For over 1,000 years, Brie has been a cheese of legend, gracing royal tables and captivating poets, diplomats, and epicureans across Europe. First crafted by monks in medieval France, Brie de Meaux quickly gained fame when Emperor Charlemagne declared it a delicacy in 774 A.D. Centuries later, King Philip II gifted wheels of Brie to his court, and even England’s Henry IV was so enchanted with the cheese that his queen made it a permanent fixture at their table.
American Brie-style bloomy rinds draw inspiration from their French counterpart. Cheesemakers stateside experiment with local milk and aging techniques, creating unique flavor profiles that retain the signature earthy notes of a classic Brie. These five recipes honor Brie’s storied past while celebrating American innovation and versatility in the modern kitchen.
Brie, Eggplant, & Tomato Stacks
This dish is summer on a plate—ripe heirloom tomatoes, creamy cheese, and caramelized eggplant, all tied together with a drizzle of fresh basil pesto. It’s a light yet indulgent way to highlight the season’s best produce, inspired by the simple elegance of Mediterranean flavors. Serve it as an appetizer or a side dish at your next alfresco gathering.
Roasted Corn Salad with Pancetta & Brie
Sweet caramelized corn, crispy pancetta, and tangy pickled peppers come together in this bold, flavor-packed salad, studded with buttery chunks of brie. Think of it as a playful twist on classic street corn—salty, creamy, and just the right amount of punch. Whether served as a side at a summer barbecue or piled onto crostini for an easy appetizer, this dish is guaranteed to steal the show.
Orecchiette Pasta with Brie and Summer Squash
This dish proves that creamy comfort food can still be bright and summery. A silky brie sauce steeped with garlic, chile flakes, and fragrant summer savory coats tender orecchiette pasta and sautéed squash for the ultimate balance of rich yet fresh. The best part? It all comes together in the time it takes to cook the pasta.
Brie-Stuffed Chicken Meatballs
Juicy chicken meatballs meet their match with an oozy brie center and a ranch-inspired buttermilk sauce that’s cool, creamy, and refreshing. These meatballs are an easy choice for meal prep, perfect for casual backyard dinners, or even a fun alternative to sliders at your next cookout. Light, satisfying, and endlessly snackable, they’re delicious on their own or in between a warm Hawaiian roll.
With almond frangipane, creamy brie, and glossy raspberry preserves in a flaky, buttery crust, this baked brie–inspired dessert is both elegant and easy to prepare—most of the work can be done in advance. For the ultimate midsummer night’s dream, pair with a chilled glass of sparkling rosé or Champagne.
Brandon Blumenfeld
Brandon Blumenfeld has over 18 years of experience working across the country in the hospitality industry, and has worked for stand-out restaurant groups such as Momofuku, Hu Kitchen, Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. He specializes in recipe development, menu design, cost analysis, ordering processes, and kitchen functionality.
