Brie is a soft, creamy cheese that originates from France and has become popular around the world. It’s mild in flavor and pairs well with many different types of foods, making it an ideal addition to any meal or snack.
Whether you’re having a party or just enjoying some alone time, there are plenty of great ideas out there for what to eat with your brie. Here’s a look at some of the most popular pairings:
What To Eat With Brie
Brie can be enjoyed when combined with bread, crackers, fruits, vegetables, nuts and jam. It can also be served alongside other types of cheeses or meats. Breadsticks are a popular accompaniment to brie as well.
1. Bread
Bread and cheese is a classic combination, and Brie is no exception. The perfect accompaniment for this creamy, smooth cheese is a good crusty bread – something that won’t get lost in the mix. With its slightly sweet flavour and crunchy outer crust, it’s no surprise that the French have traditionally served Brie with baguette.
But there are plenty of other options if you want to switch things up. Ciabatta has an open texture which will hold its own against the cheesy goodness of Brie, while sourdough has a nice bite that complements the creaminess of the cheese.
Focaccia also works really well – just make sure it’s not too dense. Whatever your choice of bread, be sure to cut off any thick crust before serving; it can be a little hard to bite through when paired with soft Brie.
2. Plain Cracker
Another great way to enjoy Brie is with plain crackers. Not only do they provide an enjoyable crunchy texture, but the neutral taste doesn’t clash with the complex and creamy flavors of Brie.
Moreover, because it’s a fairly bland snack, you can also use plain crackers as a canvas for other complimentary items such as fig jam, honey, or fruit. Furthermore, due to their low sodium content and low-fat content, plain crackers are relatively healthy compared to other snacks – making them an excellent snack choice for those who are health conscious.
3. Fruits
Fruit is a great accompaniment to Brie because it can bring out its velvety texture. The most common fruits to pair with brie are apples, pears, figs, grapes, peaches, and plums. Apples pair especially well with brie because of their tartness. Pears and figs are also popular because of their sweet-tart flavor.
Grapes provide a slight bitterness which pairs nicely with the creamy softness of brie. Peaches have a sweetness that adds contrast to the creaminess and nuttiness of the cheese. Plums offer a unique flavor to add complexity to all the flavors in your dish.
All these fruits are packed with vitamins and minerals that your body needs and will also go perfectly with any type of brie you may choose. Just remember not to overload on fruity toppings as this can overwhelm the complex flavors of brie cheese.
4. Vegetable
Vegetables can be a great companion to Brie cheese. The sweet, creamy flavor of the cheese blends nicely with earthy, crisp vegetables. Serving up a platter of Brie and fresh vegetables is a simple way to enjoy this delicious French cheese.
Roasted bell peppers, steamed broccoli, cooked carrots, sautéed mushrooms – all make delectable accompaniments to Brie. You can also get creative with your vegetable selections and use raw veggies such as celery sticks and cucumber slices for dipping in the cheese.
For an added kick of flavor, you can sprinkle some herbs like thyme or oregano over the veggie platter before serving it alongside the Brie.
5. Nuts
Nuts have a subtle sweetness and crunchy texture that perfectly complements the creaminess of Brie cheese. They add a nice contrast to the soft texture of the cheese and provide some additional protein.
Almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, and pecans are all great choices to serve with Brie. You can also add a layer of flavor by lightly toasting the nuts before serving them.
For a more adventurous snack, try combining different types of nuts with dried fruits and spices for an enhanced flavor. This combination of crunchy, sweet and savory will be a hit with guests at your next party.
6. Breadsticks
Breadsticks are a great way to enjoy brie cheese as they provide a light and crunchy texture that compliments the creaminess of the cheese. They also have a subtle flavor that won’t overpower the flavors of the cheese.
They are perfect for dipping in various sauces and spreads, or they can be eaten alone as a snack. Simply cut up the breadsticks into bite-sized pieces and serve them alongside your favorite brie cheese.
For a more interesting snack, try combining breadsticks with fresh herbs and spices to add an extra layer of flavor. The combination of crunchy and savory will be sure to tantalize your taste buds.
7. Jam
Jam provides a perfect contrast to its creamy richness. Jam is made by heating fruits, sugar, and sometimes other ingredients like pectin or lemon juice. This high-sugar content makes jam incredibly sweet, which pairs wonderfully with the savory notes in Brie cheese.
Jam comes in many different flavors so you can mix it up depending on your mood or the occasion–strawberry, raspberry, and apricot are all popular options.
