The Art Of Reheating Baked Brie: A Tasty Revival

Baked brie is a classic starter, often served with fresh fruit, biscuits, and honey. Its soft texture and simple, delicate taste make it a crowd-pleaser at any get-together. While it's best served fresh from the oven, you can reheat baked brie if you have leftovers.

To reheat baked brie, wrap it in foil and place it on a baking sheet or in a casserole dish. Add a few tablespoons of water to create steam and reheat in the oven for 10-15 minutes. You can also use an air fryer set to the same temperature.

It's important to note that reheated brie may not have the same texture and flavour as freshly baked brie. It's also not recommended to reheat baked brie in the microwave, as it can become rubbery and lose its shape.

Oven vs microwave

When it comes to reheating baked brie, the oven and the microwave are two popular options. However, there are some key differences between the two methods that you should consider.

Oven

Using an oven to reheat baked brie is a slow and gentle process that helps retain the cheese's texture and flavour. Here's how to do it:

• Preheat your oven to between 120°C and 250°F.
• While the oven is warming up, wrap the brie loosely in kitchen foil, ensuring it has room to breathe.
• Place the wrapped brie on a baking sheet or casserole dish. You can line the baking sheet with foil for easier cleanup.
• Add a few tablespoons of water to create steam and help prevent the cheese from drying out.
• Reheat the brie for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of the serving.
• Carefully unwrap the foil and serve the brie hot.

Microwave

The microwave is a much faster option for reheating baked brie, but it can be trickier to get consistent results. Here's a general guide:

• Remove the brie from any wooden containers or plastic wrapping and place it on a microwave-safe dish or bowl with a rim to catch any runny cheese.
• Heat the brie in short bursts of around 20 seconds, checking the texture of the cheese after each burst.
• Continue heating until the centre of the brie is slightly soft, which should take around 1 to 2 minutes, depending on the size of the cheese.
• Add toppings and serve immediately.

In conclusion, both the oven and the microwave can be used to reheat baked brie successfully. The oven method is slower but helps maintain the texture and flavour of the cheese, while the microwave is faster but can be less consistent. Ultimately, the best method depends on your time constraints and personal preferences.

How to wrap it

Wrapping is an important step in the process of reheating baked brie. It is recommended to use aluminium foil or kitchen foil to wrap the brie. The foil should be wrapped loosely, not pulled too tight, to allow the cheese to breathe. This is crucial to prevent the brie from drying out, which can ruin its texture.

When wrapping the brie, it is also important to consider the baking dish or pan that will be used. One option is to place the wrapped brie directly onto a baking sheet or casserole dish. To make clean-up easier, you can prep the baking sheet with additional foil in case the cheese leaks. Another option is to line the baking dish with parchment paper, which can help with transferring the brie to a serving tray after reheating.

It is worth noting that if you are reheating baked brie in puff pastry, the pastry may become soggy. Therefore, it is generally recommended to reheat baked brie without any additional pastry.

In summary, when wrapping baked brie for reheating, use foil or parchment paper, wrap it loosely, and consider the type of baking dish or pan that will be used to ensure optimal results.

How long to reheat it for

The time it takes to reheat baked brie depends on the quantity of cheese and the method used. For example, if you are reheating a baked brie in the oven, it will take longer than if you are reheating a small portion in the microwave.

If you are reheating a whole baked brie, it is recommended that you preheat your oven to between 120°C and 175°C (or 350°F). Then, wrap the brie in foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and melted.

If you are reheating a small portion of baked brie, you can use the microwave. Place the cheese in a microwave-safe dish and heat it on high power for 30-60 seconds, checking regularly, until the cheese is soft and gooey.

It is important to note that baked brie tastes and looks best right after being baked. If reheated, the texture and flavour may differ. Additionally, if baked brie has been left at room temperature for over two hours, it should not be reheated and should be discarded.

What to serve it with

Baked brie is a versatile dish that can be served as a starter, appetiser, or dessert. It pairs well with both sweet and savoury accompaniments. Here are some ideas for what to serve with baked brie:

Fruits

Fruits are a classic pairing with brie. Apples, pears, and stone fruits like peaches, nectarines, and plums are all excellent choices. They provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy cheese. For an elegant touch, try roasted grapes. Fresh or dried fruits also work well, especially when paired with nuts and crackers.

Crackers and Breads

Crackers are a popular choice to serve with baked brie. Earthy crackers with pepper and rosemary, super-seeded crackers, or flax crackers can add texture and flavour to the dish. Plain water crackers or plain bread, such as sourdough, are also good options if you want to keep things simple. For a gluten-free option, try toasted keto bread or gluten-free baguette slices.

Meats and Condiments

Cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and sopressa pair well with brie. For a classic combination, serve brie with a warm side of mashed roasted garlic. Caramelised onions, either blended into a jam or served whole, can also complement the cheese. Sun-dried tomatoes are another tasty addition.

Sweet Toppings

For a sweeter take on baked brie, try drizzling it with honey or topping it with jams or fruit spreads. Strawberry and fig jams are popular choices, or you can make your own fruit spread by warming and mashing raspberries or blackberries. A sprinkle of nuts, such as pecans, can also add a nice crunch and flavour.

How to store it

Storing baked brie is an important step to ensure its freshness and quality. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store it:

Storing Unopened Brie:

• It is recommended to refrigerate unopened brie immediately after purchase and keep it stored in the refrigerator until completely consumed. Brie is very rich and creamy, and its softness allows bacteria to grow rapidly if not stored correctly.
• Maintain a consistent temperature in the fridge, ideally between 2°C and 7°C (35°F to 45°F), to prevent bacterial growth.
• Keep the cheese in its original packaging to protect it from moisture and air. The packaging also prevents the cheese from drying out and absorbing unwanted flavours from other foods.
• Consume the cheese within its expiration date or within one week of purchase to ensure optimal freshness.

Storing Leftover Baked Brie:

• Store any leftover baked brie in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Consume the leftover brie within 3 days for the best quality and taste.
• You can reheat the leftover brie in the microwave or oven until the cheese is melted again. However, avoid reheating multiple times, as the cheese may become rubbery.

Frequently asked questions