Sweet and Savory Brie Wheel Appetizers
Try a Layer of Pest, Honey or Fig in the Middle of a Cheese Wheel
Nov 5, 2009
When it comes to hosting a dinner party, it can be tricky to find appetizers that have a “wow” factor that are also easy on the wallet. Rather than worrying about making several different appetizers with a lot of different ingredients, find one appetizer with just a few ingredients that guests may enjoy over a period of time.
Next time family or friends are gathering try one of these brie wheel recipes that are easy to make, and have just a few quick ingredients.
Brie with Pesto and Pine Nuts
This recipe balances the creaminess of the brie with the saltiness of the pesto and the nutty aroma and flavor of the pine nuts. Here’s how to assemble the dish.
Things You’ll Need
- 1 large wedge of brie, usually 12 to 16 ounces, should be refrigerated before starting
- 2 tablespoons of pesto
- 1 tablespoon of pine nuts
Assembling the Brie with Pesto and Pine Nuts
- Spray a long thin knife with non-stick cooking spray.
- Cut the wheel of brie in half horizontally.
- Spread a layer of pesto on the bottom half of the brie wheel. It should be noted not to spread the pesto right to the edge, as when the top of the wheel is placed on the brie, it will force the pesto to the edge.
- Place the pine nuts in a dry skillet and toast over a medium burner for a couple minutes until the fragrance starts to arise.
- Sprinkle on top of the brie wheel.
- Allow the brie to sit at room temperature for a couple of hours. This will allow the brie to soften and the flavor of the pesto to meld together.
- Serve to the guests.
The Brie with Fig Jam and Walnut Wheel
The assembly of this wheel is identical to the recipe above. Except replace the pesto with the fig jam and the pine nuts with walnuts. The balance of this Brie with Fig Jam and Walnut Wheel will meld the creaminess of the brie with the sweetness of the fig while balanced with the nutty flavors of the walnuts. The only additional step is to chop the walnuts roughly before toasting.
The Brie with Honey and Pecan Wheel
This wheel is a variation on the fig jam and walnut wheel and has a similar flavor profile in the creamy brie is mixed with sweet honey and nutty pecans. Simply swap out the fig jam for honey, and the walnuts for pecans and the dish will be assembled.
Let the Brie be the Star
When serving any of these brie wheels, let the brie be the star. That is to say, serve with simple water crackers, French bread rounds or some other cracker with a neutral flavor.
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