the wedge and cut along one side to create long, thin slices. Cut from the center point to the outer edge of the rind to provide each slice with a complex flavor, including both the center and the outermost part of the Brie.
- Baking Brie: Brie can also be baked and served warm. Top a wheel of Brie with chopped nuts and fruit preserves, and bake until the cheese is oozy and spreadable. This method is perfect for winter gatherings.
- Brie bites: Cut a pre-made puff pastry into tiny squares and place them into a mini muffin pan. Add diced Brie and a spoonful of cranberry sauce to each cup, then bake. This makes a great appetizer.
Remember, the rind of Brie is edible and provides a nice texture contrast, so there is no need to trim it off unless you prefer otherwise.
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How to serve Brie
To serve Brie, it is recommended that you remove it from the refrigerator 30 to 40 minutes before serving to allow it to reach room temperature. This will enable your guests to taste the flavours of the Brie better and enjoy all its aromas and creamy texture.
When cutting a wheel of Brie, use a sharp knife to cut the wheel in half. Keep one-half on the cutting board and place the other half on a different surface. Then, cut the Brie into thin slices or small wedges, about ⅓ inch thick, from the centre to the edge of the rind. This way, every slice has a more complex flavour, as it includes both the centre and the outermost part of the Brie. You can also trim the rind if you prefer, but it is entirely edible and provides a nice texture contrast to the creamy cheese inside.
Once cut, transfer the Brie to a cheese platter or charcuterie board. Fan out the wedges, slightly overlapping each slice. Place a cheese knife near the cheese so guests can trim additional pieces. You can also add other cheeses, such as sharp cheddar, gouda, and gruyere, to create a more dynamic platter.
Brie pairs well with a variety of foods, including crackers, baguette, salami, prosciutto, nuts, and fruits such as grapes, pears, and apricots. For a simple appetizer, you can bake Brie topped with chopped nuts and fruit preserves. Another option is to create Brie bites by placing diced Brie into a mini muffin pan, adding cranberry sauce, and baking until garnished with a toasted walnut crumble and rosemary.
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Recipes with Brie
There are many ways to incorporate Brie into your recipes, whether as a topping, filling, or side. Here are some ideas for recipes with Brie:
Baked Brie
Baked Brie is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, snack, or even a side. It's easy to make and can be customised with various toppings. For example, you can top it with a cranberry chutney and toasted almonds, or try a combination of fig jam, pecans, and rosemary. If you're feeling creative, you can even experiment with different types of jam, such as apricot or raspberry. To prepare the Brie for baking, score the top rind with a serrated knife, making parallel cuts about 1/2 inch apart. This makes it easier for your guests to dive into the warm, gooey cheese and prevents them from getting large chunks of rind.
Brie Bites
These bite-sized treats are perfect as appetisers or canapés for parties. You'll need a mini muffin pan, a pre-made puff pastry, diced Brie, cranberry sauce, walnuts, and rosemary. Cut the puff pastry into tiny squares and place them into the muffin cups, with the corners sticking out. Add the diced Brie and a spoonful of cranberry sauce to each cup, then bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Garnish with a walnut crumble and rosemary sprig for a tasty finish.
Brie and Cranberry Filo Parcels
These parcels are perfect for Christmas parties, and you can ensure you have a vegetarian option by choosing vegetarian Brie. Create tasty canapés by getting creative with filo pastry and filling it with creamy French cheese and sweet fruit.
Brie Pizza
Pizza with Brie? Why not! You can use a ciabatta bread mix for the dough and top it with red pesto, green beans, melted Brie, anchovies, and olives.
Ham and Brie Sandwich
Create a French-inspired lunch with a baguette, ham, Brie, and arugula. Warm the baguette slices in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, add the Brie to make it gooey, and then bake for another ten minutes. Top with ham and arugula, and consider adding halved cherry tomatoes or a balsamic glaze for extra flavour.
Brie-Stuffed Mushrooms
This recipe by Ree Drummond combines sautéed mushrooms, red wine, and Brie in a flaky pastry crust. For an extra flavour boost, add white wine and garlic to the mix.
Brie Crepes
Anne Burrell's recipe for classic French crepes includes ham, Brie, and a fried egg, topped with a lightly dressed salad.
Brie with Fruits and Nuts
Brie pairs beautifully with fruits and nuts. Try baked figs and walnuts with melted Brie, or apples and cranberry sauce with Brie in a puff pastry.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to cooking with Brie, so feel free to experiment and enjoy the creamy, gooey goodness!
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Storing leftover Brie
To store leftover Brie, it is recommended that you wrap it tightly in its original packaging or wax or parchment paper. Then, place it in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container to prevent it from drying out and absorbing other odours from foods in the refrigerator. It is also a good idea to label the container with the date it was opened so you can keep track of its freshness. If the original packaging is damaged or opened, you can wrap the cheese in waxed or parchment paper and then place it in an airtight container or plastic bag.
Leftover Brie should be consumed within 5-7 days of opening, but this timeline can vary depending on temperature, humidity, and storage conditions. It is important to always use your best judgment and rely on the appearance and smell of the Brie to determine if it is still suitable to consume. If the Brie has been at room temperature for more than 4 hours, it should be discarded.
If you want to store leftover Brie for longer, you can freeze it. Properly stored, it will maintain its best quality for about 6 months but will remain safe beyond that time. A wedge of Brie cheese that has been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days, while one thawed in the microwave or cold water should be used immediately.
Once Brie has been baked, it can be stored in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to cut a wheel or wedge of brie from the center point to the outer edge of the rind to get the most flavor out of it. You can use a sharp knife to cut off the rind first, and then slice the cheese into thin, rectangular slices.
You will need a sharp knife for cutting the whole wheel and a cheese knife for serving.
Brie cheese is commonly served on a charcuterie board with other cheeses, cured meats, crackers, nuts, fruits, jams, and honey. It can also be used in sandwiches, baked dishes, or as an appetizer.
Brie cheese is best served at room temperature to enjoy its full aroma and creamy texture. It is recommended to remove it from the refrigerator 30 to 40 minutes before serving.
Yes, you can store leftover brie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days. However, make sure it hasn't been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
