Andy Montoya
Baked brie is a delicious, elegant, and easy-to-make appetiser. It can be baked in an oven or cooked in a microwave. While there are several ways to bake brie, one of the quickest and easiest ways to make it is in a microwave. To cook brie cheese in a microwave, place the cheese in a microwave-safe bowl or plate and heat it for 60 seconds or until melted. The time may vary depending on the quantity of the cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 1 minute to 2 minutes |
| Oven function | Convection or microwave |
| Temperature | 350F or high |
| Toppings | Apricot jam, honey, maple syrup, thyme, bacon, nuts, herbs, pepper jelly, marmalade, candied pecans, ginger, pomegranate seeds, slivered almonds, sea salt |
| Serving | Crackers, fruits, crusty bread, toast |
| Cheese | Brie or Camembert |
| Cheese preparation | Cut the top rind, cube the cheese, or leave whole |
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What You'll Learn
How to microwave brie without it melting everywhere
To prevent your brie from melting everywhere when microwaving it, there are a few steps you can follow. Firstly, it is important to use a microwave-safe dish, such as a small plate with a rim to prevent any toppings from spilling over. Place the brie in the centre of the plate and put the plate in the middle of the microwave.
The next step is to decide whether to remove the rind or not. You can either slice off the top of the rind, leaving the sides and bottom intact, or you can leave the rind intact and create a cross-hatch pattern on the top of the brie with a paring knife.
Microwave the brie for around 90 seconds to 2 minutes at 70% power. Keep an eye on the brie as it cooks, and if it starts to puff up too much, turn off the microwave and let the residual heat melt the cheese. The brie is ready when it is soft and melty, with natural oils being released.
Once the brie is cooked, it will be at its melting point, so it is best to serve it immediately. You can top it with a variety of toppings, such as honey, nuts, dried fruits, or jam.
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How long to microwave brie for
Microwaving brie is a quick and easy way to make an impressive appetizer.
To cook brie in the microwave, first, remove the plastic wrapping from the cheese. You can also cut off the top rind of the cheese, leaving about half an inch around the edges. Then, place the cheese on a microwave-safe plate or bowl. It is recommended to use a plate with a lip or a bowl with tall sides to avoid any mess.
The cooking time will depend on the size of the cheese and how chilled it is. As a general rule, an 8-ounce wheel of brie will take around 60 seconds to cook in the microwave. A 15-ounce wheel will take longer, likely around 90 seconds. However, it is important to note that microwaves can vary, so it is recommended to start with shorter cooking times and increase in increments until the desired consistency is reached.
For an 8-ounce wheel, start by microwaving for 30 seconds and then increase in 10- or 15-second increments until the cheese is soft. For a 15-ounce wheel, start with 60 seconds and increase in 20-second increments. It is better to undercook than overcook the cheese, as overcooked cheese will start to ooze. The ideal consistency is soft and slightly melted but not bursting.
Once the brie is cooked to your liking, remove it from the microwave and add your desired toppings and serve with crackers or bread.
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What to serve with microwaved brie
Microwaved brie is a quick and easy dish to prepare, perfect for a festive appetizer or a casual get-together. It can be served warm or cold, and there are numerous toppings and sides that can be paired with it.
When serving microwaved brie warm, it is best to serve it immediately while it is still warm and oozy. Toppings such as honey, maple syrup, jam, marmalade, or hot pepper jelly go well with the creamy cheese. For a more elaborate dish, you can try a layer of maple-roasted cranberries or fresh figs and honey. The acidity of the cranberries balances the richness of the cheese, making it a festive and tasty combination.
Microwaved brie also pairs well with nuts, dried fruits, and bacon. For a sweet and savoury combination, try apricot jam with crumbled, cooked bacon and a sprinkling of fresh thyme. You can serve this with crackers and/or fruit on the side.
If you prefer to serve the brie cold, a grazing platter or charcuterie board is a good option. You can include a variety of meats, cheeses, crackers, and fruits to create a well-rounded and appetising dish.
When preparing microwaved brie, it is important to use a microwave-safe dish or bowl with a raised lip to prevent any runny cheese from escaping. The cooking time will depend on the size of the brie wheel and your microwave, but generally, it should take around 1-2 minutes to achieve the desired consistency.
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How to prepare brie before microwaving
Preparing brie before microwaving is a simple process. First, decide on the quantity of brie you wish to cook. A general rule of thumb is to allow 1 to 1.5 ounces per person, but you can increase this to 1 ounce per person if you're serving other foods. For example, an 8-ounce wheel would serve about 6-8 people, whereas a 4-ounce wheel would serve 4-6.
Next, select a good-value brie for baking, as any variety will work. There's no need to splurge on expensive cheese, as the heat from the microwave will soften it regardless. If possible, leave your chosen brie on the counter for an hour before microwaving, to allow it to reach room temperature and bake more evenly.
Now, you can choose to remove the rind or leave it on. Some people prefer to remove the thin layer of rind from the top of the brie before microwaving, creating a mini fondue with less rind to work around. However, others opt to keep the rind on as it's edible, flavourless, and helps hold the molten cheese together.
Finally, place the brie in a microwave-safe container, such as a shallow bowl or plate with a lip, or on a piece of parchment paper. You can also add toppings before microwaving, such as a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, or a layer of jam or marmalade. If you're feeling creative, try something like apricot jam with chopped thyme and crumbled bacon.
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What types of brie are best for microwaving
While any type of Brie can be microwaved, it is recommended to use inexpensive wheels for baking and save the more expensive varieties for a cheese board. Baby wheels of Brie, such as Brie de Meaux, Brie de Melun, triple cream, or goat's milk Brie, are perfect for microwaving. These smaller wheels are not only ideal for individual servings but also ensure even heating in the microwave.
When preparing Brie for microwaving, it is advisable to remove the top rind to within 1/2 inch of the outside edges. This creates a mini Brie fondue, making it easier for dipping. Scoring the top of the cheese in a grid pattern is another technique that helps the cheese melt evenly while retaining its shape.
For serving sizes, a general guideline is to allow 1 to 1.5 ounces of Brie per person. An 8-ounce wheel is sufficient for approximately 6-8 people, while a 4-ounce wheel can serve 4-6 individuals. When microwaving, it is recommended to use a microwave-safe dish, such as a shallow bowl or a plate with a lip, to prevent any overflow.
In terms of cooking time, microwaving Brie typically requires 1 to 2 minutes, depending on the desired level of softness. It is important to keep an eye on the cheese during this process, as microwaves can vary in power and heating distribution. Once the Brie reaches your desired consistency, it is best to serve it immediately while it is still warm and oozy.
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