Randy Chandler
Brie is a soft-ripened French cheese with a delicate flavour and a creamy texture. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, both savoury and sweet. Whether it's baked, grilled, or served as part of a cheese board, Brie is a popular ingredient that complements a wide array of flavours. Its mild taste and soft texture make it ideal for spreading, slicing, or melting into a variety of dishes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Brie should be removed from the refrigerator and left to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour before serving. |
| Serving | Brie can be served as an appetizer, dessert, or part of the main course. It can be served on its own or with bread, crackers, fruit, meat, jam, or pastries. |
| Pairing | Brie is typically paired with champagne, but it also goes well with soft and fruity red wines, acidic white wines, and certain beers. If alcohol isn't an option, fruit juices like apple or grape juice are good pairings. |
| Baking | Brie can be baked in the oven or microwave and topped with honey, maple syrup, thyme, or jam. |
| Storage | Brie should be stored in plastic wrap to maintain its creamy texture. |
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What You'll Learn
Baked brie
Ingredients and Preparation:
For baked brie, it is recommended to use an economical or budget-friendly brie or Camembert, as more expensive varieties may be wasted in this recipe. Look for a wheel of brie that is cold, straight from the refrigerator. The cheese should be kept chilled until the oven is preheated to ensure it remains firm and does not melt prematurely.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet or shallow ovenproof dish with parchment paper, which will aid in transferring the delicate baked brie later. Place the brie on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or up to 20 minutes depending on the size of the cheese, until it is soft and gooey in the centre.
Serving Suggestions:
Toppings and garnishes are essential to elevate the flavour and presentation of baked brie. Honey, maple syrup, and thyme are popular choices, while toasted pecans, walnuts, and fresh herbs add a crunchy contrast to the creamy cheese. You can also try more indulgent toppings like jam, compote, or brown sugar. Serve baked brie with sturdy crackers, crostini, or baguette slices for dipping and scooping up the cheese.
For a more substantial dish, pair baked brie with fresh fruits like apple slices, grapes, or pears, or create a charcuterie board with multiple cheeses and cured meats. Baked brie is an excellent choice for entertaining, offering a simple yet impressive dish that is sure to wow your guests.
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Brie in sandwiches
Brie is a soft-ripened, French cheese with a delicate, nutty, and buttery flavour and a soft, creamy texture. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, including sandwiches.
When making a sandwich with brie, it is important to consider its complementary role in the dish. Its mild flavour makes it an excellent accompaniment to other ingredients without overwhelming them. Here are some specific ideas for sandwiches that feature brie:
- A classic combination is brie with crusty bread, such as a baguette, arugula, and either ham or turkey. Fig jam can also be added for a touch of sweetness, and some people like to include thin slices of onion for added flavour.
- For a simpler option, try a cinnamon raisin bagel with slices of brie, toasted until the cheese starts to brown. A drizzle of honey or fig jam can enhance the flavour even further.
- Another variation is to pair brie with caramelised onions on a burger. The sweetness of the onions will complement the creamy texture of the cheese.
- Create an asparagus and brie grilled cheese sandwich with arugula pesto for a unique flavour combination.
When preparing a sandwich with brie, it is recommended to let the cheese come to room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour before serving. This will enhance its creaminess and make it easier to spread. Additionally, brie's edible rind can be included in the sandwich, adding to the overall taste and texture.
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Brie on a cheeseboard
Brie is a soft, creamy cheese with a mild, buttery and nutty flavour. It is a staple at any memorable gathering and can be served as an appetizer, dessert, or part of the main course.
When preparing a cheeseboard with Brie, it is customary to serve the whole wheel, with the rind on. The rind has a white mould, which is edible and adds to the cheese's soft texture and flavour. To serve, let the Brie sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour, allowing it to soften and become more flavourful. Then, slice the cheese into wedges, ensuring that you cut along the side of the wheel rather than into triangles, so that all your guests can enjoy the different flavours of the cheese.
A cheeseboard with Brie can be accompanied by a variety of foods. The French traditionally serve Brie with a baguette or another crusty bread, as well as fruits such as apples, grapes, or pears. The acidity of these fruits will bring out the creamy, velvety texture of the Brie. You can also offer plain crackers, which provide a convenient option that won't detract from the cheese. If you want to offer something more substantial, try nuts like unsalted pecans or candied walnuts, or include a selection of other cheeses for a full charcuterie board.
For drinks, the classic pairing is champagne, but Brie also goes well with soft and fruity red wines like Pinot Noir, acidic white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, and certain beers, such as stouts or fruity ales.
