Now, let’s talk about how you spell it, because I’ve seen atrocities. I’ve seen “Brie” written as “Bree,” “Bre,” and even “Bray” on a handwritten menu at a café. I wish I was kidding. The correct spelling is, unsurprisingly, B-R-I-E. Always. No shortcuts. You don’t drop the “e” because it’s part of the name, and you don’t add a “y” because that’s for your preschool drawing of a honeybee.
Here’s a trick: think of the word “brief.” Take off the “f,” and you’ve got “Brie.” It’s a brief name for a soft cheese. Or think of “Brianna” without the extra fluff. However you remember it, just don’t write “Bree cheese” on your shopping list—lest you confuse the app with the spread. Yes, that’s a pun. I regret nothing.
A Quick History Lesson (Because Why Not?)
Brie has been around since the 8th century, believe it or not. It was a favorite of French kings and peasants alike. And you know what? They all called it “Bree.” Charlemagne didn’t say, “Pass me the Bree-ay.” He just ate it with his hands, probably, and grunted happily. So if it’s good enough for a Holy Roman Emperor, it’s good enough for your dinner table. See? History validates your pronunciation.
Brie Cheese Video at Benjamin Macbain blog
The cheese itself is made from cow’s milk, has a creamy interior, and that iconic white rind. You can eat the rind, by the way—it’s not wax. Please don’t peel it off. That’s like taking the crust off a perfect piece of bread. But I digress. The point is, Brie is a star, and it deserves to have its name spoken correctly.
