Patrick Oconnell
Melting brie cheese in the microwave is a super-fast and easy way to prepare this dish. It takes much less time than the oven to achieve the same result. The cheese can be served warm or cold, and the white rind is edible. The melting time depends on the power of the microwave and the size of the brie wheel. The cheese is best served as soon as it is decorated as it will firm up again after melting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 1 minute 15 seconds to 2 minutes |
| Power level | 70% |
| Serving | Immediate |
| Toppings | Honey, nuts, dried fruits, jam, maple syrup, pomegranate seeds, crackers, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
How long to microwave Brie for
To melt Brie in the microwave, you should first unwrap the cheese and place it in a microwave-safe dish. You can choose to leave the rind on or cut it off—if you leave it on, you can slice the top of the rind with a knife to create a cross-hatch pattern. This will help the cheese melt evenly.
The amount of time you microwave the Brie for will depend on the size of the cheese wheel and the power of your microwave. As a general rule, a smaller wheel will take less time to melt than a larger one. Most sources recommend microwaving Brie for around 1 minute to 2 minutes on high power, or until the cheese is soft and melted. One source recommends heating the Brie for 70% of the microwave's power for 90 seconds to 2 minutes.
It is important to keep an eye on the Brie as it cooks, as it can quickly go from melted to burst. If the cheese starts to puff up too much, turn off the microwave and let the residual heat melt the cheese. After microwaving, the Brie should be soft and easily spreadable. If it is not soft enough, you can put it back in the microwave for 10- to 20-second intervals until it reaches the desired consistency.
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What temperature to microwave Brie at
To melt Brie in the microwave, it is recommended to use low power and check on the cheese frequently. You can use short bursts of 10-20 seconds on low power until you reach the desired consistency. Brie can also be cooked on high power for 1 minute and 15 -20 seconds, or until soft. It is important to keep an eye on the cheese as it cooks, as it can puff up and burst if left too long. The size of the cheese wheel and the wattage of the microwave will also impact the cooking time. A larger wheel of cheese will take longer to melt than a smaller one, and a higher wattage microwave will cook the cheese faster.
Microwaving Brie is a quick and easy way to melt the cheese for serving as a baked Brie appetizer. It is important to remove the cheese from its packaging and place it on a microwave-safe plate before cooking. The plate should be small, with a rim to catch any toppings or syrup. The cheese can then be cooked in the microwave for a short time, usually around 1 minute to 1 minute and 20 seconds on high heat. It is important to use a tea towel to handle the hot plate after cooking.
Once the cheese is cooked, it can be topped with a variety of ingredients, such as nuts, dried fruit, bacon, jam, or honey. It is best served immediately while still melted, as it will firm up again at room temperature. If you prefer your Brie warm rather than melted, you can heat it for a shorter time, aiming for a soft but not fully melted consistency.
It is also possible to melt Brie in a frying pan or cast-iron pan on the stove. This method involves heating the pan slowly on low heat and placing the cheese in the pan to melt. The cheese can also be wrapped in parchment or foil before being placed in the pan to protect it from direct heat. Once melted, the cheese can be topped and served in the pan or transferred to a serving plate.
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How to decorate microwaved Brie
Once you've microwaved your Brie, it's time to decorate it. There are many ways to do this, depending on your taste preferences and the occasion. Here are some ideas for how to decorate your microwaved Brie:
Toppings and Spreads
- Nuts: Roughly chopped pecans or other nuts of your choice can add a crunchy texture and a warm, nutty flavour to the creamy Brie.
- Fruits: Dried cranberries, pomegranate seeds, or other dried fruits can provide a sweet and tangy contrast to the savoury cheese.
- Spreads: Fig chutney or jam, such as fig, raspberry, blueberry, blackberry, or apricot, can be spread on top of the Brie for a sweet and savoury combination. Honey or maple syrup can also be drizzled on top for added sweetness.
- Other toppings: Bacon or bacon jam is another tasty option to consider.
Presentation
- Serving board: Place the microwaved Brie on a serving board or plate, making sure to use a butter knife to slide under the cheese and transfer it neatly to the centre of the board.
- Crackers: Surround the Brie with crackers suitable for scooping, such as those that are sturdy and not too fragile.
- Spreading tools: Provide a small spoon or a pate knife to spread the Brie onto crackers, especially if it has started to firm up again.
- Topping arrangement: You can simply sprinkle or spread your chosen toppings on top of the Brie, or you can get creative and arrange them in layers or patterns for a more visually appealing presentation.
Remember, it's best to serve the Brie as soon as it's decorated, while it's still melty and easy to dip or spread. Enjoy your delicious and decorative microwaved Brie!
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What to serve microwaved Brie with
Microwaved Brie is a quick and easy dish to prepare and is perfect for sharing as an appetizer or entree. It goes well with a variety of toppings and sides, and you can serve it warm or cold.
If you're serving it cold, a grazing platter or charcuterie board is a great option. For a warm dish, try topping the Brie with jam, honey, nuts, bacon, or dried fruit. You can also pair it with bread, crackers, or crostini for a simple, tasty appetizer.
For a festive feel, try topping with roughly chopped pecans, pomegranate seeds, and a drizzle of maple syrup. If you want to get creative, you can use other types of jams, such as fig, raspberry, blueberry, blackberry, or apricot jam.
For a more substantial dish, serve the melted Brie with crudités, herby croutons, or bread. You can also pair it with meats such as salami or prosciutto, and fruits like apples, pears, or dates.
The options are endless, so get creative and enjoy the delicious, versatile flavor of microwaved Brie!
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What size of Brie wheel to use
The size of the Brie wheel you should use depends on the number of people you are serving and the other toppings you plan to use. Brie wheels typically range from 200 grams (8 ounces) to 1kg (2.2 pounds). If you are serving a large group, opt for a larger wheel, such as a 1kg wheel, which will yield more melted cheese for dipping or spreading. However, if you are serving a smaller group or prefer to have a variety of toppings, a smaller wheel, such as a 200-gram or 250-gram wheel, may be more suitable.
It's important to note that the melting time in the microwave will vary depending on the size of the Brie wheel. Larger wheels will take longer to melt than smaller ones. As a general guideline, a 13-ounce wheel of cheese will take longer to warm than a 6-ounce wheel. Therefore, it's essential to keep a close eye on the Brie while it's in the microwave and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Additionally, consider the type of Brie you are using. A double or triple cream Brie, which has a higher fat content, will melt more quickly than a regular Brie. So, if you are using a double or triple cream Brie, you may need to reduce the melting time slightly to avoid overcooking.
When in doubt, it's always better to start with a shorter melting time and increase it in small increments until you achieve the desired level of meltiness. Remember that you can always put the Brie back in the microwave for a few extra seconds if it needs more time, but it's challenging to salvage overcooked, melted Brie.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 1 minute 20 seconds to 2 minutes to melt brie cheese in the microwave.
The microwave should be set to high heat or 70% power.
The brie cheese is melted when it is soft and starting to bubble. You can also prod the centre gently with your finger to check.
A standard 250g/8oz size round brie is usually enough for an appetizer.
You can serve melted brie cheese with crackers, dried fruits, nuts, seeds, honey, jam, or toast.
