If you have delicious brie in the fridge right now and you're wondering, how long does brie last? Well, you have come to the right place! I will explain how long brie lasts before it goes bad, how to tell if it has expired, how to properly store it, and even how to freeze it.
Cheese lovers all around the world love brie! It is definitely one of my favorite cheeses. It is a delicious soft cheese with a buttery flavor that goes well with so many dishes and recipes. For that reason, usually when I'm at the store I stock up so that my fridge is never without beautiful brie. But how long does brie last in the fridge and what's the best way to store it?
It is important to know how long brie lasts in the fridge and how to get the most life out of it. Well, here I will explain the best ways to store it, how long it will last, how to double-check it is still good, and even give you some delicious recipes to try with this creamy cheese! Before you know it you will be a brie expert and will confidently know when your brie cheese is good or bad.
If you love learning about techniques in the kitchen, you should learn how to grate carrots without a grater and how to thicken chocolate ganache.
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what is brie? 🧀
Brie is a cow's milk soft cheese with a creamy texture and nutty flavor. This spreadable cheese is the most popular cheese in France but has quickly become a popular choice in the United States. It has a high water content of about 50% which gives it that melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
Brie cheese is one of the most popular soft-ripened cheeses, along with camembert. Soft-ripened cheese is a type of cheese where mold is added to the outside of the cheese to create a rind. The white rind of brie cheese is actually a white mold called penicillium candidum, which is not a harmful bacteria. It is completely safe to eat and adds an earthy, rich flavor! It also provides a nice textural contrast to the creamy texture of brie cheese.
The typical aging process of brie is about 6 weeks. The ripening process develops the brie's full flavor, texture, and aroma. The longer the brie ages, will notice the brie cheese taste earthier, and the texture of the brie change from spreadable to a thick liquid.
how long does brie last before it goes bad? 🗓️
The shelf life of brie cheese greatly varies due to its storage conditions. So there is no exact answer. However, a good guideline to go by is 10-14 days. It can last longer than that without expiring, but for the best flavor and best quality, it is a good idea to use it within that timeframe. Always be sure to inspect the brie for signs of expiration before using.
how to tell if brie cheese is expired ❌
If you are wondering does brie cheese goes bad, the answer is unfortunately yes. Just like all dairy products, brie cheese ages and can go bad. As a general rule of thumb, the expiration date on the original packaging is the best option to check first.
For peak quality, use before the best-by date. Brie can still be good up to 2 weeks past that date but proceed with caution to avoid sickness or food poisoning. Always do a thorough analysis of your wheel of brie before using it past the printed date.
Here are a couple of ways to identify that your brie has expired.
- Darker spots on the brie rind. I know we just talked all about mold and that the rind of brie is actually mold. But, if you see any dark spots or dark mold on your brie, that is a clear indicator that it has expired. If the rind itself has darkened in color or hue, that is also a sign that it is bad.
- Texture change in the brie. Perfectly ripe brie is firm on the outside and bouncy on the inside. If it is not yet ripe it will be very stiff. The overripe brie will be runny and liquidy. If your brie is watery or extremely runny on the inside, it has most likely gone bad.
- Strong odors when opening the brie. Brie should smell milky and buttery when fresh. When brie has gone bad, it reeks of ammonia. And I don't mean just a little bit... the odor will be strong. If your brie cheese does not smell right, toss it because it is no longer fresh.
how to store brie cheese 🫙
The secret to having brie cheese last a long time is storing it correctly. The proper storage for most cheeses is in a cool, dry place. Brie is no exception to this. Brie thrives in a dry environment with no air touching the cheese. Air touching the cheese will create mold.
So the best way to store brie cheese is in the original packaging it comes in. This will ensure no air gets to the cheese.
