If you take a quick peek around our archives, you’ll quickly discover that we’re big fans of fromage here at BHG. In fact, it would be impossible for us to pick a favorite recipe from the best cheese dishes ever created in our Test Kitchen. However, if we were forced to choose one—and only one—cheese to savor for the rest of our lifetimes, it would be Brie.
Ideal for baking as-is or enveloped in puff pastry, but also delightfully ooey-gooey, buttery, and mildly earthy on its own as part of a cheese board, this soft-ripened cheese is top-tier. In fact, we adore Brie so much we’ve even crafted a three-tier literal cheese cake with wheels of the luscious cheese.
So of course when we spotted a recipe for Brie Brittle going viral, and again spied it featured on Food Network’s The Kitchen in a demo by co-host and chef Sunny Anderson, we were running to tie on our aprons. We had to see if this brilliant Brie idea was one of those food trends that’s really a flop (we’re looking at you, cottage cheese flatbread) or if this easy, cheesy cracker alternative is all it’s cracked up to be.
What Is Brie Brittle?
Brie Brittle, aka Brie puffs or Brie crisps, is a recipe that started making waves on social media in fall 2023 thanks to creator @makesushi1. It involves microwaving slices from a mini Brie wheel on a parchment paper-lined plate until they bubble and crisp up; turning golden brown and cracker-like. The heat intensifies the flavor and reduces the moisture content of the Brie pieces, so you’re left with a cracker-like creation that tastes like a supercharged version of Brie.
A slew of “TikTok made me do it” videos followed, many of which chronicled home cooks ending up with a big melty mess of Brie. But we were promised—and now craving—a crispy cracker-like creation similar to those popular Parmesan crisps, so we asked our Test Kitchen aces to troubleshoot to find a solution to all of the online critiques.
They more than succeeded, and returned to us with tips as well as a recipe for a foolproof microwave Brie crisp recipe that has a dippable, crunchy texture akin to brittle.
Tips for How to Make Brie Brittle
A few little details make all the difference to ensure you’re treated to a platter of crunchy, crave-worthy crisps (and not a pool of melted, runny cheese). Our Test Kitchen recommends that you:
- Use mini Brie cheese wheels, not large wheels or wedges. Although it might be tempting to use half slices from a standard-sized wheel or wedge, this will result in spreading since the entire exterior isn’t covered in rind. (In case you missed it, yes, Brie rind is edible!) Seek out 0.9-ounce mini Brie bites, which are available at many Whole Foods Market locations and several other supermarkets. Aim for about rectangular, evenly-thick 4 slices from each round of mini Brie; you’ll have 2 rounded ends as well.
- Cut in slices, not wedges, and don’t make a slit. Some of the TikTok tutorials instructed to slice a slit into each side so the Brie doesn’t puff up as it cooks in the microwave. Don’t follow this instruction. As we mentioned, any break in the rind will cause the Brie to ooze outside of its bounds.
- Stir together a special sauce. While the Brie Brittle is tasty as a cracker on its own, it really shines when it’s dressed up with jam, jelly, or preserves. As Ina Garten says, “store-bought is fine,” but we’re especially fond of the easy homemade jam below with figs, orange, apricots, and thyme.
- Make-ahead and chill, if desired. Want to get a head start on party appetizer prep or planning to enjoy these cheese crackers with snacks or lunches throughout the week? Feel free to microwave the Brie crisps and stir together the jam in advance, then store the Brie Brittle and jam in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
Can You Make Cheese Brittle With Other Cheeses?
Due to its sturdy yet edible rind and its moisture content, Brie is best for microwave “brittling.” If you’d like to make crisps out of firm cheeses, consider grating the cheese and cooking it in a skillet or on a griddle over low heat to form a frico. We’ll walk you through how to do just that here. Or you can bake small (1 tablespoon or so) mounds of shredded hard cheese on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet in a 400°F oven for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until crisp and golden.
What to Serve With Brie Brittle
Brie Brittle makes for an unexpected and enticing addition to a charcuterie board. Try it with jam, a slice of prosciutto, a drizzle of olive oil or honey and a pinch of flaky sea salt.
We love offering Brie Brittle as part of a party menu or as a contribution to a potluck, as it’s highly unlikely that anyone else will duplicate it, it’s a cinch to make, is low in carbs (if folks are counting), and is rich in flavor and texture.
As far as drink pairings go, Brie shines when it’s paired with a sharp, acidic beverage. As we mentioned in our guide to Brie cheese, ideal wine pairings include dry sparkling wine, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Gamay, Pinot Noir, and sparkling cider.
