Bushra Griffith
Baked brie is an easy, elegant, and versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, dessert, or part of the main course. The soft and creamy cheese can be baked in the oven or microwave and served with a variety of toppings and sides, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Preparing brie cheese for serving involves simple steps that can be easily customized to create a delicious and indulgent treat for your guests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Baking time | 10-20 minutes in the oven, or 2 minutes in the microwave |
| Oven temperature | 180°C/350°F |
| Ovenware | Small, shallow, ovenproof dish, slightly larger than the brie |
| Toppings | Fig jam, honey, thyme, rosemary, pecans, maple syrup, apples, grapes, pears, carrots, crackers, bread, baguette |
| Serving | Remove from the oven and transfer to a serving dish. Serve immediately. |
| Storage | Wrap remaining cheese in waxed or parchment paper and refrigerate |
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What You'll Learn
Baking brie in the oven or microwave
Baking Brie in the Oven
To bake brie in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F. You can also preheat your oven to 375°F if you want to bake the brie for a shorter amount of time. Unwrap the brie and place it in a small, shallow ovenproof dish or a piece of crumpled baking/parchment paper for transfer. You can also place it directly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
If you want to add toppings to your brie, score the top of the rind with a serrated knife, making parallel cuts about 1/2 inch apart. Turn the brie 90 degrees and make another set of cuts perpendicular to the first set, keeping the same spacing. Be careful not to cut too deeply, as this could cause the brie to lose its shape during baking.
Spread your desired toppings over the brie and bake for 10 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and starting to ooze. Some popular topping options include honey, nuts, rosemary, jam, and dried fruit.
Baking Brie in the Microwave
If you prefer to use a microwave, the process is even simpler. Place the unwrapped brie on a small microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 1 minute to 2 minutes, or until the brie is very soft. You can top your microwaved brie with similar toppings as the baked version, such as honey, nuts, and dried fruit.
Microwaved brie is a great option if you're short on time, as it only takes a few minutes to prepare and cook. It's also a good choice if you don't have access to an oven, such as at a potluck or office party.
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Choosing the right brie
When choosing the right Brie, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, decide whether you want a classic French Brie or a softer, creamier variety with a fluffy white rind. French Brie is typically made with pasteurised and unpasteurised raw milk, enzymes, and rennet, resulting in a delicate, buttery flavour. It is then aged for four to six weeks, creating a recognisable "bloomy rind".
Next, consider the size and shape of the Brie you require. You can find whole wheels or wedges, depending on your preference and how many people you plan to serve. If you want a gooey, creamy texture, opt for a double-crème variety, while a triple variety will offer a more silky, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Keep in mind that softer varieties may release moisture, forming a puddle around the cheese.
When selecting your Brie, examine its ripeness. A ripe Brie will have a firm rind with a slightly bouncy and resilient interior. Underripe Brie will feel stiff, while overripe Brie will be creamier and almost runny. If you purchase an unripe Brie, allow it to ripen at room temperature before serving.
Finally, consider the temperature at which you plan to serve the Brie. Brie is best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly warmed, as it enhances its flavour and texture. Cold Brie straight from the refrigerator may be challenging to work with and will not provide the optimal tasting experience. Remember to remove the wax paper wrapping before serving and enjoy your Brie with your favourite accompaniments!
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Scoring the brie
Start by using a serrated knife to make parallel cuts across the top rind of the brie. Space the cuts about 1/2 inch apart, ensuring you cut through the rind but not into the cheese itself. This step is important as cutting too deeply can cause the brie to lose its shape during baking.
After making the first set of parallel cuts, rotate the brie wheel 90 degrees. You will now create another set of cuts perpendicular to the initial cuts, maintaining the same 1/2-inch spacing. This technique will result in a crosshatch pattern on the top of the cheese.
The purpose of scoring the brie is twofold. Firstly, it makes the baked brie more inviting to dive into, creating an appealing presentation for your guests. Secondly, it allows those who prefer to avoid the rind to easily leave it behind. While the rind is edible, some people may prefer to discard it. Scoring makes it simple to separate the rind from the melted cheese.
Once you have finished scoring the brie, it's time to add any desired toppings and pop it into the oven. Baked brie is a simple yet impressive dish that is sure to wow your guests.
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Serving suggestions
Baked brie is a simple and effective way to prepare and serve brie cheese. To bake brie, preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F. Unwrap the brie and place it on a small piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet, using a shallow ovenproof dish that is slightly larger than the brie. You can also place the cheese on crumpled paper, which makes it easier to transfer without spilling. Bake for 10-20 minutes, depending on the size of your brie and how chilled it was. If you want a softened but not super melty brie, take it out of the oven after 10 minutes. For a very soft and runny brie, leave it in for 20 minutes. If you want to add a topping, take the brie out of the oven when it is soft and just starting to ooze. You can add a drizzle of honey, fresh thyme, or sweet fig jam, crunchy pecans, and rosemary. Then, place the brie back in the oven for a couple of minutes. Serve with crackers, a sliced baguette, or sliced apples, grapes, or pears.
You can also prepare brie in a microwave. Place the cheese in a shallow microwave-safe bowl or plate and heat on high for 60 seconds or until the cheese is soft and starting to melt. You can also prepare baked brie in advance and reheat it in the microwave when you are ready to serve.
If you are serving brie as part of a cheese board, it is best to serve it at room temperature. To get the right texture, let the cheese sit at room temperature for an hour before serving. To preserve the cheese for longer, wrap it in waxed or parchment paper and store it in the refrigerator. This will allow the rind to breathe and stay dry.
Brie can be served as an appetizer, a dessert, or as part of the main course. The French traditionally serve brie with baguette or another type of crusty bread, or plain crackers, which won't detract from the cheese. You can also pair brie with something acidic, like apples, grapes, or pears, or sweet and zippy sides like fig jam or honey. For a more substantial pairing, try nuts like pecans or candied walnuts, or serve a charcuterie board with multiple cheeses. The go-to beverage pairing for brie is champagne, but it also goes well with soft and fruity red wines like Pinot Noir, acidic white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, and certain beers, like Scotch Ale or Stout.
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Storing leftover brie
To store leftover brie, wrap it tightly in its original packaging or wax paper/parchment paper. Then, place it in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container to prevent it from drying out and absorbing other odours from the refrigerator. It is recommended to store it in the vegetable drawer, as it offers better humidity control and protects the cheese from strong odours.
Change the wrapping every couple of days to prevent excess moisture buildup. Label the container with the date it was opened to keep track of its freshness. Brie should be consumed within 5-7 days of opening, but this timeline can vary depending on temperature, humidity, and storage conditions.
Do not store brie in plastic wrap unless freezing it, as it will create a moist environment, leading to spoilage. Plastic wrap is okay for storing leftover baked brie.
Signs of spoilage include an overpowering ammonia smell, a slimy texture, unusual mould (blue, green, or black), and a bitter or off taste. If any of these signs are present, discard the cheese as it is no longer safe to eat.
To enjoy brie at its best, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the oils in the cheese to coat your palate, enhancing its flavour and creamy texture.
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Frequently asked questions
Preparing brie cheese for serving is simple. You can serve it as it is, or bake it in the oven for 10-20 minutes at 350°F. You can also microwave it for 2 minutes. Serve with crackers, bread, or fruit.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Unwrap the brie and place it on a small piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-20 minutes, depending on the size of your brie and desired consistency. If you want a softened but not super melty brie, go for 10 minutes. For a very soft and runny brie, bake for 20 minutes.
You can serve brie with crackers, bread, or sliced apples, grapes, or pears. For a more substantial pairing, try nuts like pecans or candied walnuts.
