Many people eat brie with a crust, but others find its flavor and texture unattractive. The problem is that the soft part of the cheese sticks to the rind as if it were glue, making it difficult to take it off without taking half of the cheese away. The solution? Freeze the brie before peeling off the top, bottom and sides with a serrated knife, then bring it back to room temperature (or cook it) and serve.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Remove the Whole Peel
Step 1. Wrap the brie in a piece of plastic wrap
This will protect it from the cold of the freezer and keep its texture and flavor intact. Use several pieces of cling film and make sure you cover the entire piece of cheese.
Step 2. Put the brie in the freezer for at least 30 minutes
During this time the brie will harden, thus making it easier to remove the crust.
30 minutes is the minimum necessary to allow the brie to solidify. If you have more time, it's okay to leave it in the refrigerator for a few hours or a whole night
Step 3. Remove the brie from the freezer and remove the foil
If it is still soft, put it back in the freezer for another half hour. This method will only work if the brie is completely solid. If it feels stiff to the touch, place it on a cutting board.
Step 4. Cut off the top and bottom
Place the brie on its side and use a serrated knife to remove the circular ends of the brie. Once the cut is made, use your fingers to peel off the rind. If the brie is tough enough, the top and bottom should be easy to remove.
If you have difficulty cutting the brie or removing the rind from the cheese, wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for another 30 minutes, then try again
Step 5. Cut the sides
Place the brie on the cutting board, horizontally. Use the serrated knife to cut the edges of the cheese, removing the sides. As you cut, pull off the sides of the crust, piece by piece. Continue until you have removed the entire crust.
- To prevent the brie from sticking to the cutting board, you could place a piece of wax paper on the surface before placing the wedge of cheese on it.
- If the cheese still seems to stick to the rind, rewrap it in plastic wrap and put it back in the freezer to harden before trying again.
Step 6. Discard the crust and serve the cheese
Give the cheese time to return to room temperature before serving.
Method 2 of 2: Making a Bowl of Brie
Step 1. Wrap the brie in plastic wrap
This will protect it from the cold of the freezer and keep its texture and flavor intact. Use several pieces of cling film and make sure you cover the entire crust.
Step 2. Put the brie in the freezer for at least 30 minutes
During this time the brie will harden, thus making it easier to remove the crust.
30 minutes is the minimum necessary to allow the brie to solidify. If you have more time, it's okay to leave it in the refrigerator for a few hours or a whole night
Step 3. Remove the brie from the freezer and remove the foil
If it is still soft, put it back in the freezer for another half hour. This method will only work if the brie is completely solid. If it feels stiff to the touch, place it on a cutting board.
Step 4. Cut off the top
Place the brie on its side and use a serrated knife to remove the top of the crust. Once the cut is made, use your fingers to peel off the rind. If the brie is hard enough, the top should be easy to remove.
- Cutting only the top leaves an opening in the shape of a "bowl", so that the cream cheese can be taken out to eat or serve. The same method can be used to empty a wedge of brie. If you prefer, you can remove all the crust before cooking the cheese or serving it.
- Be careful and try to remove as little cheese as possible. Cut only the white, dry peel.
Step 5. Cook the bowl of brie
Put the brie in a baking dish and cook it for 15-20 minutes at 300 degrees. When cooked, it should become creamy and shiny.
Step 6. Pour some jam or fruit preserves over it
A sour, sweet berry or orange jam will be perfect to combine with brie, creamy and salty.
Step 7. Serve with crackers
Mulino Bianco's wholemeal crackers or Fiori d’Acqua crackers will be a perfect match.
