Savory Baked Brie Recipe with Pesto, Artichokes and Sun-Dried Tomatoes (2024)

FAQs

Do you take the rind off brie before baking? ›

Do you take the rind off before baking? Keep the rind on, as it will help the cheese hold its shape so it doesn't all melt out. The rind is also edible, so you can enjoy it with the melted cheese, or simply remove the top layer after baking and dunk in crusty bread like a fondue.

Plain saltines, whole grain and multigrain crackers all complement Brie. The cap of a wheel is often removed ( but this is not necessary) and jams or chutneys with or without seeds or nuts are poured on top. A room temperature Brie is soft enough to spread on most crackers, so it becomes a matter of taste preference.

Be careful not to overbake the brie. The cheese can go from a melty lava-like texture to hard in the middle if it's in the oven for too long. Always bake on a piece of parchment paper as you will use it to transfer the brie from the baking sheet to your serving tray.

The firm, white rind forms when the mold blooms and is then patted down. This process happens over and over until the Brie is ready. Not only is the rind on Brie safe to eat but it may even keep out harmful organisms that could contaminate the cheese. The mold that grows on other types of cheese is not safe to eat.

Unwrap your Brie and place your wheel on a small piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet. Note: if you have the time, take the cheese out of the refrigerator and let it sit on the counter for an hour before baking. This is optional but helps the cheese bake more evenly. Bake for 10-20 minutes in the oven.

Brie cheese is the perfect partner to jam! It pairs beautifully with jam varieties, such as: fig, apricot, blackberry, boysenberry or cherry jam.

The French will traditionally serve Brie with baguette or another crusty bread that won't compete with the cheese. Plain crackers are another convenient choice that won't detract from the cheese.

As mentioned, brie's mild, yet buttery and nutty flavor pairs well with so many things. Some examples are salami, prosciutto, pickles, apricots, apples, pears, dates, almonds, candied walnuts, and pecans.

What to partner with brie? ›

Brie loves being paired with sweet fruit, particularly stone fruits like peaches, figs, apricots and plums. The sweetness and juiciness of stone fruit is a lovely combination with the Brie's creamy texture, making for an easy yet indulgent treat. If stone fruit is out of season, pair Brie with grapes and berries.

Serve Brie either at room temperature or warmed (never chilled), to bring out its creamy texture.

Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F (all oven types). Oven: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes (for 250g/80z), or until melted through. For 500g/1lb brie, increase to 25 minutes. To check, gently touch the centre of the brie – it should feel very soft, like it is about to collapse if you press any harder.

Likewise, cheese - particularly soft varieties like Brie - can become unsafe fairly quickly. "These should be discarded if past their use-by date," Jenaed said.

If you left the rind of the cheese on, the baked brie may seem like it is rubbery once heated, or the brie was overcooked by leaving it in the oven too long. To avoid the rubbery texture, remove the rind of the cheese and make sure to not overbake the brie in the oven.

Slice off the sides.

Lay the brie flat against the cutting board. Use the serrated knife to cut along the edge of the brie to slice off the sides. As you cut, start pulling the sides of the rind away from the brie, bit by bit. Continue until you've completely removed the rind from the brie.

Most cheese experts agree that Brie is best enjoyed at room temperature. In this case, be sure to remove from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before serving. Additionally, it's best to cut a wheel or wedge of Brie from the center point to the outer edge of the rind to get the most flavor out of it.

Brie has a rind that is eaten with the cheese. There is no wax. The rind is well flavoured but doesn't melt. So if you're going to insist on trying to melt it into something to make a sauce, you will need to cut the rind off.