Kamil Perry
Brie is a soft-ripened, French cheese with a creamy texture and delicate flavour. It is circular in shape with an ivory colour and greyish, off-white rind. The rind is edible, but some people prefer not to eat it. When heated, Brie melts and becomes semi-liquid, making it perfect for dipping. It can be paired with a wide array of toppings, such as honey, nuts, fruit, meat, crackers, and jam. Baking Brie in the oven or microwave is a popular way to prepare it, and it can be served as an appetizer or snack.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Toppings | Honey, nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds), dried cherries, cranberry sauce, thyme leaves, rosemary, pumpkin pie spice, caramel sauce, orange marmalade, pine nuts, shortbread cookies, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt |
| Type of cheese | Soft-ripened, French cheese |
| Texture | Ooey-gooey, creamy, velvety, mild, buttery, nutty, fruity |
| Temperature | Best served warm |
| Baking instructions | Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is warmed and the centre is melted |
| Microwave instructions | Place in a microwave-safe dish and microwave for 3-5 minutes |
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Honey and nuts
To make this simple dish, start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Place your brie round on a baking sheet, leaving the rind on. With a sharp knife, carefully score a circle about a quarter-inch from the edge of the rind, taking care not to cut into the cheese itself. This step will make serving easier, as the slices will open up while the cheese bakes.
While the oven is preheating, prepare your honey-nut topping. In a small skillet, toast your choice of nuts over low heat. Walnuts, pecans, pistachios, and a combination of these nuts are all popular choices. Be careful not to burn the nuts; you'll know they're ready when you start to smell their nutty aroma. Once toasted, add honey, a pinch of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to the skillet. Stir everything together until it reaches a bubbly consistency.
Bake the brie for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is warmed through and the centre is melted. Keep in mind that brie only stays melty for about 15 to 20 minutes, so it's best to bake it right before serving. Once the brie is ready, remove it from the oven and gently peel off the top of the rind where you scored it. Pour the honey-nut topping over the melted cheese, and it's ready to serve!
This dish is excellent served warm with crackers, crostini, apple slices, grapes, or slices of baguette. You can also add some dried fruit, like cranberries, apricots, or even pomegranate arils, for a touch of sweetness and a pop of colour. Enjoy the creamy, crunchy, and sweet flavours of this easy-to-make appetizer!
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Cranberry sauce
Baked brie with cranberry sauce is a delightful and elegant appetizer that is perfect for the holidays. It is also a great addition to a cheese board. The combination of warm, gooey brie and sweet-tart cranberry sauce is a real crowd-pleaser.
To make this simple dish, you can use either homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce. If you want to make your own, simply combine fresh cranberries, raw sugar, shredded ginger root, and orange juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Heat until the cranberries start to pop, which should take about 15 minutes. Then, mash the mixture to create a thick sauce.
Once you have your cranberry sauce, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the brie on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a small oven-safe dish. If you prefer a more elegant presentation, you can wrap the brie in puff pastry before baking. Bake the brie for about 15 minutes, or until it is soft and melty.
Remove the baked brie from the oven and top it with the cranberry sauce. You can also add some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavour and a festive touch. Serve the brie immediately with crackers, sliced apples, or toasted baguette slices.
This baked brie with cranberry sauce is sure to impress your guests and elevate any occasion. It is a simple yet elegant dish that showcases the delicious combination of creamy cheese and sweet-tart cranberries.
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Jam and crackers
To make this appetiser, start by slicing the brie cheese into pieces that will fit nicely on your chosen crackers. You can use a variety of crackers, but Ritz crackers are particularly popular for this combination as they have a buttery flavour and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs well with the brie and jam.
For the jam, you can choose your favourite variety, or opt for a classic like raspberry or apricot jam. A dollop of jam on top of each brie slice will add a burst of sweetness to your cracker. You can also get creative and experiment with different flavours, such as orange marmalade or fig jam.
If you want to take this appetiser to the next level, you can add some additional toppings. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme leaves can add an earthy flavour to the sweetness of the jam and the creaminess of the brie. You could also try chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for a crunchy texture and a boost of nutrients.
Whether you keep it simple or get creative with your toppings, brie and jam crackers are a delicious and easy way to elevate your next gathering or simply enjoy a tasty snack at home. So go ahead and indulge in this mouthwatering combination of sweet and savoury flavours!
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Meat and fruit
Brie is a soft, creamy French cheese with a delicate, buttery flavour. Its versatility makes it a great pairing with meat and fruit.
Meat
When it comes to meat, brie is a team player. Its mild, nutty, and buttery flavour makes it an ideal canvas for the salty, smoky, and savoury notes of meats and smoked fish. Salami, prosciutto, and bacon are popular meat pairings. For a winter holiday gathering, try Prosciutto-Wrapped Brie with Figs. You can also add brie to a burger with ground beef and sun-dried tomatoes for a flavourful bite.
Fruit
The rich and buttery brie is beautifully complemented by acidic fruits like apples, grapes, and pears. Summer fruits such as strawberries and peaches also pair well with brie. For a festive holiday appetizer, try baked brie with cranberry chutney or a cranberry-orange cognac chutney. If you're feeling creative, bake brie with a sour cherry spiced wine fruit compote with thyme and pecans.
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Baked brie toppings
Baked brie is a delicious and easy-to-make appetiser that is perfect for any occasion or holiday. The soft, creamy cheese with its edible rind and fruity flavour pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings, some of which are listed below:
Honey, Toasted Pecans, and Fresh Herbs
Drizzle baked brie with honey and sprinkle with chopped pecans and flaky sea salt. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme and serve with a baguette, apple slices, and grapes.
Fig Jam, Walnuts, and Pistachios
Top the baked brie with fig jam, walnuts, and pistachios for a sweet and crunchy treat. You can also mix in some dried fruit like raisins, dates, or apricots, or use orange jam instead of fig jam for a citrusy twist.
Maple Syrup and Thyme
Baked brie with maple syrup and thyme is a delicious combination. Simply bake the brie and add a generous drizzle of maple syrup and a sprig of thyme. Serve with crostini on the side for scooping up the warm, gooey cheese.
Caramelised Onions, Chestnuts, and Fig Jam
For a savoury twist, top the baked brie with caramelised onions, chestnuts, and fig jam or preserves. This combination offers a unique blend of sweet and savoury flavours that will impress your guests.
Garlic and Honey
A classic combination of garlic and honey can be used to top the baked brie. The garlic provides a savoury kick, while the honey adds a touch of sweetness, creating a balanced and mouth-watering appetiser.
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Frequently asked questions
You can top baked brie with honey and nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds. You can also add dried cherries, cranberries, or chopped fruit like apples or pears. For a savoury option, top your brie with rosemary, thyme, or even pumpkin pie spice.
Brie is best served warm, either baked or microwaved until soft and gooey. You can also serve it on a cheese board with crackers, bread, or fruit.
Brie is a mild, creamy cheese that pairs well with many things. Some good pairings include salami, prosciutto, pickles, apricots, apples, and almonds. You can also pair it with something sweet like jam, honey, or maple syrup.
Yes, you can reheat baked brie in the oven or air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until soft. It is best served immediately, but you can also reheat it in small increments in the microwave.
You can use any type of brie for baking, but a wheel of brie is best. If you can't find a wheel, you can use wedges and place them in a baking dish. Look for a creamy brie that will melt well, such as President brie cheese, which is widely available in the US.
