7 Ways With Brie

Sliced brie on a simple cracker is as elegant an appetizer as you can find, but use this favorite smooth-and-creamy cheese in new ways to discover delicious main dishes, sandwiches, pasta tosses, and even an egg strata. Pick up a wheel or a wedge at the store and get started.

Orange zest, honey, a jar of ginger preserves and spices add exotic flavor to a creamy wheel of Brie cheese. As appetizers go, it's super fast. It's showy. And best of all, it's simple to pull together. Serve with toasted baguette slices or elegant crackers.

Recipe: Warm Brie with Ginger-Citrus Glaze

Pairing fruit with cheese is always a good thing, but something magical happens when melted Brie combines with sweet and savory ingredients piled high onto a toasted slice of French bread. No fresh peaches? Substitute canned or make the salsa with fresh mango.

Recipe: Bruschetta with Peach Salsa and Melted Brie

Rotisserie chicken and flash-roasted cherry tomatoes combine with melted Brie and spinach to make an out-of-this world sandwich that's special enough for to serve for company. Splurge on ciabatta, foccacia, or a good quality baguette to give the sandwich star quality.

Recipe: Chicken-and-Brie Sandwich with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

This ham and cheese sandwich goes uptown with fancy French cheese, tangy greens and bread that's oiled and toasted on the grill. Serve these tasty little treats with a hearty bowl of soup or a side of potato salad. Recipe: Grilled Open-faced Ham, Brie and Arugula Sandwiches

A quick weeknight supper that can double as elegant company fare, this easy dish simmers chicken broth, white wine, spices, and heavy cream to make a creamy sauce that's enhanced with mushroom-flavored Brie cheese. Use leftover chicken or a rotisserie bird to keep the prep fast. Recipe: Chicken Fettuccini with Mushroom Brie

A pinch of herbs de Provence, a dried herb blend, combines with Brie cheese to give this easy egg and bread casserole a bit of chic French flavor. Make it up the night before and finish assembling in the morning. That way it can bake unattended as you relax.

Recipe: Brie and Egg Strata

Let some Brie marinate with tomatoes, olives, basil and olive oil for an hour to make an easy no-cook style pasta sauce. When dinner time rolls around, cook the pasta and shrimp together in one pot. Drain and toss with the no-cook sauce. It's that simple.

Recipe: Shrimp and Brie Linguine