Layered Pesto Brie Delight
Elevate your appetizer game with this stunning Layered Pesto Brie Delight. This elegant yet straightforward dish features creamy layers of herbed cream cheese and vibrant pesto, sandwiched between luscious brie cheese. Perfect for entertaining, it can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve it with an assortment of crackers or fresh baguette slices, making it a delightful treat for your guests that is sure to impress.
N/A
Servings
80
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream cheese
4 ounces (room temperature)
pesto sauce
1 cup (room temperature)
brie cheese
8 ounces (chilled)
basil leaves
to garnish (fresh)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese and pesto sauce. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended, ensuring an even distribution of flavor.
2
Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the brie wheel in half horizontally to create two equal halves.
3
Place one half of the brie, cut side up, on a round serving platter. Spread the cream cheese and pesto mixture generously over the brie, pressing down gently to create a cohesive layer.
4
Top with the second half of the brie, cut side down. Ensure that the layers adhere well by gently pressing down on the top half.
5
Wrap the entire torta tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of three hours to allow it to set and the flavors to develop.
6
When ready to serve, remove the torta from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes.
7
Garnish the top with fresh basil leaves before slicing into wedges to reveal the beautiful layers inside. Serve with an assortment of crackers or sliced baguette.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
1g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Layered Pesto Brie Delight?
It is an elegant appetizer featuring layers of herbed cream cheese and vibrant pesto sandwiched between luscious brie cheese.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are four main ingredients: cream cheese, pesto sauce, brie cheese, and fresh basil leaves for garnish.
What is the calorie count for a serving of this brie delight?
Each serving contains approximately 80 calories.
Can this appetizer be made in advance?
Yes, it is designed to be prepared in advance and refrigerated for at least three hours to allow flavors to meld.
How should I prepare the cream cheese?
The cream cheese should be brought to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth and well-blended consistency.
What is the best way to slice the brie?
Use a sharp knife to carefully slice the chilled brie wheel in half horizontally to create two equal halves.
How much pesto sauce is needed?
The recipe calls for one cup of pesto sauce, preferably at room temperature.
What size brie wheel is used?
The recipe specifies an 8-ounce wheel of brie cheese.
How long should the torta refrigerate?
It should be refrigerated for a minimum of three hours to allow the layers to set.
Should the brie be served cold?
No, for the best flavor and texture, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving.
What should I serve with Layered Pesto Brie Delight?
It is best served with an assortment of crackers or fresh baguette slices.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 7 grams of fat.
Is this recipe high in carbohydrates?
No, it is low in carbohydrates with only 1 gram per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving provides 3 grams of protein.
How do I ensure the layers stick together?
Press down gently on the top half of the brie after adding the cream cheese and pesto mixture to ensure the layers adhere.
What is the garnish for this dish?
The dish is garnished with fresh basil leaves before slicing into wedges.
Why should the brie be chilled when slicing?
Chilled brie is firmer and easier to slice horizontally without the cheese sticking to the knife or losing its shape.
Can I use a food processor for the filling?
While you can, a mixing bowl and stirring by hand is sufficient if the cream cheese is at room temperature.
What type of platter should I use?
A round serving platter is recommended to complement the shape of the brie wheel.
How do I store leftovers?
Wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and keep them refrigerated.
Is this recipe suitable for a party?
Yes, it is tagged as party food and is considered an elegant appetizer for entertaining.
Does the recipe include fiber?
The nutritional data indicates there is no significant fiber content in this recipe.
Is there sugar in this recipe?
The nutritional information lists the sugar content as null or negligible.
Can I use homemade pesto?
Yes, either homemade or store-bought pesto sauce works perfectly for this recipe.
Do I remove the white rind from the brie?
No, the rind is edible and provides structure to the layers; you only slice the wheel horizontally.
How do I wrap the torta for refrigeration?
Wrap the entire assembled brie wheel tightly with plastic wrap.
What are the primary flavors?
The flavors are a mix of creamy, buttery brie, tangy cream cheese, and herbal, garlicky pesto.
Is this a vegetarian-friendly appetizer?
Yes, the ingredients are vegetarian, though you should always check that your brie and pesto use vegetarian-friendly rennet and cheese.
How should the torta be cut for guests?
It should be sliced into wedges to reveal the beautiful internal layers.
What is the difficulty level of this recipe?
The recipe is described as straightforward and easy to prepare despite its elegant appearance.