Andy Montoya
Pizza is a versatile dish that can be made and enjoyed in numerous ways. While mozzarella is the classic choice for pizza cheese, other varieties can be used to create delicious results. One such option is brie, a French cheese known for its creamy texture and earthy, nutty flavour. Using brie on pizza creates a unique combination of flavours and textures that can be further enhanced with various toppings. This guide will explore different ways to use brie cheese on pizza, from simple substitutions to more complex recipes, offering a range of tasty options for pizza enthusiasts looking to experiment with new flavours.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Brie |
| Other Ingredients | Onions, apples, arugula, Parmesan cheese, almonds, prosciutto, tomatoes, olives, oregano, mustard, black olives, honey |
| Dough | Store-bought or homemade |
| Baking Method | Oven |
| Baking Time | 4-5 minutes or until top is bubbly and bottom is golden brown |
| Baking Temperature | 500°F |
| Baking Dish | Pizza stone |
| Rind | Optional, but adds texture and flavour |
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What You'll Learn
Using brie as a pizza topping
Brie Pizza Recipes:
Caramelized Onion and Brie Pizza:
This recipe combines the subtle sweetness of caramelized onions with the creamy, fruity notes of brie cheese. The sweetness of the onions is enhanced by adding a hint of sugar or wine vinegar to the skillet while cooking. To make this pizza, simply follow these steps:
- Caramelize onions in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Spread the caramelized onions evenly across your pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Scatter brie cheese over the onions, followed by a sprinkling of fresh black pepper and sliced almonds.
- Bake the pizza until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling, about 15-25 minutes depending on the size of your pizza.
- For a festive touch, add some sweetened cranberries before baking, and top the baked pizza with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.
Brie, Apple, and Arugula Pizza:
This vegetarian pizza combines the sweetness of apples with the savoury flavours of brie and caramelized onions. It also features Parmesan cheese and arugula tossed in balsamic vinegar for a tangy touch. Here's how to make it:
- Caramelize onions in a skillet over medium heat for about 23 minutes.
- Spread the caramelized onions on your pizza dough, followed by sliced apples.
- Add brie cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Broil the pizza on a pizza stone for 4-5 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and the bottom is golden brown.
- Toss arugula with balsamic vinegar and add on top of the pizza, along with some almonds.
Olive and Brie Pizza:
This recipe features a unique combination of flavours, including brie cheese, tomatoes, olives, green onions, oregano, and Parmesan cheese. It also includes a spread of mustard inside the crust for an added kick of flavour. To make this pizza:
- Place your pizza crust on a floured sheet and fold the edges to form a rim.
- Spread mustard inside the crust, then top with half of the brie cheese, tomatoes, olives, green onions, and oregano.
- Add the remaining brie cheese and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake until the crust is crisp and golden brown, about 18-20 minutes. Let it stand for 10 minutes before serving warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Using Brie as a Pizza Topping:
- You can leave the rind on the brie when baking, as it is edible and adds a subtle flavour and texture to the pizza.
- Brie pairs well with a variety of toppings, including caramelized onions, prosciutto, arugula, apples, olives, and tomatoes.
- If you want a sweeter pizza, try drizzling honey over your brie pizza or adding sweetened cranberries.
- For a more savoury option, consider using a tomato-garlic sauce as your base.
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Brie pizza dough options
There are several options for creating a pizza dough base for a brie pizza. The first option is to make your own dough from scratch. This can be done by mixing flour, salt, yeast, and water together in a bowl. The dough should be sticky, but not lumpy. Cover the dough and leave it in a warm place to rise for 24 hours.
Another option for a pizza dough base is to use a pre-made, store-bought dough. This can be bought fresh from most grocery stores and simply needs to be rolled out. Alternatively, pre-baked crusts can be purchased, which provides a quick and easy base for your pizza.
Once the dough is prepared, it is time to add the toppings. One popular option for a brie pizza is to include caramelized onions, apples, and arugula. The onions provide a sweet base sauce when caramelized, which pairs well with the fruity and nutty flavors of the brie. The apples add a further sweetness to the pizza.
Another option for a brie pizza includes spreading mustard on the inside of the crust, followed by toppings such as tomatoes, olives, green onions, oregano, and Parmesan cheese. The brie is then added, and the pizza is baked until the crust is crisp and golden brown.
