At INOX Artisans, you have only to look at our wide selection of hand-forged cheese knives and beautifully crafted charcuterie boards to know that we enjoy eating and serving cheese. That’s why we’re creating a guide to different types of cheese, how they are made, and how to enjoy them.
Do you know what a cheese lover is called? The official term is “turophile”. The word was used back in the 1930s and never really became popular. Most people prefer to call someone who loves cheese a "cheese lover." It’s much easier to remember!
Brie: a soft surface-ripened cheese with a whitish rind and a pale-yellow interior. Pronounced: Bree
Brie is a French cheese that originates from the Brie region in Île-de-France, just outside of Paris. It was first produced in the town of Meaux in the 8th century. Often served at royal tables, Brie soon earned the nickname "the Queen's cheese." Today, there are various versions of Brie made in countries around the world, but it continues to be an integral part of French culinary tradition.
Brie served on the Cupid Marble Wood Round Platter With the 4-piece Jason Cheese Tool Set.
What is Brie?
Famous for that fluffy white rind (which is edible) and smooth interior, Brie is like the pearl of the cheese world, a genuine delicacy and elegant addition to your cheese and charcuterie boards. It is mostly made using cow's milk but can also be made using goat milk and has a mellow nutty flavor with hints of fresh mushrooms, and sauteed butter. When you slice Brie, it has a soft texture that can sometimes be slightly runny.
Produced as a wheel, you can buy Brie as a wheel or in segments. It’s ready to eat when the outside is firm, and the inside is slightly bouncy to the touch.
How to serve it
There is no wrong way to eat Brie! Its mild flavor makes it a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in many ways. The only thing to remember when serving this cheese is to make sure it is served at room temperature. If you remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit for about 30 minutes, it will become soft, spreadable, and ready to be the main attraction on your charcuterie board.
Note: Since Brie is moist, it tends to grow bacteria, so don’t leave it out for more than 2-3 hours.
Brie pairs well with many different foods, although the strict Brie aficionado might say the only way to serve it is with crusty bread or baguette slices.
Brie served in wedges with crusty bread is a delicious snack. Served on the Eclipse round cheese board with the charming rustic copper Sundance cheese accessories set.
Brie is delicious with both sweet and savory foods. Here are some foods to serve with Brie:
- Assorted crackers (mild flavored crackers won’t overpower the cheese flavor)
- Fresh fruit and berries like grapes, sliced apples, pears, blueberries, strawberries
- Dried fruit including dates, figs, apricots, and cranberries
- Nuts such as walnuts, pecans, almonds and pistachios
- Assorted jams and chutneys like raspberry, blueberry, fig, and mango
Whatever the season, these Brie, Walnut and Grape Appetizer Bites served with artisan-forged cocktail picks are a lovely snack. Serve them as is or drizzled with warm honey or a fruity balsamic glaze.
Top off your charcuterie boards with Brie, accompanied by an assortment of pickles, olives, and prosciutto.
Can you bake it?
Yes, Brie cheese melts beautifully! To serve it gooey, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (about 180°C). Place the cheese on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until it becomes gooey. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup and serve it with crackers. Melt Brie to serve it as a grilled cheese sandwich, or to top a burger. Combined with cream it makes a dreamy cheese sauce for pasta.
As for wine pairings, Brie goes well with many white wines, like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling. For red wine, Pinot Noir or a Beaujolais is a good choice. For celebrations, you can't go wrong with Champagne and Brie.
How to store it
Once Brie is cut, the ripening process is halted, and you should eat it within the next few days. Store it in the original container or wrap it in parchment or wax paper. This allows the rind to continue to breathe. Avoid using plastic wrap as it can trap moisture and spoil the cheese.
While Brie can be frozen for up to six months, it can change the taste and texture of the cheese. If you want to cook with Brie, freeze it in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer bag. To thaw it, place it in the refrigerator. Once it has thawed, use it right away.
If you’ve never tried Brie, we highly recommend this iconic French cheese. It is both delicious and versatile. Enjoy it on its own as a snack on the weekend or serve it to your friends and family on a charcuterie board along with other favorite foods. Either way, the rich and velvety qualities of Brie are sure to impress.
Title Photo: Polina Tankilevitch: www.pexels.com
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