If you only want to store a portion of the brie, you can rewrap it on your own. Using cheese paper will ensure the cheese is properly sealed. My favorite cheese paper can be purchased online or at your local grocery store. If you can't find cheese paper, you can also use wax paper or parchment paper. Be sure to wrap the brie as tightly as possible. Then loosely wrap it in plastic wrap.
how to freeze brie cheese 🧊
Freezing brie cheese is a great option to make your brie last as long as possible. Since brie is a soft cheese, it does undergo texture changes when freezing. However, if you correctly wrap and store it, it will keep the changes down to a minimum.
It is best to freeze brie that has not yet been opened and is in its original wrapping. However, you can also freeze leftover brie that has already been cut into. Just be sure to properly wrap it. The most important thing when wrapping the brie is ensuring no air is touching the cheese through air bubbles or gaps.
Wrap the brie cheese tightly using plastic wrap or aluminum foil. If your cheese is in its original wrapping, wrap it tightly on top of that wrapping. Then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Store in the freezer. Frozen brie is good for up to 3 months. Do not store brie for any longer than 3 months to prevent freezer burn and extreme textural changes.
what to make with fresh brie cheese 🍽️
There are a variety of ways to use delicious brie! Since it has a mild flavor it pairs well with so many dishes. Whether brie is on its own or in a delicious appetizer, it is so delectable!
Brie can be showcased in almost every course. My cranberry brie bites pair buttery brie with a flaky crust and tart cranberries. My broccoli and brie soup adds that earthy brie flavor to a classic cheesy soup. My brie mac and cheese highlights how rich brie is and makes for the perfect elevated side dish for the holidays! Try out these brie dishes next time you're making food for family and friends.
Speaking of holidays, a great and simple appetizer you can make for any holiday is baked brie! You simply wrap a wheel of brie in puff pastry, brush on some egg wash, and bake until golden brown. Add any nuts or fruits on top to pair with the brie. When you cut into the wheel of brie, the pastry will be so flaky and the brie will ooze out. Your taste buds will be wowed!
Brie belongs on every cheese platter! You can cut brie in so many creative ways to display on a charcuterie board. My favorite way is to cut the brie into small wedges, place each wedge of brie cheese into a circle, and have them lean onto each other. You can also cut them into smaller pieces or cubes so that people can put the small pieces on crackers or crusty bread. Just be sure that when serving brie on a board or on its own, the brie is at room temperature and you use a sharp knife.
Add some fresh fruit to the board like green apple slices and peaches. Compliment the board with other types of cheese too. Hard cheese like parmesan and softer cheeses like blue cheese will perfectly complement the brie. Also, grab your favorite glass of white wine to drink while snacking on brie. A bright sauvignon blanc or herbaceous pinot gris is an excellent choice!
brie cheese faqs ❓
Which brie cheese is best?
Triple cream brie is the best kind of brie! It has a higher content of milk fat making the cheese extra soft texture and rich flavor. As far as brands, my favorite brands that make delicious brie are Marin French, Trader Joe's, Saint Andre, and President.
The best way to describe the taste of brie is buttery and nutty. Depending on the variety, it can also be earthy or fruity. The flavor of brie is mild and pairs well with many fruits and vegetables.
Brie is a fantastic melting cheese! Due to the high moisture content, it easily melts and blends into warm dishes. However, the rind does not melt. For best results, remove the brie rind before adding the cheese to your dish, or you can always add the rind for a less smooth texture with lots of flavor!
Can you eat the rind of brie cheese?
Although most people think you can't eat the rind of brie cheese, you actually can! The rind holds earthy flavors and notes of umami. It doesn't melt, but it can be added to any dish for taste. You can also just eat it on its own with the creamy inside brie.
It is best to store brie in the fridge until ready to eat to avoid any bad bacteria from developing. However, enjoying brie at room temperature is way better than chilled since it makes the texture creamier. So let the brie sit for 1-2 hours on the counter before enjoying it.
If serving brie on its own or on a charcuterie board, you should use a soft cheese knife to serve it. A soft cheese knife is one with a rectangular blade and various holes in the blade. This ensures that the soft cheese does not stick to the knife since there is not enough surface area for it to stick to.
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