Brie is a creamy, soft cheese that is a staple on cheese boards and charcuterie plates. Its smooth texture and subtle, earthy flavor make it a crowd-pleasing option. But what if you want to enjoy brie warm instead of cold? Can you microwave brie to melt it?
The short answer is yes, you can microwave brie! Melting brie in the microwave is an easy way to incorporate it into dips, spreads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and more. When heated, brie becomes deliciously gooey and spreadable.
However, there are some tips and tricks to microwaving brie properly so that you end up with melted cheese instead of a rubbery mess. This article will cover everything you need to know about microwaving brie cheese.
What is Brie Cheese?
Before jumping into the best practices for microwaving, let’s start with a quick overview of what exactly brie is.
Brie is a soft-ripened cheese that originated in the Brie region of France. It’s made from cow’s milk and has a white, edible rind surrounded by a soft, buttery interior.
There are different types of brie cheeses:
- Brie de Meaux: This is the original French brie, with a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status. It has a more robust flavor compared to other types of brie.
- Brie de Melun: Another French brie with PDO status, it is considered more flavorful than Brie de Meaux.
- French Brie: Generic brie made in France that doesn’t have PDO status. Still high quality but more mild in flavor.
- Double and triple-cream brie: Variations with more fat content, making them even richer and creamier.
- California brie: American-made brie that tends to be less expensive but still creamy and tasty.
No matter the type, brie has a smooth, spreadable texture when brought to room temperature or warmed. This makes it a versatile option for cooking and snacking.
Nutrition Facts of Brie Cheese
Before enjoying any food, it’s always good to understand the nutritional value. Here are some key nutrition facts about brie cheese:
- Calories: Around 95 calories per 1 oz serving
- Fat: 8g total fat per oz, with 5g being saturated fat
- Protein: 6g protein per oz
- Carbs: Less than 1g net carbs per oz
- Calcium: 20% Daily Value per serving
- Sodium: Around 170mg per oz
So in moderation, brie can be part of a balanced diet. It provides a good amount of protein and calcium. However, it is high in total and saturated fat, so portion control is recommended.
Can You Microwave Brie?
Now onto the key question – can you microwave brie cheese? The answer is yes! Microwaving is an easy way to quickly melt brie to a gooey, molten consistency. It takes just 30-60 seconds to transform a cold slice of brie into a hot, creamy dip or topping.
However, there are some best practices to follow when microwaving brie. You want to avoid overheating it or cooking it unevenly. Here are some microwave brie tips:
- Use low power (50% or less): High heat can make brie rubbery and tough. Use a lower power setting for even warming.
- Microwave in short bursts: Heat brie in 30 second intervals, checking frequently. This prevents overcooking.
- Cut off rind first: The rind can get chewy and tough in the microwave. Slice it off before heating.
- Let sit: After microwaving, let brie sit for 1-2 minutes. The cheese will continue melting from residual heat.
- Stir or flip: For even melting, stir or gently flip brie halfway through cooking.
Following these tips will give you melted brie with a smooth, creamy texture every time.
| Microwaving Brie Tips | Description |
|---|---|
| Use low power | Heat on 50% power or less for even warming |
| Microwave in short bursts | Heat for 30 secs at a time, checking frequently |
| Remove rind first | The rind can get chewy, so slice it off before microwaving |
| Let sit | After microwaving, let sit for 1-2 mins to finish melting |
| Stir or flip | For even melting, stir or flip brie halfway through |
Best Uses for Microwaved Brie
Once you have that perfect melted brie, how do you eat it? Here are some delicious ways to use microwaved brie:
- Brie dip – Combine melted brie with cream cheese, herbs, and garlic. Serve with bread, veggies, pretzels, or crackers for dipping.
- Grilled brie sandwiches – Put melted brie between slices of bread with apples, pears, or other fruit. Grill until crisp.
- Brie fondue – For an easy fondue, combine melted brie with white wine, garlic, and nutmeg. Dip bread cubes or veggies.
- Pastas and pizza – Mix melted brie into pasta sauces or drizzle over hot pizza fresh out of the oven.
- Bruschetta or crostini topping – Top toasted bread with melted brie, tomato, basil, and balsamic glaze.
- Quesadillas – Use melted brie as the cheese for quesadillas with chicken, veggies, or other fillings.
- Breakfast dishes – Try melted brie on waffles, omelets, baked French toast, or potatoes.
The possibilities are endless when you have melted brie cheese ready to drizzle, dollop, or blend into your favorite recipes. Get creative!
FAQs About Microwaving Brie
If you’re new to microwaving brie, chances are you have some questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Does microwaving brie change the flavor?
Microwaving brie should not significantly change the flavor of the cheese. However, it can become slightly more pronounced and intense when melted. Let it cool a bit before tasting if the warm cheese is too strong.
How long does microwaved brie last?
If kept refrigerated, microwaved brie will last 3-5 days. Make sure to seal it in an airtight container. The warmer temperature can shorten its shelf life compared to fresh brie.
Can you microwave an entire brie wheel?
It’s best to cut brie into smaller, thinner pieces before microwaving. A whole wheel can lead to uneven melting. Cut off the top rind and slice the brie into wedges or cubes first.
Is microwaved brie safe when pregnant?
Unless your doctor advises otherwise, pasteurized brie that is thoroughly heated to steaming is considered safe to eat during pregnancy. However, confirm with your provider first.
What’s the best cheese to mix with brie?
Some delicious options to blend with brie are cheddar, gouda, Parmesan, goat cheese, cream cheese, gorgonzola, gruyere, and fontina. Mix and match to create cheese dips and sauces.
The Takeaway
Microwaving is a quick and convenient way to melt brie cheese for all sorts of hot appetizers, snacks, meals, and more. Just be sure to use low power and heat it gradually for the best results.
Now that you know how to microwave brie properly, get ready to enjoy this creamy delicacy in warm, melted form. Drizzle it over pasta or veggies, blend it into dips and spreads, or just eat it by the spoonful. Brie takes just about any dish from basic to gourmet!
