The Perfect Pair: Brie And Its Cheesy Companions

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. It is best served at room temperature or warmer, making it great for baking, grilling, or pressing for panini sandwiches. Brie can be paired with a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, proteins, bread, crackers, beer, and wine.

Brie with fruits and nuts

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 appetizer, dessert, or part of the main course. It is best served at room temperature or warmer, making it a great option for baking, grilling, or pressing into sandwiches.

When pairing Brie with fruits and nuts, there are many options to choose from. Stone fruits like peaches, apricots, plums, and figs are excellent choices, as their sweetness and juiciness complement the creamy texture of the cheese. If stone fruits are not in season, grapes and berries such as blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries also pair well with Brie. These fruits provide a tart contrast to the cheese's creaminess. Apples are another classic pairing, adding a crisp, refreshing note.

For a more indulgent treat, try baking Brie with caramelized plums or apples, or creating a crostata with these fruits. Adding a drizzle of honey or a spoonful of jam or fruit preserves is another way to enhance the sweetness of the Brie. Toasted nuts, such as almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts, also pair well with the cheese, providing a crunchy texture and earthy flavour.

When creating a cheese board with Brie, it is best to arrange the cheeses from mildest to strongest in flavour. Brie is typically one of the milder cheeses, so it is often served first. To enhance the presentation, garnish the cheese board with fresh fruits and nuts, such as sliced apples, grapes, or berries, and a sprinkling of candied walnuts or pecans.

Brie with honey

Baking Brie with honey is a quick and easy process. Start by preheating your oven to 325-350°F. You can either use a whole wheel of Brie or cut it in half. Place the Brie in a cast iron skillet or a shallow baking dish. If using a whole wheel, gently cut diamonds on the top of the rind without slicing into the cheese. This makes it easier to serve as the slices will open up while the cheese bakes. Drizzle honey over the Brie and add toppings of your choice, such as nuts, dried fruit, or a sprig of thyme. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is soft and gooey but still holding its shape.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the baked Brie with honey immediately while it's still warm and melty. It goes well with crackers, pita chips, or toasted baguette slices. You can also serve it with fruits like grapes, apples, pears, or pomegranates. For a more substantial option, pair it with a charcuterie board or a Mediterranean mezze platter.

Storage and Reheating

Baked Brie with honey is best served fresh out of the oven. However, if you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the cheese in a shallow bowl and microwave for 1-2 minutes until melted again.

Brie with bread and crackers

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 appetizer, dessert, or part of the main course.

Brie is often served with crusty bread or crackers. The French traditionally serve it with baguette or another crusty bread that won't overpower the cheese. Flaky, crumbly loaves of bread help highlight the Brie's creaminess. Pumpernickel is another good option, as its slightly sweet-yet-sour taste complements the buttery flavour of the cheese. Toasting the pumpernickel adds crunch and warmth to the Brie.

If you prefer crackers, an herby variety with rosemary, garlic, and thyme pairs well with the cheese. For a dessert option, pair Brie with gingerbread cookies, especially Triple Crème Brie. This ultra-creamy Brie acts as the icing on the crunchy, slightly sweet gingerbread cookies.

Brie with meat

Brie is a versatile cheese that can be served as an appetiser, dessert, or part of the main course. It is a soft and creamy cheese with a mild, buttery, and deeply satisfying taste. It is a perfect match for cured meats, such as:

• Prosciutto
• Salami
• Sopressa
• Bacon
• Cured meats
• Ham

When serving brie with meat, it is best to let the cheese come to room temperature first. This allows the cheese to soften and become more flavourful.

• Brie and prosciutto pizza: Top a pizza base with tomato-garlic sauce, brie, prosciutto, and briny black olives for a sophisticated twist on classic pizza flavours.
• Brie sliders with peppers: Bite-sized sliders with brie, peppers, and other toppings are a perfect game-day snack.
• Brie and bacon bites: These appetisers are a fan favourite, combining the smoky flavour of bacon with the creamy texture of brie.
• Prosciutto-wrapped brie with figs: This elegant appetizer combines sweet and savoury flavours and is perfect for a winter holiday gathering.
• Brie-stuffed pork chop: This savoury dish includes crunchy walnuts, apples, and melted brie for a juicy and flavourful main course.
• Brie and smoked salmon salad: This light yet flavourful salad combines fresh strawberries, chopped red onion, seasoned salmon, and creamy brie.

Brie with drinks

Brie is a versatile cheese that can be paired with a variety of drinks, from alcoholic beverages to non-alcoholic alternatives. Here are some ideas to enhance your Brie experience:

Champagne

Champagne is the classic go-to beverage to pair with Brie. The bubbles in the champagne help to open up the Brie, enhancing its flavours. This combination is perfect for celebrations or to add a touch of elegance to your meal.

Wine

When it comes to wine, both red and white varieties can complement Brie nicely. For red wine, choose a mild Syrah or a Pinot Noir to bring out the cheese's earthy notes. If you prefer white wine, opt for a full-bodied Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to match the richness of the Brie while providing a refreshing acidity. A slightly dry Riesling can also accentuate the cheese's buttery sweetness if served as a dessert.

Beer

If beer is more to your taste, fruity beers or highly carbonated Pilsners are excellent choices to enhance the Brie experience. Wheat beers with citrus hops will add a refreshing twist, while Scotch Ale, Stout, or Porter beers offer a heartier pairing. For a unique combination, try a raspberry Saison or a sour brew.

Non-Alcoholic Options

For those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks, light and fresh fruit juices like apple or grape juice are ideal. These juices provide a similar acidity to wine, complementing the Brie's texture. Alternatively, a crisp sparkling water or a refreshing herbal tea can also be good choices to cleanse the palate between bites.

Remember, when pairing Brie with drinks, consider the flavour and texture combinations that will enhance your overall tasting experience. Enjoy experimenting with different pairings to discover your favourites!

Frequently asked questions