Brie's Best Pairings: Cheeses That Complement Brie's Creamy Texture

Brie is a soft, creamy French cheese with an edible white rind. It is named after the region in France from which it originates. Brie has a rich, buttery, nutty and earthy flavour and is often served as an individual course before dessert. It pairs well with fruits like apples, pears, grapes, berries and dried prunes, as well as unsalted nuts like pecans, almonds and walnuts. It can be served with crusty bread, crackers, cured meats, honey, jam, mustard, and even chocolate. It is also used in a variety of recipes, such as quiche, pasta, grilled cheese, pizza, sandwiches, salads, soups, and dips.

Brie with fruit, meat, crackers and bread

Brie with Fruit

Brie is a soft, creamy cheese with a mild, buttery taste and a fruity flavour. It pairs well with fresh fruits such as apples, pears, grapes, strawberries, and berries. The sweetness and juiciness of stone fruits like peaches, figs, apricots, and plums complement the creamy texture of Brie. If you're looking for a simpler option, dried fruits such as dried prunes also go well with Brie.

Brie with Meat

Brie also goes well with various types of meat. Prosciutto, salami, and cured meats are popular choices to pair with Brie. It can also be used as a filling for chicken cordon bleu or added to a sandwich with ham and arugula. For a heartier option, try pairing Brie with hanger steak or lamb chops. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try a Vietnamese bakery roll with Brie, roast pork, and crackling.

Brie with Crackers and Bread

When it comes to crackers, Brie prefers those that are not too crunchy, as they are easier to spread the cheese on. Look for crackers with herbs like rosemary, garlic, and thyme, or go for a sweeter option like gingerbread cookies, especially if you're using Triple Crème Brie.

As for bread, Brie pairs well with crusty bread, baguettes, and sourdough. Pumpernickel bread is also a great choice, as its slightly sweet and sour taste complements the buttery flavour of Brie. If you're feeling indulgent, try garlic bread or a garlic sourdough baguette for an extra punch of flavour.

Baked brie with honey, nuts and fruit

Ingredients

You will need:

• Brie cheese – an 8 oz. wheel or wedge of Brie will be enough for this recipe, but you can always double the topping for a larger wheel.
• Nuts – walnuts, pecans, or a combination of both.
• Honey – agave or pure maple syrup also work.
• Fruits – apples, apricots, figs, pears, pomegranates, and cranberries all go well with brie.

Method

• Warm the cheese. Place the wheel of Brie on a baking sheet or in a glass pie plate. Use a small paring knife to score a circle about 1/4-inch from the edge. Do not remove the rind. Bake at 350°F for about 15 to 20 minutes or microwave for 3 to 5 minutes, just until the cheese is hot and melty.
• Make the honey-nut topping. In a small skillet, toast the nuts over low heat until they are slightly brown and give off a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn them. Add honey, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt and stir until bubbly.
• Top the baked brie. Remove the Brie from the oven and use a butter knife or small spatula to gently separate the top of the rind where you scored it from the cheese. It should peel off quite easily. Pour the honey-nut topping over the melted cheese.
• Serve immediately with crackers, apples, bread, or whatever you would like to dip.

Tips

• The rind of Brie is edible, but some people prefer not to eat it as it is hard to scoop up the cheese with the rind still attached. If you are serving the brie with the rind, score the top of the rind before baking to make it easier to remove.
• This recipe is very versatile and can be customised in endless ways. Try adding some chopped fruit, like apples or pears, when caramelising the nuts.
• Baked brie is best served right out of the oven when it is hot and melting. However, you can store the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Pairings

Brie is a mild, soft cow's milk cheese with a creamy interior and a white rind on the outside. It has a rich, buttery taste with a bit of fruity flavour. Its creamy texture and buttery flavour make it a good choice to serve with crackers. It also goes well with bread, especially baguette, and dried or fresh fruit like apples, apricots, figs, pears, pomegranates, and cranberries.

When serving brie, it is best to remove it from the refrigerator about an hour before serving to allow the cheese to soften until it reaches room temperature and its texture is perfectly creamy.

Brie with champagne

Brie and champagne is a classic French pairing that is perfect for celebrations and special occasions. The crisp bubbles and acidity of champagne cut through the rich, creamy texture of the cheese, creating a refreshing and luxurious balance. This pairing is also a great way to elevate a casual evening or quiet night at home.

