My love affair with brie traces back to my tenure in Aix-en-Provence, a quaint, ethereal, enchanting French town in the southern region of Provence. I used to frequent the daily street markets on my lunch break, often skipping back to the park with a fresh baguette and wheel of whatever assorted cheese looked the most appetizing that day. And thus, in the cheese capital of the world, I discovered brie. The smooth, creamy, texture is heartwarming, whatever the occasion.
Since my return to the States, I’ve continued to maintain brie as a regular staple of my cooking. For those of you on strict diets and eating regimens, brie probably seems off-limits. But I’d like to argue that a little brie once in a while is fantastic food for the soul, and it can definitely be worked into a diet plan if needed.
Plus, there are SO many different dishes and recipes you can make with brie, and most of them are incredibly easy if executed properly. Need a few starter ideas? Here’s my top 5 list of brie favs:
1. Walnut & Brown Sugar Baked Brie: Sure to be gone in a matter of minutes, this is perfect for any party or gathering you may be attending. Simply layer a wheel of your favorite Brie, walnuts, then brown sugar on a defrosted puff pastry, enclose, and bake for 20 minutes at 375°.
2. Brie Sandwiches: The options here are legitimately endless. Whether you’re into a brie, butternut squash, cinnamon and bacon combo, or a pear, walnut and brie sangie, you really can never go wrong.
3. Brie Grilled Cheeses: A fancy take on classic comfort food. Some of my favorite extras include apples, prosciutto, mushrooms and arugula – combined in any and every which way.
4. Brie Stuffed Mushrooms: Made these for my family’s Christmas Eve party last year. Hollow-out large white mushrooms, stuff with caramelized onions, a pinch of thyme, and a small ¾ in x ¾ in block of brie. Bake at 450° for 12-15 minutes.
5. Brie & Prosciutto Bites: A recent favorite that my roommates allowed as our awards show snack one recent Sunday night. I’ve included the full recipe for this one below – enjoy!
What You’ll Need:
2 sheets puff pastry, thawed but still cold
3/4 wedge of brie, cold
8 oz thin-sliced prosciutto
Thyme (to taste)
Coarsely ground sea salt
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Cut each puff pastry into 12 rectangular pieces, about 2 1/4-inch tall and 3-inches wide (you should end up with a total of 24 rectangles).
3. Cut Brie into 1 in x 1 in cubes. Roll each cube lightly in thyme, then wrap the cube in 1/3 of a slice of prosciutto. My measurements are rough estimates – feel free to vary the amounts of brie, thyme and prosciutto as you like.
4. Place each brie and prosciutto cube in the center of one puff pastry rectangle, then layer a second on top. Use a fork to press the edges of both together. Make sure to seal the edges well by crimping with the fork.
5. Place prepared brie bites on a parchment lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with a touch of coarsely ground sea salt if desired. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
By Laura Burke
