Brie cheese can be enjoyed on its own or combined with other flavorings to create a variety of dishes. From salty snacks like crackers to more complex dishes like mushrooms rice pilaf, this cheese will enhance almost any dish.
When it comes to beverages, a glass of wine or craft beer pairs perfectly with this cheese. Pinot Noir, known for its earthy notes, pairs particularly well with brie.
Cut it into wedges
Brie cheese is a mild, creamy cheese that pairs perfectly with many dishes. It’s often featured on cheese boards and as an appealing appetizer option.
Cutting brie requires a knife with a sharp blade and steady hand; do not use a curved blade as this could cause the cheese to break when cut. Depending on the type of brie, you may need to trim its rind as you slice; this is not necessary for all varieties but can be beneficial when working with larger wedges or blocks of cheese.
For wheels of semi-firm or soft brie, slice them the same way you would slice a cake: starting in the center and cutting outward into small triangular wedges of your desired portion size. Alternatively, for firm, nutty Alpine wheels, slice them into equal-sized rectangular pieces.
Once you’ve cut the brie into desired serving size, place it on a plate or platter. Arrange the slices in an attractive pattern so everyone gets their fair share of cheese.
Once your brie has cooled, serve it with crackers or bread. Crusty bread, plain-flavored crackers and rye all make great accompaniments for serving this cheese dish.
For a festive appetizer, wrap thin slices of brie in puff pastry and top them off with cranberry sauce. This is an easy, fun recipe you can whip up for any holiday party.
Bake it
When entertaining, baked brie is an ideal appetizer. You can top it with anything from honey and toasted nuts to baked apples or caramelized onions for a delicious presentation. Or use it as the star of your cheese board alongside other finger foods like sliced pears and grapes.
Before baking the cheese, remove its rind and place it in a small oven-safe dish. This is an effective way to bake cheese without fear of cracking or crumbling.
This method works with a variety of brands and can be used to bake both wedges and rounds. Check the brie for an evenly smooth, pliable rind that’s neither too tight nor loose.
Wrap a wheel of brie in puff pastry, leaving at least an inch between its edges and that of the pastry. Use a sharp knife to cut several slits at the top for vents that allow steam to escape while baking.
Place the wrapped brie on a baking sheet, parchment paper or pie plate and bake at 400degF for 30 minutes, until soft and golden brown. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
To serve, spoon some of the melted cheese onto sturdy crackers. Plain crackers work best but savory or herbed ones can also be used. Provide guests with a knife so they can spread the cheese onto their crackers easily.
If you’re serving baked brie to a small group, serve it with slices of bread instead of crackers. Doing this helps prevent the cheese from becoming too moist and losing its shape.
Serve it with crackers
Brie can be enjoyed with almost any type of cracker, but it is especially delicious when topped off with fruit jam or preserves. Additionally, it pairs nicely with crusty bread and unsalted nuts such as almonds or walnuts.
When selecting a cracker for cheese, opt for one that has an undertone of mild and plain flavor. At your grocery store you can find various varieties of crackers such as whole wheat, multigrain, sesame seed and herb varieties.
Sesame crackers offer a delicious accompaniment to cheese. You can purchase pre-made packages of sesame crackers in supermarkets or make your own at home using wonton wrappers brushed with egg yolks and sprinkled with black sesame seeds.
Sesame crackers make an excellent accompaniment when serving brie with fruit and nut toppings such as pears, apples, grapes, or berries. Multigrain or whole grain crackers may also be used; just make sure they’re not overly salty or oily.
Many people enjoy serving brie with fresh fruit, such as strawberries, clusters of grapes or figs. These additions enhance the flavor of brie and can be arranged on a platter alongside the cheese for an elegant presentation.
Serve it with bread
When serving brie, one of the best ways is by dipping it into a slice of bread. This method works especially well if you have many guests over and want to ensure everyone gets their fill of cheese.
You could also cut a wedge of cheese and bake it in a pot with other ingredients to create an appetizer. This is an excellent way to add extra flavor and texture.
Another great option is baking the brie inside of a loaf of bread. This unique twist on an old classic recipe makes the cheese extra-cheesy!
Make this delicious appetizer with fresh sourdough: slice off the top and insert a round of brie into the center. Sprinkle the top with additional cheese before baking until brown and bubbly.
This recipe for Brie dip is super straightforward and perfect for parties. Just serve it alongside some other ingredients, like fruit or veggies, and everyone will go crazy over the cheesey goodness!
Make this delicious sourdough baked brie using fresh sourdough bread and garlic butter. Finish off by garnishing it all off with some fresh thyme leaves for visual appeal.
The sourdough bread gives this dish a unique flavor, while garlic butter intensifies it further. You can also try adding apple slices or figs to the baked brie for additional sweetness and tartness.
For optimal flavor and texture, opt for a soft brie cheese. Steer clear of cheeses with brown discoloration or an overwhelming ammonia smell; these are signs that they have become overripened and won’t improve with age.
If you’re not a fan of sourdough, other bread types such as pumpernickel can be used instead. Pumpernickel has a slightly sweet and tart taste that pairs nicely with brie cheese.