7 Delicious Ways to Savor Brie Cheese

Once a symbol of luxury and reserved for special events, Brie has become a beloved favorite. Its creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle taste make it irresistible.

Brie pairs perfectly with a variety of snacks and dishes. Its versatility makes it an ideal companion for countless flavors and ingredients—there's no wrong way to enjoy this exquisite French cheese.

What Exactly is Brie Cheese?

Brie is a soft, ripened French cheese with a smooth, ivory interior and a distinctive greyish rind. A luxurious treat that won't break the bank, it's a favorite among cheese lovers.

In France, Brie is crafted using both pasteurized and raw milk. Enzymes and rennet are introduced to curdle the milk, after which the curds are placed into round molds and drained of whey. The cheese then rests for about a week before being coated with mold, which matures the cheese from the outside in, forming its signature 'bloomy rind'. The entire process of making Brie takes between four and six weeks.

Brie has a rich, buttery flavor with a hint of fruitiness and just a touch of earthiness. Its creamy texture makes it perfect for both slicing and spreading, offering a velvety mouthfeel that turns irresistibly smooth when warmed.

The History of Brie

Named after the French region of Reuil-en-Brie, where it was first made by monks, Brie has roots that stretch back to the Middle Ages. Legend tells that Emperor Charlemagne tasted the cheese at a monastery in the 8th century and was so captivated by its flavor that he helped popularize it throughout France.

Due to its royal reputation, Brie became known as the "queen's cheese" and was often given as a tribute to French royalty.

While authentic Brie is mostly found in France, a more stable version that still captures its delicious flavor can be found at most U.S. grocery stores, thanks to its widespread popularity.

Should You Eat the Rind on Brie?

You should definitely enjoy the iconic bloomy rind of Brie. It's customary to consume the entire cheese, rind included. While some might prefer to trim the edges, it's completely unnecessary and only wastes the good stuff. The rind is soft and flavorful, mirroring the cheese inside, so go ahead and enjoy it!

Discover the recipe: Sweet Orange and Cranberry Baked Brie

How to Enjoy Brie Cheese

With its mild and nutty flavor, Brie is incredibly versatile and difficult to overdo. Here are just a few of the many ways you can savor this delightful cheese.

Straight from the store

Brie is best enjoyed when it’s properly ripened. You'll know it's ready when the rind feels firm and the inside has a slight bounce. Avoid the unripe cheese that’s too firm or the overripe version that’s runny. For a simple treat, enjoy it straight from the store with crackers or bread. If you have leftovers, wrap them in wax paper (not plastic) and store in the fridge to allow it to breathe.

At Room Temperature

Take your Brie out of the fridge about an hour before you plan to eat it, as it’s best enjoyed at room temperature. This makes it an ideal choice for party cheese boards. If you're short on time, seal it in a zip-top bag and place it in warm water just above room temperature to gently warm it up.

As a Course

In France, Brie is often served as its own course before dessert, and it truly deserves the spotlight. However, it also makes a fantastic appetizer, paired with fruit, meats, puff pastry, jam, or crackers. The creamy, velvety texture of Brie pairs beautifully with the tang of acidity. It also spreads easily on bread for a quick and satisfying snack.

On a Cheese Board

When serving Brie on a cheese or charcuterie board, pre-slice some wedges to help guests gauge portion sizes. Avoid cutting into triangles, as the center "tip" is often the most flavorful part. Instead, slice the Brie along the side to ensure everyone gets a taste of every part of the cheese. For best results, cut the wheel in half, then slice into smaller pieces.

Brie’s buttery, nutty flavor pairs beautifully with a wide range of accompaniments. Consider pairing it with salami, prosciutto, pickles, apricots, apples, pears, dates, almonds, candied walnuts, or pecans. Arrange these on French bread or crackers, or serve them on a platter with small plates for guests to sample.

Baked Brie

To bake Brie, place a whole wheel on parchment paper in a shallow baking dish and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. The cheese will melt inside while the rind remains intact. Use the parchment paper to lift the cheese out for serving. Pair it with crackers, figs, and honey for a delightful treat.

For an extra special touch, bake Brie in puff pastry. Place the entire wheel in the center of a puff pastry sheet, spread a layer of your favorite jam on top, and fold the pastry over the cheese. Brush the pastry with egg, place it on parchment paper in a shallow dish, and bake at 400°F for 35 minutes for a golden, crispy crust.

In a Sandwich

Brie's mild flavor pairs beautifully with a wide variety of sandwich ingredients. Feel free to get creative with your combinations, like a delicious Brie and apple sandwich with stone-ground mustard.

Puff Pastry Cups

Cube some Brie and place it in pre-made puff pastry cups with a small spoonful of jam before baking. These delectable little bites are perfect for holiday spreads or any occasion that calls for a savory, cheesy treat.