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Brie in pastries
Baked brie in puff pastry is a classic, easy-to-make, and versatile appetiser that can be served at any gathering. It is a low-effort, high-payoff dish that can be customised with a variety of toppings and flavours. Here are some tips and variations for making this delicious treat:
Preparation:
To begin, you will need a wheel of brie cheese, typically ranging from 8 to 12 ounces. It is recommended to use an economical or budget-friendly brie, as the expensive varieties are best enjoyed on their own. The cheese should be at room temperature, as this enhances its flavour and softness.
For the pastry, you can use store-bought puff pastry, crescent roll dough, or even pie dough. If using puff pastry, thaw one sheet and dust your work surface with flour. Roll out the pastry into a rough 11-inch square, or a size that can comfortably wrap around the brie.
Assembly:
Place the brie in the middle of the pastry. If desired, top the brie with your choice of toppings. Popular options include jams or preserves, such as raspberry, apricot, or fig jam, and jalapeño jelly. You can also add roasted nuts, honey, or caramelised onions and apples for extra flavour.
Once the toppings are in place, wrap the brie by folding the corners of the pastry over it, forming a neat package. Gently press the edges and neaten the sides. If using crescent roll dough, you may need to patch the dough to completely cover the brie.
Baking:
Preheat your oven to 350-400°F. Place the wrapped brie on a baking sheet or in a pie plate. Brush the pastry with a beaten egg, which will give it a golden colour when baked.
Bake for 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the size of your brie and the type of pastry used. The pastry should be golden brown, and the cheese should be thoroughly melted.
Let the baked brie cool for a few minutes before serving. It is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, as reheating can make the pastry soggy. Serve it with crackers, apple slices, or crusty bread on the side for dipping into the gooey cheese.
Variations:
For a sweet and savoury combination, try drizzling honey on almonds or pecans before placing the brie on top. You can also add herbs for extra flavour. If you want to make individual servings, cut the puff pastry into 3x3-inch squares, wrap 1-ounce mini brie wheels, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
Get creative with your toppings and enjoy the versatility of baked brie in puff pastry! It is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering.
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Brie as a pizza topping
Brie is a soft, creamy cheese with a mild flavour. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, including pizza. Here are some tips and suggestions for using Brie as a pizza topping:
Brie and Caramelized Onion Pizza
One classic combination for a Brie pizza is to pair it with caramelized onions. The subtle sweetness of the onions complements the creamy Brie, creating a rich and tasty topping. To make this pizza, start by preparing the dough and allowing it to rise. In a skillet, heat some oil or butter over medium-high heat and add the onions. Cook until they are translucent and lightly browned, which should take around 20 minutes. Spread the caramelized onions evenly across the pizza dough, leaving a small gap around the edges. Next, scatter the Brie over the onions. You can also add some sliced almonds and a sprinkling of black pepper for extra flavour and texture. Bake the pizza in the oven until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. For a festive touch, add some sweetened cranberries to the pizza before baking, and top with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme after baking.
Brie, Apple, and Arugula Pizza
Another delicious option for a Brie pizza is to combine it with sliced apples and arugula. The sweetness of the apples and the peppery flavour of the arugula create an interesting contrast to the creamy Brie. To make this pizza, prepare your dough as usual. Spread some caramelized onions across the dough, then add sliced apples. Top with Brie and Parmesan cheese. Bake the pizza on a preheated pizza stone for 4-5 minutes or until the top is bubbly and the bottom is golden brown. After removing the pizza from the oven, toss the arugula with balsamic vinegar and add it to the pizza, along with some almonds. Serve immediately.
Brie and Prosciutto Pizza
If you're looking for a heartier option, adding prosciutto to your Brie pizza provides a nice salty flavour and some extra protein. Prepare your pizza dough and top it with Brie, just like in the previous recipes. You can also add some caramelized onions and apples if you like. Bake the pizza on a pizza stone until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden. After baking, add the prosciutto and arugula tossed with balsamic vinegar.
Pairing Your Brie Pizza
When choosing a beverage to pair with your Brie pizza, consider something that will complement the creamy, mild flavour of the cheese. Champagne is a classic choice, but you could also try a soft and fruity red wine like Pinot Noir or a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. If you prefer beer, go for a hearty option like a Scotch Ale, Stout, or Porter, or a fruity beer or highly carbonated Pilsner. Non-alcoholic options include light and fresh fruit juices like apple or grape juice.
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