How to Serve Brie on a Cheese Board at a Party
When it comes to serving Brie on a cheese board, there are several key points to remember to ensure that your guests enjoy this delicious cheese to the fullest. Proper presentation and preparation are crucial to making the experience memorable for all.
Preparation and Plating
Before the party, it's important to take Brie out of the refrigerator about an hour before service. This allows it to reach the perfect temperature. As it starts to sag slightly, it's ready to be served. Remove any plastic wrap that comes with the cheese, ensuring that the edges are not chalky but creamy and smooth.
Place your platter on a table or counter and carefully open the Brie. Place it on the platter, leaving ample space to ensure easy access for guests. Consider adding a variety of accompaniments such as crackers, croutons, sliced vegetables, and a selection of other cheeses.
Accompaniments and Knife Placement
Etiquette plays a significant role in how you set up your cheese board. Clearly identify the different cheeses, especially if some may need special accompaniments. This helps guests make informed choices. For Brie, you can choose to lay out a curved-end cheese knife beside it or get creative by embedding the two prongs of a cheese knife into the center of the Brie wedge. Surround it with a wide selection of cheese crackers. A few grapes can add both color and flavor to the board.
Decorative Touches and Plating Styles
For those looking to impress, you can elevate the presentation even further by placing fresh vine leaves and vine tendrils around the Brie. These elegant touches not only look beautiful but also add a touch of complexity to the flavor profile. If you're feeling really sophisticated, you can place the biscuits inside the vine leaves to create a unique 'nest'. This is especially fitting if you're using a proper French Brie, but beware of substituting with British Somerset Brie, German Brie-like cheese, or American/British commercial versions.
Drinking options should complement the Brie. Serve a very cold Sauvignon Blanc in fluted or crystalline glasses. The white linen tablecloth, a 12-inch silver salverplatter, and white plates with bone handle silver cutlery complete the refined ambiance. Guests will feel pampered from the moment they approach the cheese board.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Brie on a cheese board not only looks impressive but also tastes exceptional. Attention to detail and thoughtful presentation will make your party a memorable experience for all guests involved.