Kamil Perry
A cheese board is a great way to impress your guests, and baked brie is a perfect centrepiece for such an occasion. Brie is a versatile cheese that pairs well with sweet and savoury toppings and sides. A simple way to serve brie is to bake it with your favourite jam, but there are many ways to elevate this classic. You can cut the brie into festive shapes, such as a snowflake for Christmas, or a heart for Valentine's Day. You can also wrap the brie in puff pastry, or serve it with fruits, nuts, crackers, honey, and more.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese board type | Charcuterie board, Holiday appetizer |
| Brie temperature | Baked, Cold |
| Brie shape | Wheel, Snowflake, Flower, Heart, Key, Bunny, Egg, Shamrock, Tree, Ghost, Coffin, Bat |
| Brie toppings | Jam, Honey, Nuts, Fruits (apples, pears, oranges, blackberries, strawberries, grapes, apricots, plums, persimmons, pomegranate seeds), Rosemary |
| Accompanying foods | Flatbreads, Baguette, Crackers, Cookies, Kebab, Pita |
| Other cheeses | Cheddar, Goat cheese, Parmesan, Swiss, Gorgonzola, Truffle moliterno, Blueberry vanilla goat cheese, Rosemary asiago, Marinated goat cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Brie cheese pairings
Brie is a mild, buttery, and creamy French cheese that is versatile and easy to pair with an array of foods. It is made with cow's milk, although you can also find goat's milk Brie. The rind is edible and can be eaten together with the cheese, enhancing its flavour.
When it comes to pairing Brie with other foods, it is important to consider the flavour and texture of the cheese. Brie's creamy texture pairs well with sweet, sour, and savoury foods. Its mild flavour makes it a great complement to many different types of food without being overpowering.
- Sweet fruits: Stone fruits like peaches, figs, apricots, and plums are excellent choices. The sweetness and juiciness of these fruits complement Brie's creaminess.
- Grapes and berries: If stone fruits are out of season, grapes and berries are a great alternative. The slightly citrusy taste of grapes pairs well with Brie's creaminess.
- Nuts: Chopped nuts, especially almonds, pecans, and toasted nuts in honey, add a crunchy texture and a savoury flavour to the creamy Brie.
- Jams: Strawberry, red strawberry, green (kiwi), and yellow jams can be paired with Brie for a sweet and fruity flavour.
- Honey: Drizzle honey over Brie for a sweet and sticky combination.
- Crackers: Neutral-flavoured crackers can be paired with Brie for a simple and classic combination.
- Bread: Brie can be baked on a slice of baguette with olive oil, flaky salt, fresh cracked pepper, and herbs such as tarragon, thyme, or rosemary.
These pairings can be used to create a beautiful and delicious cheese board featuring Brie as the star. Cutting Brie into different shapes, such as a snowflake for the holidays, can also add a creative and festive touch to your cheese board.
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Cutting and styling brie
You can also create a baked brie by wrapping a wheel of brie in puff pastry and baking it. This can then be garnished with toppings such as honey, jam, nuts, and fruit. To prevent mess, place the baked brie on a plate so that any oozing cheese stays on the plate.
For a simple cheese board, select no more than four ingredients, including 1-2 cheeses. In addition to brie, you could include a hard cheese like Parmigiano Reggiano, a tangy cheese like marinated goat cheese, or cheddar, Swiss, or blue cheese.
For toppings, consider fresh and dried fruit, such as grapes, apples, pears, dried apricots, persimmons, and pomegranate seeds. Toasted nuts, such as pistachios, marcona almonds, walnuts, pecans, or cashews, are also a good option.
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Baked brie recipe
Baked brie is an easy and impressive dish to serve as an appetizer or party starter. It is best served warm and gooey, straight from the oven. The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
For the best results, start with an 8-ounce wheel of brie that is cold from the refrigerator. Place the chilled cheese on the parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until it is soft in the middle. If you prefer a more well-done brie, you can bake it for up to 20 minutes.
