Kamil Perry
Brie is a soft-ripened cheese with a distinct white rind that is edible but can be cut off. It has a rich and tangy taste and a short shelf life. When melted, it can be used as a sauce for pasta, providing a creamy texture and flavour. To melt brie for pasta, it can be baked in the oven or heated in the microwave. Baking brie in the oven for 10-20 minutes will result in a soft and gooey texture, while a shorter baking time of 10 minutes will yield a softer but less melted cheese. Microwaving brie for 30 seconds to 2 minutes will also effectively melt the cheese. To use brie as a pasta sauce, it can be combined with reserved cooking water and tossed with the pasta until melted. This creates a unique and decadent pasta dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Baking time | 10-20 minutes in the oven, or 2 minutes in the microwave |
| Oven temperature | 350°F |
| Toppings | Fig jam, honey, fresh thyme, pecans, rosemary, maple syrup, thyme, fruit and nut crackers |
| Type of Brie | Inexpensive, soft, creamy, ripe, French (Brie de Meaux or Brie de Melun) |
| Other ingredients | Arugula, Crimini mushrooms, onion, olive oil, garlic, parsley, red pepper flakes |
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What You'll Learn
Melting brie in the oven
First, preheat your oven to 350°F/180°C. While the oven is heating up, prepare the brie. Using a serrated knife, make parallel cuts across the top rind about 1/2 inch apart, cutting through the rind but not into the cheese. Then, turn the brie 90 degrees and make another set of cuts perpendicular to the first, maintaining the same spacing. This scoring makes it easier for guests to separate the rind from the cheese and prevents anyone from getting large chunks of rind in their portion.
Place the scored brie in a small cast iron skillet or any oven-safe serving dish. Some recipes suggest spreading jam, honey, or garlicky olive oil over the top of the brie and sprinkling rosemary and pecans or pitta strips on top.
Once the oven is preheated, place the brie inside and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and beginning to ooze. Another recipe suggests baking for 5-7 minutes or until softened but not completely melted. Keep a close eye on the brie as it cooks, as it can quickly turn from softened to runny.
Remove the brie from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, apple slices, or pasta.
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Melting brie in the microwave
To melt brie in the microwave, first, take the cheese out of the fridge and unwrap the packaging. Place the brie in the middle of a microwave-safe plate. Put the plate in the centre of the microwave and close the door. Set the timer for 1 minute to 2 minutes. Check on the cheese to see how melted it is by prodding it gently with your finger. It should feel slightly soft in the centre. If it starts to puff up too much, turn off the microwave and let the residual heat melt the cheese.
Once the brie is melted, serve it immediately. You can dress it with some toppings, like chopped nuts, dried fruit, honey, or keep it plain.
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Preparing the brie for melting
Once you have selected your brie, you can begin preparing it for melting. Start by removing the thin layer of rind from the top of the cheese. The rind is edible, but it does not melt, so removing it will create a smoother, more uniform texture in your melted cheese. You can use a serrated knife to carefully cut through the rind without piercing the cheese itself.
After removing the rind, you can choose to score the top of the cheese, creating a crosshatch pattern. This step is optional but can make it easier for your guests to dip into the melted cheese without having to deal with large chunks of rind. It also creates a fun visual effect. When scoring the cheese, be mindful of the depth of your cuts; you only want to penetrate the rind, not the cheese itself, to avoid affecting its structure.
If you are in a hurry, you can place the brie directly into the oven or microwave after scoring. However, for more even melting, it is recommended to let the cheese sit at room temperature for about an hour before baking. This step is optional but can improve the texture and consistency of the melted cheese.
By following these steps, you will be able to create a delicious, gooey, melted brie that your guests will love. Whether you are using it as a sauce for pasta or serving it as an appetiser with crackers, preparing the brie properly will ensure a tasty and enjoyable experience for everyone.
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Combining melted brie with pasta
Preparing the Sauce:
Start by cutting off the top rind of the brie, if desired. Then, place the cheese in an oven-safe dish, such as a small cast iron skillet. You can score the top of the cheese with a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut too deeply, as this helps with serving and makes it easier for guests to avoid large chunks of rind. Spread a layer of fig jam, or another sweet jam of your choice, on top of the brie, and dollop more jam around the sides. Sprinkle chopped pecans and fresh rosemary on top for an aromatic, earthy touch.
Melting the Brie:
Place the dish in an oven preheated to 350°F for 12 to 20 minutes. The baking time depends on the size of the brie and how chilled it is; a larger, very cold brie may take closer to 25 minutes to melt fully. You can also melt brie in the microwave, which takes around 2 minutes. The cheese is ready when it is soft and just beginning to ooze out of the rind.
Cooking the Pasta:
Cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve some of the cooking water before draining it, as this starchy water can help bring your sauce together. Return the drained pasta to the pot.
Combining the Pasta and Sauce:
Toss the cooked pasta with the melted brie, adding a little reserved cooking water to help coat the pasta evenly. You can also add other ingredients at this stage, such as sautéed mushrooms and onions or arugula, to create a more complex dish. Serve the pasta immediately, as brie congeals when it cools.
This combination of melted brie and pasta creates a decadent, elegant dish perfect for a special occasion or holiday meal. It is simple to prepare yet impressive, making it an excellent choice for date nights or dinner parties.
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Serving suggestions
There are many ways to serve melted Brie cheese for pasta. Here are some ideas:
- Baked Brie: This is a simple and elegant way to serve melted Brie. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Unwrap the Brie and place it on a square of parchment paper on a baking sheet. You can also use a round, shallow ovenproof dish that's slightly larger than the Brie. Score the top of the Brie rind with a serrated knife, making parallel cuts about 1/2 inch apart, then turn the Brie 90 degrees and make another set of perpendicular cuts. This creates a crosshatch pattern and makes it easier for guests to cut through the rind. Spread two-thirds of your chosen topping (such as fig jam, honey, or maple syrup) over the Brie, and dollop the rest around the sides. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and fresh rosemary, or thyme for added aroma. Bake for 12 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is soft and gooey. Serve warm with crackers, a sliced baguette, or fresh fruit like apples, pears, or grapes.
- Microwaved Brie: For a quicker option, you can zap your Brie in the microwave. Place the cheese in a shallow microwave-safe bowl or plate and heat on high for 60 seconds or until melted.
- Brie Pasta: Create a creamy Brie sauce to coat your favourite type of pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package directions and reserve some of the cooking water. In a separate skillet, sauté mushrooms and onions or garlic in oil over medium-high heat. Combine the cooked pasta with the Brie cheese and reserved cooking water, tossing until the cheese melts and coats the pasta. Add the sautéed vegetables and some arugula, stirring everything together. Serve immediately.
- Brie Spaghetti: Preheat your oven to 350°. Cut off the top rind of a wheel of Brie and place it in a skillet about the same size. Bake until the Brie is bubbling and melted, about 15-25 minutes depending on the size of the Brie. Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to the package instructions in a large pot of boiling salted water. Save about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and transfer the spaghetti to a large bowl. Toss the spaghetti with olive oil, garlic, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Combine the spaghetti with the melted Brie and serve immediately.
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