Brie Cheese: Perfect Pairing Ideas For Foodies

Brie is a soft-ripened French cheese with a rich, buttery taste and a fruity flavour. It's a versatile cheese that can be served as an appetiser, dessert, or part of the main course. While brie is normally served with crusty bread or crackers, it can be paired with a variety of fruits, nuts, or honey.

So what foods go well with brie?

The French traditionally serve brie with a baguette or another crusty bread. Plain crackers are another popular option. Pairing brie with something acidic will bring out its velvety texture – try fruits like apples, grapes, or pears, or sweet and zesty sides like fig jam or honey. If you're after something more substantial, try nuts like pecans or candied walnuts, or lay out a charcuterie board with multiple cheeses.

Brie with crackers or bread

Brie is a soft-ripened French cheese with a rich, buttery taste and a fruity flavour. It has a creamy texture and a nutty aroma. Brie is best served when ripe: the outside will be firm, while the inside will be slightly bouncy and resilient. It is best enjoyed at room temperature, and pairs well with crackers or bread.

Brie with Crackers

Crackers are a convenient choice to eat with brie as they will not detract from the cheese. If you are serving brie with crackers, it is best to slice the brie thinly. You can also spread the brie on the crackers like butter, especially if it is on the runnier side.

Brie with Bread

The French traditionally serve brie with a baguette or another type of crusty bread. Bread helps to highlight the creaminess of the cheese. It is best to cut the brie into small wedges and then spread it on the bread. You can also cut the brie into small pieces and place them on the bread.

Pairings

Brie goes well with acidic flavours, which help to bring out its velvety texture. You can pair it with fruits like apples, grapes, or pears, or sweet and zesty sides like fig jam or honey. If you want something more substantial, try nuts like pecans or candied walnuts.

Brie with fruit

Brie is a soft-ripened French cheese with a rich, buttery taste and a fruity flavour. It is a versatile cheese that can be served as an appetiser, dessert, or part of the main course.

Brie goes well with a variety of fruits, including apples, pears, and grapes. The acidity in these fruits will bring out the velvety texture of the cheese. You can also pair brie with dried fruit, such as apricots, dates, and cranberries.

When serving brie with fruit, it is best to cut the cheese into small wedges and let it come to room temperature before serving. This will make the cheese softer and more flavourful. You can also drizzle honey over the brie for an extra touch of sweetness.

For a more substantial dish, try pairing brie with fruit and nuts, such as unsalted pecans or candied walnuts. You can also add some crusty bread or plain crackers to this combination for a well-rounded snack.

If you're feeling creative, try making a grilled cheese sandwich with brie, caramelised onions, and cranberry sauce on crusty bread. Or, for a sweet treat, bake the brie in puff pastry with a layer of jam on top.

Baked brie

One popular way to bake brie is to wrap it in puff pastry before putting it in the oven. To do this, you will need one sheet of thawed puff pastry and an 8- to 12-ounce wheel of brie cheese. You can also add extras like cranberry sauce, roasted nuts and honey, or jalapeño jelly. Simply wrap the brie in the puff pastry, adding your desired toppings before sealing the pastry, and bake at 400°F for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.

Another option is to bake the brie without puff pastry. For this method, it is recommended to use a cold wheel of brie, as this will ensure that the cheese becomes melty but not completely melted. Place the brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes, or until soft in the middle. You can then add toppings such as honey, pecans, thyme, or a sweet spread like jam or cranberry sauce.

Brie with honey or jam

Baked Brie with Honey

Take your favourite wheel of brie and cut it in half. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the brie rind on it. Drizzle honey on top of the cheese and bake it in the oven for a few minutes. You can also add some chopped nuts, such as pistachios or walnuts, for an extra crunch. Serve it with French baguettes, crackers, or even sliced apples.

Baked Brie with Jam

For this recipe, you can use fig jam, apricot jam, honey, or orange marmalade. Place the wheel of brie into a small cast-iron skillet or other oven-safe dish. Use a knife or the back of a spoon to coat the brie with honey or jam, and don't be afraid to smear some along the sides as well. Mix more jam or honey with your choice of toppings, such as chopped nuts or dried fruit, and then pile the mixture on top of the brie. Bake in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Let the baked brie sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to settle and cool slightly. Serve with crackers, a sliced baguette, or make it the centrepiece of a larger cheese board.

Tips for Serving Brie with Honey or Jam

• If you're serving brie on a board, cut some wedges ahead of time to suggest a reasonable serving size to your guests. Avoid cutting the cheese into triangles, as the centre "tip" is often the most flavourful. Instead, cut the brie along the side.
• You can also wrap the brie in puff pastry and bake it. You can add chopped nuts like pecans and drizzle with honey or maple syrup.
• Brie with honey or jam goes well with acidic, flaky, and crumbly loaves of bread, such as a baguette, which help to highlight the cheese's creaminess.
• You can also pair brie with fruits, such as apples, pears, strawberries, or dried fruit like raisins.

Brie with meat

Brie is a versatile cheese that can be paired with a variety of meats to create delicious and satisfying dishes. Here are some ideas and suggestions for combining Brie with meat:

Charcuterie Board

A charcuterie board is a perfect way to showcase the marriage of Brie and meat. Start with a selection of cured meats such as prosciutto, salami, and prosciutto. Add some Brie wedges to the board, along with crackers or slices of crusty bread. For a touch of sweetness, include some fruit like grapes or apples, and perhaps a drizzle of honey.

Brie and Meat Sandwiches

Brie pairs well with various deli meats to make sandwiches. Try a classic combination of Brie, sliced ham, and fig jam on a French baguette. Or experiment with other meats such as roast beef or turkey. For an added crunch, lightly toast the bread before assembling the sandwich.

Baked Brie with Meat

Baking Brie is a delightful way to elevate this creamy cheese. Wrap the Brie wheel in puff pastry and top it with a layer of jam. Then, enclose the whole wheel in the pastry and bake until golden. Serve this decadent treat with crackers or bread and pair it with sliced meats like prosciutto or salami.

Brie in Salads

For a more substantial salad, add Brie cubes or wedges to a bed of mixed greens. Top it with sliced or shredded chicken or turkey and some toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts. A light vinaigrette dressing will bring all the flavours together.

Brie and Meat Appetizers

Brie can be a star ingredient in bite-sized appetizers. Try making mini puff pastry cups filled with cubed Brie and a dollop of your favourite jam. Or, create a savoury option with Brie and chopped meats like salami or prosciutto. These tasty treats will be a hit at any party or gathering.

Remember, when serving Brie, it is best to bring it to room temperature to fully enjoy its creamy texture and flavour. Also, the edible rind is a source of flavour, so it is recommended to leave it intact when serving.

Frequently asked questions