Oven-Baked Brie Fondue: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Fondue is a Swiss dish that involves dipping crunchy bread pieces into warm melted cheese. A French twist on this classic is oven-baked fondue with brie, a French cheese that is soft and mild and melts well for fondue. This recipe involves baking a wheel of brie with wine and rosemary until it is melted and gooey, and then dipping bread, vegetables, or meats into the cheese.

Removing the rind

There are several ways to remove the rind from the brie. One method is to use a sharp knife or vegetable peeler. Start by cutting the edges of the rind with the knife. Then, carefully run the peeler or knife around the entire side of the cheese to remove the side skin. Once the side skin is removed, continue to gently scrape the skin off the top and bottom of the cheese wheel. Alternatively, you can use a sharp paring knife to carefully slice off the rind. The rind is edible, so you can snack on it if you like, or simply throw it away.

After removing the rind, the brie will be exposed and ready for the next steps of the recipe. Depending on the recipe you are following, you may need to cut the brie into small cubes or grate it before melting it.

Choosing a wine

Oven-baked brie fondue is a delicious, versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or a main course. When making this dish, it is important to choose the right wine to pair with the brie cheese and enhance the overall flavour profile. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect wine for your oven-baked brie fondue:

Go for a Dry White Wine: When it comes to choosing a wine for brie fondue, a dry white wine is often the best option. Look for wines like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or a crisp variety of your choice. The dryness of the wine will complement the creamy texture of the baked brie, and its crispness will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheese.

Consider the Intensity of Flavours: Brie has a mild and buttery taste, so you don't want to overpower it with an overly bold wine. Opt for a wine that is light to medium-bodied, with crisp and refreshing flavours. This will help to enhance the brie's flavour without overwhelming it.

Think About Food Pairings: Consider what foods you plan to serve with your brie fondue. If you're serving it with bread, crackers, or fruits like apples and pears, choose a wine that will complement these flavours. For example, a dry white wine pairs well with the sweetness of the fruit and the crispness of the bread or crackers.

Personal Preference Matters: While these guidelines can help, ultimately, choosing a wine that you enjoy drinking is essential. If you prefer a particular type of wine, don't be afraid to experiment and see how it pairs with the brie. Wine and food pairings are subjective, and you may discover a combination that works wonderfully for your taste buds.

Remember, the key to a successful wine and food pairing is balance. Look for wines that will complement the creamy, mild flavours of the brie without overpowering them. With the right wine choice, your oven-baked brie fondue will be a delicious and memorable experience for you and your guests.

Preparing the dippers

Firstly, you'll want to consider bread options. French bread, sourdough, focaccia, ciabatta, and breadsticks are all excellent choices. To prepare these, cut or tear the bread into bite-sized cubes or slices. You can also brush them with olive oil and herbs and bake them until crispy to create croutons or crostini. This adds a nice textural contrast to the creamy fondue.

If you want to offer a gluten-free option, there are gluten-free bread options available, or you could provide crackers or crispbreads as an alternative.

In addition to bread, there are several other dippers that pair well with brie fondue. Fruits like apple and pear slices add a refreshing sweetness, while vegetables such as asparagus spears, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, summer squash, and bell peppers provide a crunchy, healthy option. If you're looking for something more indulgent, try ham cubes, smoked sausage, or pre-cooked shrimp. For added flavour and texture, you can also offer dried apricots, pecans, or other nuts.

To serve the dippers, arrange them on a large platter or board, placing the fondue pot in the centre. This creates an inviting display and makes it easy for your guests to access their favourite dippers.

Heating the cheese

• Prepare the Cheese: Start by removing the rind from the brie. The rind will not melt and needs to be taken off. Use a sharp knife or vegetable peeler to carefully cut away the rind, trying not to lose too much of the cheese. Chop the brie into small cubes or pieces—this will help it melt more easily.
• Coat the Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cheese with cornstarch, flour, or another thickening agent. This step is optional but helps create a smoother, thicker fondue. Make sure all the cheese is evenly coated.
• Heat the Liquid: In a medium saucepan, heat your chosen liquid (typically wine, but you can also use grapefruit juice or another option) over medium heat. You can also add other ingredients like lemon juice, garlic, or shallots to the saucepan for extra flavour. Bring the liquid to a simmer.
• Add the Cheese: Once your liquid is simmering, reduce the heat to low and slowly add the cheese to the saucepan. Start with a small amount of cheese, whisking continuously until it is fully melted before adding more. This gradual process ensures a smooth, lump-free fondue.
• Stir and Melt: Continue adding the cheese, a small amount at a time, whisking or stirring constantly to prevent scorching on the bottom of the pot. Keep the heat low and gentle to avoid burning the cheese.
• Season: Once all the cheese has melted, add your desired seasonings like nutmeg, salt, pepper, or herbs. Stir to combine, tasting as you go to adjust the seasoning to your preference.
• Transfer to Fondue Pot: Pour the melted cheese into your fondue pot or serving dish. Keep the fondue warm over a low flame or in an electric fondue pot, slow cooker, or cast-iron skillet to retain heat.

Remember, the key to heating the cheese for oven fondue is patience and gentle heat. By slowly adding and melting the cheese, you'll achieve a smooth, creamy fondue that's perfect for dipping!

Serving suggestions

Oven-baked brie fondue is a fun and interactive dish to serve at a party or get-together. It's also a great choice for romantic dinners or as a simple meal. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your oven-baked brie fondue:

Dippers

The most important part of serving fondue is choosing the right dippers. Here are some options:

• Bread: French bread, sourdough, focaccia, ciabatta, or breadsticks. Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes or tear it into 1-inch pieces. You can also broil the cubes on one side to add a little crunch while keeping the other side soft for dipping.
• Fruits and Vegetables: Apple slices, pear slices, cherry tomatoes, asparagus spears, broccoli, bell peppers, cauliflower, zucchini, and summer squash.
• Meats: Smoked sausage, ham cubes, shrimp, and sliced meats.
• Others: Cornichons (small pickles), grapes, dried apricots, pecans, and pretzel bites.

Plating and Presentation

For a beautiful presentation, place all the dippers on a large platter with the fondue pot in the centre. Use fondue forks, skewers, or toothpicks for dipping. If you're concerned about germs, provide plates for guests to serve themselves.

Variations and Add-ons

• For a festive touch, sprinkle red pepper flakes, cinnamon, your favourite herbs, or cracked black peppercorns on top of the fondue before serving.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free bread dippers.
• If you're serving alcohol, pair the fondue with a crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
• To make it a meal, drizzle the fondue over steamed vegetables or pasta.

With these serving suggestions, your oven-baked brie fondue is sure to be a delicious and memorable experience for you and your guests!

Frequently asked questions