When pairing brie with champagne, it's important to consider the different types of champagne and how they can enhance the flavour of the cheese. Brut sparkling wines, such as cava or Prosecco, have crisp acidity that pairs well with brie. The bubbles and citrus notes of a Blanc de Blancs Champagne can also make the cheese feel even more decadent, while Rosé Champagne pairs beautifully with the cheese when served with strawberries or raspberries.

In addition to champagne, brie also pairs well with other sparkling wines like Prosecco and Cava. These wines have crisp bubbles that cleanse the palate after each creamy bite of brie. Sekt, Germany's sparkling wine, is another great option as it is crisp, slightly sweet, and refreshing.

When creating a brie and champagne pairing, you can also experiment with different accompaniments to enhance the flavours. For example, serving brie with sweet accompaniments like fruit preserves or honey can be delicious when paired with a semi-sweet wine like Riesling or Moscato. You can also try adding fruits, nuts, or bread to create a gourmet experience.

Overall, brie and champagne is a delightful combination that can add a touch of sophistication and joy to any occasion. The bubbles and acidity of the champagne cut through the richness of the cheese, creating a perfect balance of flavours and textures. So whether you're hosting a fancy gathering or just enjoying a quiet night at home, brie with champagne is a great choice.

Brie with balsamic vinegar

Brie is a soft, creamy cheese with a mild, buttery taste and a fruity flavour. It is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of foods and drinks. Its creamy texture and buttery flavour make it a good choice to serve with crackers.

Balsamic vinegar is a bold flavour that can be paired with brie. Here are some ideas for serving brie with balsamic vinegar:

Baked Brie with Balsamic Roasted Cranberries and Smoked Almonds

This is a beautiful cranberry and brie cheese appetiser that is ready to serve in less than 20 minutes. The balsamic-infused cranberry compote and smoked almonds create a salty crunch that complements the creamy texture of the brie. This appetiser is best served with crackers or lightly toasted baguette slices.

Strawberry Baked Brie

This recipe combines the sweetness of strawberries with the tang of balsamic vinegar and the crunch of pecans. It is served with crackers or a toasted baguette.

Balsamic Berry Baked Brie

This recipe combines the sweetness of frozen berries with the tang of balsamic vinegar. It is served with a baguette.

Baked Brie with Apricot Preserves

This recipe combines the sweetness of apricot preserves with the tang of balsamic vinegar. It is served with crackers or a baguette.

Baked Brie with Balsamic Strawberries

This recipe combines the sweetness of strawberries with the tang of balsamic vinegar. It is served with a baguette.

Baked Brie with Caramelized Onions, Balsamic Vinegar & Rosemary

This recipe combines the sweetness of caramelized onions with the tang of balsamic vinegar and the earthy flavour of rosemary. It is served with crackers or crostini.

Brie with cured meat

Cured meat and Brie is a match made in heaven. The salty, savoury flavour of cured meats is the perfect complement to Brie's rich, buttery taste and creamy texture. Here are some tips and ideas for creating delicious combinations:

Choosing the Right Cured Meat

Prosciutto, salami, chorizo, and bacon are all excellent choices to pair with Brie. The saltiness of these meats will contrast nicely with the creaminess of the Brie. If you're feeling adventurous, try pairing Brie with cured meats that have unique flavours, such as peppered salami or honey-glazed bacon.

Creating the Perfect Bite

When assembling your cured meat and Brie creation, consider adding some crunchy texture and acidic flavours to cut through the richness of the cheese. A garlic sourdough baguette, fresh arugula, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction would all be excellent choices. You could also add some sweet elements, such as dried apricots or fig jam, to create a contrast of flavours.

Serving Suggestions

There are endless ways to serve cured meat and Brie. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Create a charcuterie board with sliced Brie, cured meats, fresh and dried fruits, crackers, and bread.
• Make a grilled cheese sandwich with Brie, cured meat, and a touch of honey on sourdough bread.
• Bake Brie in a pastry with cured meat and a fruit compote for a sweet and savoury treat.
• Top a pizza with Brie, cured meat, and some caramelised onions for a unique take on a classic.
• Wrap Brie and cured meat in puff pastry to create a savoury twist on a s'more.

Wine Pairing

To complete your culinary experience, consider pairing your cured meat and Brie creation with a glass of wine. A crisp, acidic white wine, such as a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, will complement the creaminess of the Brie beautifully. If you're feeling festive, a glass of champagne would also be an excellent choice.

So, go ahead and experiment with different combinations of cured meat and Brie. With its versatile flavour and texture, Brie is the perfect cheese to elevate your next meal or appetizer!

Frequently asked questions