Bushra Griffith
Baked brie is a simple, elegant, and delicious dish that can be made in several ways. Brie is a soft-ripened, circular French cheese with an ivory colour and greyish, off-white rind. It is mild with a soft, nutty flavour and a buttery texture. To bake brie, you can use a wheel of brie, a wedge, or a smaller baby brie. The cheese is placed in the oven at 350°F for 8-20 minutes, depending on the size and desired level of melt. It can be served with a variety of toppings, such as honey, maple syrup, nuts, fruit, or jam, and paired with crackers or bread.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature | 180°C/350°F |
| Baking time | 8-20 minutes |
| Cheese temperature | Chilled |
| Baking vessel | Shallow, oven-proof dish or parchment paper |
| Toppings | Honey, maple syrup, jam, walnuts, pecans, rosemary, thyme, grapes, apple slices, baguette, crackers |
| Cheese type | Brie or Camembert |
| Cheese weight | 8-16 oz |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right brie
When choosing the right Brie, it is important to consider the ripeness of the cheese. Brie that is too firm is unripe, while overripe Brie may be creamier and almost runny. Ripe Brie will have a firm outside and a slightly bouncy and resilient inside. The ripeness of the cheese will influence its texture and flavour, so it is important to select a cheese that is ripe for the best results.
Another factor to consider is the quality of the Brie. While some recipes call for budget-friendly Brie, others suggest that an expensive, high-quality Brie will elevate the dish. Ultimately, the choice of Brie depends on personal preference and budget. However, it is worth noting that baked Brie is often served as an appetizer or party dish, so choosing a Brie that is versatile and crowd-pleasing may be the best option.
The size of the Brie wheel is also important to consider. Most recipes call for an 8-ounce wheel of Brie, but larger sizes such as 12-ounce or 16-ounce wheels can also be used. It is also possible to use two smaller wheels of Brie if a larger size is not available. Additionally, some recipes suggest removing the top rind of the Brie before baking, so choosing a Brie with a desirable rind may be a factor to consider.
Finally, the flavour and texture of the Brie should be taken into account. Brie is known for its creamy, buttery, and fruity flavour, as well as its soft and velvety texture. When selecting a Brie, look for a cheese that has these characteristics, as they will complement the other ingredients and cooking methods used in the recipe. Additionally, considering the accompaniments that will be served with the baked Brie can help guide your choice. For example, selecting a Brie that pairs well with honey, nuts, or fruit can enhance the overall flavour profile of the dish.
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Preparing the brie for baking
Before baking, it is important to keep the brie chilled. This will ensure that the cheese melts but does not get too runny during the baking process. Take the brie out of the refrigerator while preheating the oven to 350°F (180°C). It is also suggested to let the brie sit at room temperature for about an hour before baking to ensure even cooking, but this is optional.
The next step is to prepare the baking dish. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which will make it easier to transfer the baked brie to a serving platter later. You can skip the parchment paper and use a small baking dish that can also be used for serving, but be sure to warn your guests that the dish will still be hot.
Once the oven is preheated, it's time to prepare the brie. Some people choose to remove the thin layer of rind from the top of the brie before baking, creating a mini fondue with less rind to manage. Scoring the rind before baking is another option. This involves using a serrated knife to make parallel cuts about 1/2 inch apart across the top of the rind, then turning the brie 90 degrees and making another set of perpendicular cuts. This technique makes the appetizer more inviting and prevents large chunks of rind in each serving.
Now your brie is prepared and ready for baking! Place the brie on the prepared baking sheet or dish and move on to the next step of baking and adding toppings.
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Baking the brie
Baked brie is an easy, elegant, and impressive dish that works well as a party appetiser or holiday treat. It is best served warm, straight out of the oven, with a variety of toppings and sides.
To bake a round of brie, preheat your oven to 350°F. While the oven is preheating, keep the cheese in the refrigerator. You can use a wheel of brie or cut it into cubes. If you want to add a topping, you can score the top of the rind with a serrated knife, making parallel cuts about half an inch apart, then turn the brie 90 degrees and make another set of cuts perpendicular to the first. Be careful not to cut into the cheese itself.
Next, place the brie in a small cast-iron skillet or an oven-safe serving dish. You can also place it on a square of parchment paper on a baking sheet with sides to catch any oozing. If you use parchment paper, it will be easier to transfer the delicate, molten cheese to your serving dish. If you want to skip the parchment paper, you can use a small baking dish that can double as a serving vessel, but be sure to let your guests know it will still be hot.
Now it's time to add your toppings. You can spread a layer of jam, marmalade, or hot pepper jelly on top of the brie, then dollop some more around the sides. Honey or maple syrup also work well. If you want to add some crunch, sprinkle on some pecans, walnuts, or other nuts. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme add an aromatic touch.
Bake the brie for 8 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of your cheese and how chilled it was going into the oven. For an 8-ounce round, start by baking for 10 minutes and check from there. If you want to know if your brie is ready, gently press the top—it should feel soft and pliable. If you see the cheese oozing out of the rind, it's definitely ready!
Serve your baked brie warm with crackers, crostini, or slices of baguette. For a fancier presentation, surround the brie with a sliced baguette brushed with olive oil and toasted. You can also add some fruit like apples, pears, or grapes. Enjoy!
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Toppings and accompaniments
A popular choice is to top your baked brie with honey, which can be further enhanced with toasted pecans and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. You could also swap out the honey for maple syrup, or include both! If you're looking for something a little more complex, try making a topping of maple-roasted cranberries, or fresh figs with honey.
If you're looking for a more savory option, try a sweet and fruity layer of fig jam, which pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy brie. You can also swap this out for apricot or raspberry jam. Add some earthy, aromatic notes with finely chopped rosemary, and a bit of crunch with chopped pecans or walnuts. Cherry jam and fresh thyme is another great combination.
When it comes to serving, a sliced baguette or crackers are a must. You can also add sliced apples, pears, or grapes for a healthier option. If you're making a cheeseboard, include something sweet like baklava or cookies, and a crudité platter for a well-rounded finger food spread.
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Reheating and storing
Once baked, brie will only last for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Before baking, brie will usually last for up to 2 weeks. It is best to eat or freeze brie within 1–3 weeks of opening the package, as it will continue to ripen in your fridge.
To reheat baked brie, wrap it up and put it in a hot oven with a splash of water for 10 to 15 minutes. You can also reheat it in a low 300°F (149°C) oven until soft. Don't forget to cover your baked brie when reheating, as this will prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat brie in the microwave, starting with 30 seconds and adjusting from there. However, avoid using the microwave if you can, as it is designed to produce intense heat very quickly, which can ruin the texture of the cheese.
If you want to reheat brie in puff pastry, it will take around 20 to 25 minutes in a hot oven. The pastry will become a little soggy on the inside.
When reheating, it is important not to overcook the brie, as this can cause it to re-harden quickly.
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Frequently asked questions
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place an 8-ounce wheel of Brie that’s cold from the fridge on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until soft in the middle. Serve with crackers, bread, or a sliced baguette.
If you want to make sure your Brie is soft in the middle, bake it for 12 to 15 minutes. If you see the cheese oozing out of the rind, it’s ready.
Honey, maple syrup, pecans, walnuts, rosemary, thyme, and fruit jams like fig or apricot are all popular toppings for baked Brie.
