Patrick Oconnell
Old brie can be used in a variety of dishes, from baked goods to salads. While it may not be as tasty as fresh brie, it is still edible and can be used in creative ways. One popular option is to bake it with honey, perhaps even a spicy honey, or to make a savoury dish by adding pesto. It can also be sliced thinly and used in sandwiches, or melted into a cheese fondue. For those who enjoy pasta, brie can be cubed and added to a summer tomato and basil sauce. For a more indulgent option, brie can be spread over pastry and baked until melted and caramelised, perhaps with some chocolate chips or cranberries for added sweetness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Health Risks | Overripe Brie can present health risks, spoilage, and food safety concerns, as well as changes in flavor and texture. Overripe Brie can pose health risks to those who consume it. As cheese ages, bacteria can grow and multiply on its surface. This can lead to the development of harmful bacteria, such as Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause serious illness or even death, especially in pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. |
| Uses | Baked brie en croute, baked brie with honey, grilled ham and brie on sourdough, brie and apples in puff pastry, brie mac and cheese, brie quesadillas, brie croissants, brie stuffed mushrooms, brie pasta, brie on pizza, brie sandwiches, brie salads |
| Storage | Brie can be stored on the counter or in the fridge. The rind of the brie will develop mold if left on the counter for too long. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Baked brie with honey
Ingredients:
- Brie: Look for a soft, creamy variety, such as double cream brie. You can use a whole wheel, a half wheel, or a smaller wedge, depending on the number of servings you need.
- Honey: Any type of honey will work. You can use regular honey or, for a kick of spice, try hot honey.
- Toppings (optional): Fresh thyme leaves, chopped pistachios or other nuts, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and more honey for drizzling.
- Pairings (optional): French bread or baguette, crackers, grapes, or other fresh fruit.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Line a baking sheet or a mini cast-iron skillet with parchment paper. Place the brie on the prepared baking sheet. If using a whole wheel, you can leave the rind on and make slices in a crisscross pattern about 1/4 inch deep across the top of the brie. This will make it easier to spread the cheese when serving.
- Drizzle the brie with honey. You can add as little or as much as you like, depending on your taste preferences.
- If desired, sprinkle the brie with minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and/or chopped nuts. Fresh thyme leaves add an earthy flavour that pairs well with the honey.
- Bake the brie for 5-7 minutes if the cheese is at room temperature, or 10-15 minutes if it's straight from the fridge. The baking time will depend on the size of your brie and your desired level of meltiness. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
- Remove the baked brie from the oven and let it cool slightly. Top with fresh thyme leaves and more chopped nuts, if desired. Drizzle with additional honey for extra sweetness.
- Serve the baked brie with French bread or crackers on the side. For a more elegant presentation, create a charcuterie board with fresh fruit, such as grapes, sliced peaches, apple slices, or strawberries. Meats such as salami and prosciutto also pair well with the sweet and salty flavours of the baked brie.
Customisation and Tips:
- If you're serving a larger crowd, you can use a whole brie rind and double the amount of honey.
- For a gluten-free option, skip the puff pastry and bake the brie without it.
- If you prefer your brie without the rind, peel it off while the cheese is cold, then place the peeled brie in a small baking dish before baking.
- Baked brie with honey can be customised with a variety of toppings and pairings to suit your taste preferences. Get creative and experiment with different combinations!
The Ultimate Baked Mac & Cheese with Kraft
You may want to see also
Brie and apple quesadillas
If you have some old brie in your fridge and are unsure of how to use it, one tasty option is to make some brie and apple quesadillas. This simple meal can be prepared in about 15 minutes and is a great way to use up leftover or expired brie.
To make the quesadillas, start by preparing your desired amount of tortillas. Spread each tortilla with a thin layer of mustard, or a mustard and maple syrup mix. You can also add some balsamic vinegar to the mustard if you like. Place the tortillas, mustard side up, in a hot skillet.
Next, arrange slices of brie on half of each tortilla. You can also add some grilled or thinly sliced green apple, and top with fresh arugula and black pepper. If you want to make your quesadillas even heartier, you can add some BBQ chicken or bacon.
