We Just Discovered The Best Baked Brie Recipe Ever — And The Wines To Go With It
Growing up, I always considered brie cheese to be an enigma – an elegant and mysterious cheese that only beckoned from the pages of cookbooks, enchanting my taste buds with its delicate, creamy allure. It was a cheesy indulgence reserved for special occasions that seemed beyond my reach. But as the years went by, I discovered the extraordinary versatility and approachability of brie, transforming it from a distant dream to a cherished reality.
Brie, with its softness and lusciousness, became a canvas upon which I could paint my culinary aspirations. And, oh, the masterpieces I have conjured! Today, I'm sharing just a simple recipe for baked brie — a recipe that, over time, has become a cherished staple in my cooking repertoire. It's a testament to how this enigmatic cheese can be transformed into something extraordinary with just a few simple ingredients and a touch of creativity!
Ingredients For Baked Brie
Photo by Georgie Devlin/Pexels
- 1 wheel of brie cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional)
- Some crackers, baguette slices, or apple slices for serving
Instructions For Making Our Baked Brie Recipe
Photo by Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (or 190°C).
- Prepare the brie: Remove any excess packaging from the brie wheel. You can leave the rind on – it's edible and adds to the flavor and texture. Place the brie wheel in the center of a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Prepare the topping: In a small saucepan, heat the cranberry sauce over low heat. Stir in the chopped rosemary and, if you're using them, the chopped nuts. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce has warmed through and the rosemary is fragrant.
- Wrap with puff pastry: Roll out the sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to make it slightly larger. Place the brie wheel in the center of the pastry. Spoon the warm cranberry and rosemary mixture over the top of the brie.
- Wrap the brie: Gently fold the puff pastry over the brie, covering it completely. Trim any excess pastry, if necessary. You can use a decorative cookie cutter to cut out shapes from the pastry scraps to garnish the top if you like.
- Seal the edges: Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg, and press them together to seal the brie inside. Make sure there are no openings or gaps.
- Brush with egg wash: Brush the entire surface of the puff pastry with the beaten egg. This will give the baked brie a beautiful golden color when it's done.
- Bake: Place the wrapped brie on the prepared baking sheet with the seam side down. Bake it in the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Carefully transfer the baked brie to a serving platter. You can garnish it with additional rosemary sprigs for a decorative touch. Serve it immediately with crackers, baguette slices, or apple slices for dipping!
The Best Wines To Pair With This Baked Brie Recipe
Pairing wine with baked brie is all about finding a wine that complements the rich, creamy, and sometimes sweet or savory flavors of the dish. Here's a list of wine pairings that are often considered great choices to serve with baked brie, and the reasons why they work so well together:
- Chardonnay: Chardonnay is a popular choice because its creamy texture and buttery notes harmonize with the softer textures of brie. It also has enough acidity to cut through the richness of the cheese, balancing out the flavors.
- Sauvignon Blanc: Sauvignon Blanc is known for its crisp acidity and herbaceous notes, which contrast nicely with the creaminess of baked brie. The brightness also helps cleanse the palate between bites.
- Riesling: A slightly sweet Riesling can be a delightful pairing with this cheese. The sweetness of the wine complements the sweeter elements in the brie.
- Pinot Grigio: This light and crisp white wine is a versatile choice that won't overpower the cheese. Its citrusy and green apple notes can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy brie.
- Sparkling Wine or Champagne: The effervescence of sparkling wine (or Champagne) cuts through the richness of brie, cleansing the palate and adding quite a celebratory touch to your meal.
- Rosé: A dry or off-dry rosé can work well, particularly with baked brie that has fruity toppings. The wine's fruit-forward notes will complement the flavors of the dish.
- Pinot Noir: If you prefer red wine, a light to medium-bodied Pinot Noir can be a suitable choice. Its red fruit and earthy notes can complement the cheese – without overwhelming it.
- Merlot: Another red wine option, Merlot's soft and fruity character works nicely with brie. Look for a less tannic Merlot to avoid any bitterness.
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Lead photo by Ron Lach / PEXELS.