Our guide on Brie Vs Camembert to know what is the best cheese and how to add to the recipes.
Brie and Camembert are two iconic French soft cheeses, both with creamy textures, bloomy white rinds, and rich, buttery flavors. While they share similarities, each cheese has distinct characteristics that make them unique.
Both Brie and Camembert are delicious options, each with unique flavors and textures that make them versatile for a variety of dishes. Choose Brie for a milder, creamy experience, and Camembert if you’re looking for a richer, more intense flavor.
Each cheese can be enjoyed on its own, baked with simple ingredients, or incorporated into other dishes for a gourmet twist. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or indulging in a cozy night at home, Brie and Camembert are excellent choices that bring the best of French cheese to your table.
Here’s a breakdown of Brie vs. Camembert to help you choose, along with some delicious recipe ideas for each.
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Brie Vs Camembert
1. Brie
Characteristics:
Flavor: Mild, creamy, and buttery with subtle mushroom undertones.
Texture: Soft and creamy, especially near the center; slightly firmer near the rind.
Aging: Brie is typically aged for a shorter period than Camembert, which contributes to its mild flavor.
Shape: Often sold as large, round wheels, sometimes cut into wedges.
Best Pairings:
Pair with: Fresh fruit like apples, pears, grapes, or figs; honey; nuts; and crusty bread.
Wine pairing: Light, fruity wines like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Champagne.
Best Brie Recipes
Baked Brie with Honey and Nuts
Ingredients: 1 wheel of Brie, 2 tablespoons honey, 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds), fresh rosemary (optional).
Instructions: Place the Brie on a baking sheet, drizzle with honey, and top with nuts. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is soft. Garnish with fresh rosemary if desired. Serve with sliced apples or baguette.
Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese
Ingredients: Slices of sourdough bread, Brie slices, thinly sliced apple, arugula, butter.
Instructions: Layer Brie, apple slices, and arugula between two slices of bread. Butter the outside and cook in a skillet over medium heat until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
Brie-Stuffed Mushrooms
Ingredients: Button mushrooms, Brie cubes, chopped herbs (thyme, rosemary), salt, and pepper.
Instructions: Remove mushroom stems and place a small piece of Brie inside each cap. Sprinkle with herbs, salt, and pepper. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly.
2. Camembert
Characteristics:
Flavor: Stronger, more intense, and earthy compared to Brie, with flavors that become more pungent as it ages.
Texture: Creamy and soft, but denser than Brie, with a slightly runny center as it ripens.
Aging: Camembert is typically aged longer than Brie, which intensifies its flavor.
Shape: Smaller wheels, often sold whole in wooden boxes, with a thin rind.
Best Pairings:
Pair with: Crusty baguette, roasted garlic, apple slices, or fig jam.
Wine pairing: Medium-bodied wines like Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Cider for a classic Normandy pairing.
Best Camembert Recipes
Baked Camembert with Garlic and Rosemary
Ingredients: 1 wheel of Camembert (in a wooden box), 1 clove garlic (thinly sliced), fresh rosemary sprigs, olive oil.
Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Make small cuts on top of the Camembert and insert garlic slices and rosemary. Drizzle with olive oil, then bake for 15-20 minutes until gooey. Serve with toasted bread.
Camembert and Caramelized Onion Tart
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry, 1 wheel of Camembert, 1 large onion (sliced), 1 tablespoon butter, fresh thyme.
Instructions: Caramelize onions in butter over medium heat until golden. Place the puff pastry on a baking sheet, spread caramelized onions over the pastry, and place slices of Camembert on top. Sprinkle with thyme and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Camembert-Stuffed Baguette
Ingredients: 1 baguette, 1 wheel of Camembert, fresh thyme, garlic (optional).
Instructions: Slice the baguette lengthwise and remove some of the inner bread to create space. Insert Camembert slices and sprinkle with thyme and garlic if desired. Wrap in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Calories in Brie and Camembert
Both Brie and Camembert have similar calorie content, though there can be slight variations depending on the brand and exact fat content.
Brie: Approximately 95-100 kcal per 1 oz (28g)
Camembert: Approximately 85-100 kcal per 1 oz (28g)
These values may vary, so check the nutritional information on the specific cheese you purchase.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.