What’s more, jams are often used as glazes on baked goods like cakes and pies, so if you want something a little lighter than the traditional pairing of brie and jam on crackers, try topping your favorite dessert with some of your favorite jams for an extra layer of sweetness.
Jam is also great for making sauces or marinades for meats like pork or chicken; adding just a spoonful will help to enhance flavor and give dishes an extra depth of flavor.
8. Meat
Meats like prosciutto, salami, and other cured meats pair wonderfully with Brie cheese. The salty and savory flavors of the meat go perfectly with the creamy texture of the cheese.
Meats can be served in thin slices alongside Brie cheese and crackers or can be used to make more creative dishes. For example, you could wrap Brie cheese in prosciutto or pancetta and bake it for a delicious appetizer. Or try combining Brie with salami and mushrooms to make an indulgent pasta dish.
9. Other Cheeses
If you’re truly a cheese lover, what better way to enjoy Brie than by pairing it with more cheese? Try combining Brie with other soft cheeses like Camembert or Chevre for a unique flavor combination. Or, if you prefer a harder cheese, try pairing your Brie with a sharp cheddar or Gruyere.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to combining different types of cheese. You can create a delicious cheese board with a variety of cheeses for guests to sample, or you could even use different kinds of cheese to make a rich and creamy macaroni and cheese.
What Fruit Goes With Brie?
Brie, in particular, is an incredibly versatile cheese that pairs well with many different fruits. Whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing or something rich and indulgent, you can find the ideal accompaniment to your favorite cheese. Here are some of the best fruit choices for pairing with brie:
- Grapes
- Pears
- Berries
- Apples
- Apricots
- Cherries
- Figs
- Dried fruit like dates, raisins, and cranberries
These fruits can be served alongside brie and crackers or used to add flavorful toppings to brie-based dishes. For example, you could top a brie and pizza with dried cranberries or combine honey and figs to make a topping for baked brie.
What Sauce Goes With Brie Cheese?
Whether you’re a cheese lover or just looking for something different to serve at your next gathering, pairing brie with the right sauce can take this creamy cheese to the next level. The following sauces are perfect for pairing with brie:
- Cranberry Sauce
- Hoisin Sauce
- Mustard
- Pesto
- Chimichurri
- Caramel Sauce
- Honey-Mustard
- Apple Butter
- Marinara Sauce
- Balsamic Glaze
These sauces can be used to top crackers with brie, create dips for bread or vegetables, or as a topping for baked brie.
What Bread Goes With Brie Cheese?
When it comes to pairing bread with brie cheese, there are a variety of options that will enhance the flavor and texture of this delicious cheese. Here are some of the best breads for pairing with brie:
- Crusty sourdough
- Pretzel rolls
- Baguettes
- Focaccia
- French bread
- Rye bread
- Ciabatta
- Pita bread
- Flatbread
- Tortillas
These breads can be used to create open-faced sandwiches with brie and other ingredients, or you could use them as a base for baked brie dishes.
What Wine Goes With Brie Cheese?
Wine and cheese are a classic combination, and when it comes to pairing them together, few kinds of cheese can rival the creamy, buttery taste of brie. Whether you’re looking for an everyday wine or something special for a more formal occasion, there’s sure to be a perfect bottle to accompany your brie.
Here are some great options that will bring out the best in your cheese platter:
- Champagne
- Riesling
- Pinot Gris
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Burgundy
- Merlot
- Gewurztraminer
No matter which wine you choose, make sure to serve it slightly chilled. This helps bring out the complex flavors of your cheese and makes for a perfect pairing.
Conclusion
I have explored some of the best ideas for pairing Brie with other foods. Bread and plain crackers are always classic options that can be served both as an appetizer and a snack. Fruits and vegetables, such as apples, pears, figs, and cherries, provide a great way to add some nutrition and balance out the richness of the Brie.
Nuts are another tasty way to mix up your Brie experience – they provide a crunchy texture, along with an extra layer of flavor. For something a little sweeter, try adding jam or honey to your Brie platter.
Meat dishes such as chicken or ham can also make for a delicious accompaniment to your cheese selection. Finally, don’t forget about sampling other cheeses – why not pair two different types of cheese together and see which one you prefer?
When it comes down to it, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to pairing Brie with other foods – it’s all about personal preference.
So why not get creative in the kitchen and experiment with different combinations? You might be surprised at how much flavor you can create from different combinations of these nine best ideas for eating with Brie. Have fun exploring all the possibilities!