For a more gourmet option, a pizza with a tomato-garlic sauce, prosciutto, and black olives can be topped with brie for a sophisticated snack. The rind of the brie can be left on when baking, as it is edible and adds a subtle flavor to the pizza.
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Baking times and temperatures
The baking time and temperature for a pizza with Brie cheese depend on the type of pizza being made. For instance, a pizza with a base of refrigerated dough, topped with a wheel of Brie, sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni, should be baked at 425 °F for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.
On the other hand, a Brie and prosciutto pizza with a tomato sauce base should be baked for 8-10 minutes at an unspecified temperature. Another option is to make a Brie pizza with caramelized onions, apples, and arugula. This pizza should be baked at a high temperature on a preheated pizza stone for 4-5 minutes or until the top is bubbly and the bottom is golden brown.
When reheating a Brie pizza, it is recommended to avoid using a microwave to prevent sogginess. Instead, place the pizza on a baking sheet in the oven at 375 °F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Additionally, the size of the Brie wheel and its initial temperature can impact the baking time. For example, a 4-4.5-inch Brie wheel can be baked at 350 °F for 10-20 minutes, with the longer baking time resulting in a softer and runnier cheese. Checking the cheese at the 15-minute mark and adjusting the remaining time accordingly is a good approach.
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Topping combinations
Brie is a popular choice of cheese to use on pizza. Its fruity, earthy, nutty, grassy, and mushroom-like flavour makes it a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of toppings. Here are some topping combinations that you can use when making a pizza with brie cheese:
Caramelized Onions, Apples, and Arugula
Caramelized onions provide a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the creamy texture and nutty flavour of brie. The addition of apples and arugula creates a sweet and savoury contrast, making the pizza a tasty vegetarian option. To enhance the flavour and texture of the pizza, you can also add Parmesan cheese and almonds.
Prosciutto and Black Olives
Combining brie with prosciutto and black olives creates a sophisticated flavour profile. The saltiness of the prosciutto and the brininess of the olives complement the creaminess of the brie. You can also add a tomato-garlic sauce as a base for a more complex flavour.
Tomatoes, Olives, Green Onion, and Oregano
This combination features a variety of flavours and textures. The brie provides a creamy base, while the tomatoes add a touch of acidity and sweetness. The olives contribute a briny flavour, and the green onion and oregano add a savoury and slightly spicy note. You can also add a layer of mustard underneath the toppings to give the pizza a subtle kick.
Cranberries and Fresh Herbs
For a festive twist, brie can be paired with cranberries, which add a touch of sweetness and tanginess to the pizza. Fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme provide a pretty green flourish and a fragrant aroma. This combination creates a unique and seasonal flavour profile.
These are just a few examples of topping combinations that can be used when making a pizza with brie cheese. Feel free to experiment with other ingredients and create your own unique flavour profiles!
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Edibility of the brie rind
The rind on Brie is a bloomy rind that grows from the moulds and bacteria used to make Brie. The mould is usually Penicillium candidum, which is safe for consumption. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), these types of mould are beneficial and safe to consume. The rind is edible and can be consumed along with the cheese. It is safe to eat and may even protect the inner cheese from harmful organisms that could contaminate it.
The rind on Brie is a white mould that forms when the mould blooms and is then patted down. This process is repeated until the Brie is ready. The rind is meant to complement the cheese inside, adding a subtle, earthy flavour. The combination of the cheese and the rind adds to the taste and texture of the Brie.
Some people choose to remove the rind before consuming Brie. If you are starting with a wedge of Brie, you can cut smaller wedges, about 1/3 inch thick, and then trim off the rind. If you have a wheel of Brie, cut it in half and then slice each half into wedges, and then cut off the rind. However, it is recommended to eat the rind as it adds to the flavour and texture of the cheese.
When using Brie with the rind on a pizza, the rind crisps up slightly when cooked, adding some texture to the pizza. However, if you do not like the taste or texture of the rind, you can choose to remove it before adding the Brie to your pizza.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some recipes for pizza with brie cheese:
- Olive and brie pizza
- Caramelized onion and brie pizza
- Brie and prosciutto pizza
- Brie pizza with apples, onions, and arugula
Here are some tips and tricks for making pizza with brie cheese:
- You can leave the rind on the brie when baking as it is edible and adds subtle flavour and texture.
- Use a pizza stone to get a nice crust on the bottom.
- Make your own dough for the best results.
Yes, you can use brie cheese instead of mozzarella on a pizza. However, be aware that it might have a different taste and texture than what you are used to.
