Patrick Oconnell
Brie is a soft-ripened cheese with a mild, buttery, and nutty flavour. Its unique taste and texture make it a popular choice for serving with crackers. While it can be eaten straight out of the refrigerator, brie is best served at room temperature to enhance its flavours and texture. This can be achieved by letting it sit for up to an hour or by submerging it in warm water or microwaving it in intervals. Brie can be sliced and served on crackers with jam or baked in the oven and served with crackers on the side.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Brie |
| Cheese texture | Soft |
| Cheese flavour | Buttery, nutty, mild |
| Cheese temperature | Room temperature or warmed |
| Cracker type | Ritz |
| Additional toppings | Jam, honey, fruit, pastry, nuts |
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What You'll Learn
Brie and crackers with jam
To make brie and crackers with jam, start by laying out the crackers on a tray in a single layer. Slice the brie cheese and place a slice on top of each cracker. Add a dollop of your favourite jam on top of each brie slice. For a savoury twist, you can also add a piece of chicken and a sprinkle of fresh rosemary on top.
When selecting a jam, feel free to experiment with different flavours. Apricot and raspberry jams are popular choices, but you can also try something unique like watermelon and chilli jam.
If you're looking for a more substantial dish, you can serve baked brie with crackers on the side. To bake brie, place the full wheel of cheese inside pastry dough and bake it at the temperature stated for the dough. You can also slice the rind off the top of the cheese, add toppings, and cover it with pastry before baking.
Whether served as a simple appetizer or a more elaborate dish, brie and crackers with jam is a delicious and crowd-pleasing option.
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Baked brie in pastry
Preparation
To prepare your brie for baking, you can slice or score the rind of the cheese, removing some of it to help the cheese melt evenly. You can then wrap the wheel of brie in pastry, either fully enclosing it or leaving the middle exposed. The pastry can be brushed with an egg wash for a golden colour, and you can also add toppings before baking.
Cooking
The oven temperature and cooking time will depend on the type of pastry and whether or not you are using a pastry crust. For example, baked brie in puff pastry is baked at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes, while a pie pastry crust would be baked at 375°F. Always follow the instructions on the package of dough or in your recipe.
Serving
Allow your baked brie to cool for around five to ten minutes before serving. This will give the cheese time to settle and firm up slightly, so it is still gooey but not molten. Baked brie can be served on its own or as part of a charcuterie board or cheese plate. It pairs well with crackers, fresh fruit, and garnishes.
Toppings and Extras
The versatility of baked brie means you can experiment with a wide range of toppings and flavour combinations. Sweet toppings such as jam, honey, or fruit preserves can be balanced with the addition of roasted nuts or pistachios. You can also try savoury options like cranberry sauce, roasted onions, or jalapeño jelly.
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Brie with fruit and nuts
Baked brie with fruit and nuts is an easy and delicious appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. Here are some tips and ideas for serving brie with fruit and nuts:
Choosing the Right Brie:
You don't need to spend a lot on an expensive brie for this dish. A budget-friendly option will work just fine, as the fruit, nuts, and other toppings will elevate the flavour.
Fruit Options:
When it comes to fruit, you can use fresh or dried fruit, or a combination of both. Fresh berries like raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries are a great choice, especially in spring. Their tartness pairs well with the sweetness of brown sugar sauce and the pungent brie. Other fresh fruit options include apple slices, grapes, pear slices, and peaches. Dried fruit options include cherries or dried cranberries.
Nut Options:
Toasted walnuts are a popular choice for baked brie due to their flavour and crunch. Other options include pecans, almonds, macadamia nuts, or a combination of these. Toasting the nuts before adding them to the dish gives them an amazing flavour. You can toast them in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave, but be sure to watch them closely as they can burn easily.
Putting It All Together:
Start by placing the brie in an oven-proof dish or skillet and baking it for 10-15 minutes. While the brie is baking, prepare your fruit and nut mixture. If using fresh fruit, you can cook it in a pan with butter and brown sugar until softened and saucy. For dried fruit, simply chop or slice the fruit into small pieces. Once the brie is baked, remove it from the oven and top with the fruit and nut mixture. You can also drizzle the brie with honey, maple syrup, or melted chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness.
Serving Suggestions:
Baked brie with fruit and nuts can be served on its own or as part of a charcuterie board or cheese plate. Provide crackers, baguette slices, or bread for spreading the brie and toppings. If you want to keep the brie warm and gooey, serve it in a small cast iron skillet or on a warming plate. Enjoy!
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Brie on a charcuterie board
Brie is a soft-ripened cheese with a buttery, nutty, and mild flavour. It is a popular choice for charcuterie boards due to its unique taste and texture. Here are some tips for including Brie on a charcuterie board:
Choosing the Brie
When purchasing Brie, it is important to note that the ageing process affects its taste and texture. Brie that is allowed to age develops a deeper and earthier taste, with a softer or even thickly runny interior. Most Brie sold in the US is stabilized before sale, which means the ageing process is halted before the cheese fully ripens. Therefore, US-sourced Brie can be consumed as soon as it is purchased. However, Brie's flavours and texture are best experienced when it is brought to room temperature before serving. This can be achieved by leaving the cheese out for up to an hour or more, or by using warming techniques such as a warm water bath or microwave.
Preparing the Brie
If you are starting with a full wheel of Brie, cut it in half and continue dividing it into smaller wedges until you have a manageable size for your charcuterie board. It is recommended to remove the rind before serving, as it has a more intense flavour and removing it makes the cheese easier to spread. You can slice the Brie or bake it in the oven to create a gooey texture. Baking Brie in an oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-25 minutes is a popular way to prepare it for a charcuterie board. You can also get creative with toppings, such as jam, honey, or pastry dough.
Pairing the Brie
When adding Brie to a charcuterie board, consider including complementary items such as crackers, crusty French bread, or shelled nuts. The soft texture of Brie pairs well with crisp and crunchy accoutrements. You can also add some sweets or fresh fruit to balance out the flavours. A pretty garnish can also enhance the presentation of your charcuterie board. Additionally, certain wines and cocktails pair well with Brie, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
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Brie straight from the fridge
While it is perfectly acceptable to serve Brie straight from the fridge, it is worth noting that experts suggest that Brie's flavours, aromas, and texture are at their best when the cheese is allowed to come to room temperature before serving. This can take up to an hour or more, but there are ways to speed up the process. One way is to place the Brie in a zip-top bag and submerge it in water that is slightly above room temperature. Alternatively, you can microwave the cheese in 30- to 60-second intervals, or bake it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 25 minutes.
If you are creating a charcuterie board, you may need to cut the Brie down to a manageable size. To do this, start by dividing the wheel in half, and then continue halving the halves until you have the desired size. If you are starting with a wedge, you can slice off wedge-shaped lengths, from the outer rind to the tip.
Once your Brie is at the desired temperature and size, it's time to assemble your crackers. Place the crackers on a tray in a single layer. Slice the Brie and place the slices on top of the crackers. You can serve the Brie on its own, or add a dollop of your favourite jam or another sweet topping to balance out the flavours. If you want to get fancy, you can spread the jam on the Brie and then top it with another cracker to create a mini sandwich.
For a more substantial dish, you can also use Brie as the star ingredient in a grilled cheese sandwich or stuffed burgers. Just remember to remove the rind before melting the cheese. Enjoy!
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