Once the cheese starts to melt, fold the tortillas in half and press with a spatula to seal the sides. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Cut into wedges and serve immediately to enjoy the gooey, delicious cheese and crispy tortillas.
So, if you have some old brie, don't throw it away – get creative and whip up some brie and apple quesadillas for a quick, tasty treat.
The Ultimate Guide to Using Cheese K
You may want to see also
Brie and cranberry pastry
Ingredients
- Brie cheese
- Cranberry sauce
- Puff pastry
- Walnuts
- Rosemary
- Sea salt
Method
- Cut the puff pastry into squares.
- Place the squares into a mini muffin pan.
- Put the brie in the freezer for about 15 minutes to firm up, then cut it into cubes.
- Place one cube of brie in each muffin cup, on top of the puff pastry.
- Add a small amount of cranberry sauce to each cup.
- Sprinkle walnuts and a pinch of sea salt on top.
- Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, golden, and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- Transfer the pastries to a serving plate and garnish with rosemary.
Tips
- The rind of the brie can be left on, as it is edible and barely noticeable after baking. However, it can be removed to enhance melting.
- This recipe can be made in bulk and frozen until needed.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and either eaten cold or reheated in the oven, but they are best enjoyed fresh.
The Ultimate Guide to Asiago Cheese: Recipes and More
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Brie in salads
Salads are a great way to use up old brie cheese. A simple salad with brie can be made by shaving the cheese over lettuce leaves, garnishing with almonds and orange zest, and drizzling with a dressing made from canola oil, white balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, orange juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
For a heartier salad, try combining brie with prosciutto, roasted bell peppers, and toasted pecans. A homemade Italian dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder will take this salad to the next level.
If you're looking for something a little sweeter, an apple brie salad is a perfect combination of fruit, nuts, and cheese. This salad combines fresh, crisp apples with dried cranberries, pecans, and brie. A simple apple cider vinaigrette made from olive oil, apple cider vinegar, apple cider, honey, ground ginger, and pepper brings it all together.
For a warm salad option, a baked brie salad with apples and pecans is a great choice. You can even use a jar of fig jam as a topping for the warm brie before adding it to the salad.
When choosing a brie for your salad, opt for a French brie made with raw milk if possible. Brie made with raw milk will have a more solid texture and less mold than those made with pasteurized milk.
McDonald's Cheese: Kraft or Not?
You may want to see also
Brie fondue
Ingredients
- Brie
- Cornstarch
- Wine
- Lemon juice
- Minced garlic
- White pepper
- Dippers of your choice (e.g. apple slices, bread, shrimp, pear slices, asparagus spears, cherry tomatoes, zucchini slices, summer squash, grapes)
Method
- Prep your dippers. For example, if you want to use bread, tear it into 1-inch pieces and toast it.
- Cut off the rind from the brie and cut the cheese into small pieces.
- Combine the diced brie with cornstarch and toss until coated.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the wine, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
- Slowly add a handful of the brie mixture to the saucepan, stirring constantly until the cheese melts. Repeat until all the cheese is melted.
- Season to taste with white pepper.
- Transfer the fondue to an electric fondue pot, mini slow cooker, or cast iron/ceramic dish.
- Place the fondue pot in the centre of a platter with all your dippers around it.
- Use fondue forks or skewers for dipping!
Melting Cheese in the Microwave: Quick Tips
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Old brie cheese can be used in a variety of recipes, including baked brie with honey, brie on pizza, brie mac and cheese, brie and apple quesadillas, brie croissants, brie-stuffed mushrooms, brie pasta, and grilled ham and brie sandwiches.
Old brie cheese may be safe to eat if it is only slightly overripe, but there are risks associated with consuming it. Overripe brie can present health risks, changes in flavor and texture, and food safety concerns. If the cheese has developed mold or has an orange color, it is best to discard it.
Consuming old or overripe brie cheese can pose health risks, especially to pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Old brie may be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as Listeria, which can cause flu-like symptoms, confusion, seizures, and other serious complications.
While it is generally not recommended to consume moldy cheese, some sources suggest that the edible rind of brie cheese can be used to add flavor to soups or stews. However, it is important to use caution and ensure that the cheese is not heavily contaminated with mold or other bacteria.
