Save I discovered this dish at a dinner party where someone arrived with what looked like an edible art installation—pale triangular wedges of Brie standing upright like tiny mountains, their peaks dusted white with Parmesan. The visual alone stopped conversation, but the taste was even better: that creamy, luxurious cheese with just enough sharp Parmesan to cut through the richness. I spent the whole evening watching people reach for another wedge, and by the end of the night I was asking for the recipe. It turns out it's deceptively simple to make, which makes it dangerous—I now make it whenever I need to impress without actually cooking.
The first time I made this for a New Year's Eve gathering, I panicked at the last moment thinking the presentation was too simple. My partner took one look and said it looked like something from a fancy restaurant, which gave me the confidence boost I needed. Watching people's faces light up when they saw those cheese mountains arranged on the platter—that moment made me realize presentation really is half the battle with food, especially when it tastes this good.
Ingredients
- Brie cheese, well chilled: The foundation of this dish, and the cold matters more than you'd think—warm Brie won't cut cleanly into those sharp wedges that make the visual work. Buy a fresh wheel and let it chill in the coldest part of your fridge for at least a couple of hours before cutting.
- Parmesan cheese, finely grated: This provides the sharp contrast and the snowy appearance that makes the whole thing work; freshly grated makes a visible difference compared to pre-grated, which can clump. A microplane zester gives you the finest texture.
- Fresh thyme sprigs: Optional but worth it—a few sprigs tucked around the platter add color and a hint of earthiness that balances the richness of the cheese.
Instructions
- Chill your canvas:
- Make sure your Brie is genuinely cold before you start cutting—I learned this the hard way when I tried to rush and my knife dragged through warm cheese instead of slicing cleanly. Spend the time on this step and your wedges will look intentional rather than mangled.
- Cut with confidence:
- Using a sharp knife, cut the Brie into 16 triangular wedges, each about 25 g. Think of cutting a pizza into 8 slices, then cutting each slice in half, and your triangles will stand upright naturally with their points facing up.
- Build your peaks:
- Arrange the wedges upright on a serving platter with the pointed ends facing up—they should look like a mountain range seen from a distance. Take a moment to adjust them so they're standing confidently; this is where the magic happens visually.
- Create the snowfall:
- Dust the tops generously with finely grated Parmesan to mimic fresh snow on those peaks. Work gently so you don't disturb the wedges, and feel free to be generous—this isn't a time for restraint.
- Add the finishing touch:
- Tuck fresh thyme sprigs around the base of your cheese mountains if you're using them, for a pop of green and a hint of herbaceousness. Serve immediately with crackers or baguette slices on the side.
Save There's something about arranging these cheese wedges that feels almost meditative—standing them upright one by one, each one finding its place in the formation. A friend once told me after eating this that it was the first time she'd thought about how beautiful food could be before tasting it, and that observation stuck with me. It reminded me that sometimes the most memorable meals aren't the most complicated ones; they're the ones that made us pause and pay attention.
Why This Works as an Appetizer
This dish walks a beautiful line between elegant and casual—it feels fancy enough to serve at a dinner party but simple enough that you're not stressed about whether it will look right. The cold Brie melts slightly on the tongue while the Parmesan adds a sharp, salty bite that keeps you reaching for another wedge. It also doesn't fill anyone up before the main course, which makes it perfect for those moments when you want people to arrive hungry for the meal ahead.
Variations and Substitutions
While Brie is the star here, I've experimented with other creamy cheeses over the years. Camembert has a slightly earthier flavor and creates a more rustic feel, while triple-cream cheese is absolutely decadent if you want to go full luxury mode. You can also play with the Parmesan by mixing in finely grated aged cheddar or even a tiny bit of finely grated Gruyère for deeper flavor notes.
Pairing and Serving
The key to making this feel like a complete appetizer experience is thinking about what you serve alongside it. I pair it with a mix of crackers—some herbed, some plain—and thick slices of toasted baguette to give people options. A chilled glass of Chardonnay or sparkling wine sits perfectly next to this cheese, especially if there's a bit of acidity to cut through the richness.
- Toast your baguette slices lightly so they have some structural integrity and don't get soggy from the cheese.
- Set out the cheese and crackers at least 15 minutes before guests arrive so the room temperature doesn't affect the Brie too much before service.
- If you're making this ahead, keep the Parmesan dust separate and apply it just before serving so it stays snowy and visible.
Save This appetizer has become my go-to when I want to serve something that tastes indulgent but keeps me relaxed in the kitchen. It's proof that sometimes the most impressive dishes are the ones that let the ingredients shine rather than hiding them under layers of technique.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of cheese works best for this appetizer?
Well-chilled Brie cheese is ideal for clean cutting and creamy texture, but Camembert or triple-cream cheeses can be used for a richer flavor.
- → How can I enhance the flavor of the Parmesan dusting?
Gently toasting the Parmesan in a dry pan before dusting adds a nutty depth to the topping.
- → What is the serving suggestion for this dish?
Serve the arranged Brie wedges with crackers or slices of baguette to complement the creamy texture.
- → Can fresh herbs be used as garnish?
Yes, sprigs of fresh thyme add a subtle herbal note and enhance the visual appeal of the presentation.
- → Is any cooking required for this appetizer?
No cooking is needed; the cheese is served chilled and assembled fresh for immediate serving.