What is Brie Cheese?

Most of us can’t help but snack on a delicious piece of cheese or pick at a cheese board at an event. While there are many different types of cheese to enjoy, nothing is better than warm, melty cheese, ideally paired with some high-quality bread. For many cheese connoisseurs, there’s nothing that beats brie cheese. This French cheese is extremely popular, but if you haven’t had the chance to experience it for yourself yet or love it and want to know more about it, we can help.

What Type of Cheese is Brie?

Brie is a soft-ripened cheese typically made from cow milk. You can find this cheese covered in a white outer layer known as a bloomy rind. While the rind might seem like it’s simply there to protect these cheese, it’s actually a much more vital part of brie. The rind found on a wheel of brie is actually a layer of mold called Penicillium candidum. Cheesemakers inoculate the brie with Penicillium candidum, which blooms on the outside of the cheese, to give it the flavor that so many love. The creamy inside of brie might be your favorite part, but the rind is perfectly safe to eat, and it’s often encouraged that you do. Brie is known for its mild, buttery, slightly nutty taste that pairs well with many other flavors.

When Was Brie Invented?

Brie was first made in Brie, a region in Northern France, and was originally created by monks in the 7th century. Monasteries in the Middle Ages commonly made their own goods, such as cheese, wine, and beer, for themselves and to make an income. However, some also believe that the first brie was actually made by accident in the Middle East. Brie has been popular for centuries, including among royalty. Charlemagne was known to love the cheese, as were various French monarchs and royalty and important figures from other countries. 

Brie vs. Camembert

Camembert is another French cheese very similar to brie, and it can be easy to confuse the two. Brie contains slightly more butterfat than camembert and is often smoother and creamier. While brie has a mild, buttery taste, camembert has a stronger, earthier flavor. 

How Do You Serve Brie?

While Brie should be stored in the refrigerator, it’s better to serve it at room temperature. Taking brie out about an hour before serving allows the cheese to soften and become creamier, while also enhancing the taste. However, another extremely popular way of serving brie is by baking it. Baked brie is amazing when scooped up with bread or crackers, and there’s plenty you can add to it for even more flavor.

At The Beaumont Inn, we bake brie wrapped in puff pastry with caramelized peaches. Once it’s perfectly golden brown and oozy, we top it off with a local honey blackberry reduction and serve it with crostinis. 

Order Brie and Other Delicious Appetizers at The Beaumont Inn

There’s no reason to rush right into your dinner. At The Beaumont Inn, we offer a seasonal baked brie and many more amazing appetizers on our menu that are perfect for starting off your meal. 

Make reservations to enjoy dinner in Dallas at The Beaumont Inn today!