Once baked, carefully transfer the brie to a serving platter using the parchment paper. The baked brie is now ready to be garnished and served. Some popular topping combinations include honey and pecans, honey and walnuts, cherry or fig jam, cranberry sauce, or maple syrup and thyme. You can also top the baked brie with caramelized onions or baked apples. Serve with crostini, crackers, or a baguette for scooping up the warm, gooey cheese.
For a more indulgent option, you can wrap the brie in puff pastry before baking. This technique works well for both large and small wheels of brie. Simply cut the puff pastry into squares and wrap each piece of cheese before baking. Baked brie in puff pastry should be baked at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes and allowed to cool for a few minutes before serving.
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Cheese board aesthetics
When it comes to cheese board aesthetics, there are many ways to style and present Brie cheese creatively and beautifully. Here are some tips to elevate your cheese board and impress your guests:
Firstly, decide on a theme or colour scheme for your cheese board. This could be based on a specific holiday or season, such as Christmas, Easter, Valentine's Day, or St. Patrick's Day. For example, a Christmas theme could include a red and green colour scheme with festive garnishes like dill, green jam, and snowflake shapes.
Next, consider the placement and arrangement of the Brie and its accompaniments. Place the warm pan of Brie towards one end of the board. You can use a simple rectangular board or a charcuterie board with a lip. Add some colour and texture by fanning sliced baguette, apples, and pears around the pan. Include other complementary cheeses, such as cheddar, goat cheese, or parmesan slivers, for variety.
Now, add some garnishes and toppings to the Brie. You can use cookie cutters or a sharp knife to create festive shapes, such as a snowflake for Christmas or a heart for Valentine's Day. Top the Brie with jams, honey, or chopped nuts to add a sweet and savoury contrast. You can also garnish the board with fresh herbs like rosemary or edible flowers for a pop of colour.
Finally, don't forget the crackers, flatbreads, or baguette slices, which provide a crunchy base for the Brie. Place them on the board, fanned out or stacked neatly. You can also add some dried fruits, such as apricots or cranberries, and fresh fruits like grapes or strawberries, to further enhance the presentation and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich Brie.
Remember, when it comes to cheese board aesthetics, simplicity and balance are key. You don't want to overcrowd the board, so select your ingredients thoughtfully and allow each element to shine. Enjoy creating a beautiful and delicious Brie cheese board!
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Brie pastry ideas
Baked brie in puff pastry is a delicious and easy-to-make appetiser. It can be made in a variety of ways, with different toppings and serving options.
To make baked brie, first thaw a sheet of puff pastry and cut it into squares. Next, place a wheel of brie in the middle of the pastry and top it with your desired toppings. You can use cranberry sauce, roasted nuts, honey, or even jalapeño jelly. Then, wrap the brie with the pastry, forming a neat package. Bake the pastry-wrapped brie for 25 to 30 minutes at 400°F and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
For a fun variation, try making Brie Bites. Cut the puff pastry into squares and place them into mini muffin tins. Add a piece of diced brie to each muffin cup, along with your desired toppings. Bake them for 18 to 20 minutes at 375°F until they're puffed and golden. These bite-sized treats are a simpler version of the classic baked brie and are perfect for holiday parties or family gatherings.
You can also get creative with your toppings and try using pesto, raspberry, or a variety of nuts like walnuts or pistachios. For a festive touch, add a sprig of rosemary to each bite.
Baked brie is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetiser or a dessert. It pairs well with crackers, apple slices, and other fruits like pears and sliced strawberries. The sweetness of the jam or honey balances the rich, creamy flavour of the brie, creating a delectable treat for any occasion.
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Frequently asked questions
Bake a Brie wheel with your choice of toppings, such as jam, honey, nuts, and fruit. Place the baked Brie on a plate to prevent mess, then garnish the board with remaining toppings.
Brie is a versatile cheese that pairs well with both sweet and savory toppings. Popular toppings include honey, jam, nuts, rosemary, and fruits like apples, pears, and berries.
Keep the board simple and select no more than four types of ingredients. Use a variety of colours and edible extras to make the board look festive. You can also cut the Brie into festive shapes, such as a snowflake or a heart.
