Last Updated on September 12, 2023 by Shari Mason
When it comes to Brie cheese, questions about its shelf life and proper storage often arise.
While Brie does have a relatively long shelf life, proper storage in the fridge is crucial. So, how long does Brie last in the fridge unopened?
As a cooking expert, let’s explore the lifespan of this cheese and uncover tips for preserving its quality and flavor.
How Long Is Unopened Brie Good For In The Fridge?
Drawing from my experience, unopened Brie can last up to six weeks in the fridge when stored properly.
I usually tightly wrap Brie in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to ensure its freshness.
Brie is a type of French cheese that is soft, creamy, and slightly fruity. It is typically made from cow’s milk, although it can also be made from goat’s or sheep’s milk. Brie is typically sold in a round, white rind that is edible.
Brie should be served at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. When served cold, the flavor of Brie can be muted, and the texture can become hard and crumbly.
Brie can be enjoyed independently or paired with crackers, fruit, or jam. It can also be used in recipes such as grilled cheese sandwiches or baked brie en croute.
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- How Long Can Brie be Left Out?
- How Many Slices Of Cheese For A Grilled Cheese?
Can You Freeze Brie?
Yes, you can freeze Brie cheese. You may have seen Brie [1] in the cheese aisle of your local grocery store and wondered if it can be frozen.
After all, cheese is a perishable food, so it stands to reason that Brie would not fare well in the freezer.
However, you’ll be glad to know Brie can be frozen. I noticed that frozen Brie retains its flavor and texture for up to six months when stored properly in the freezer.
The key to success is wrapping the cheese tightly in plastic or aluminum foil. This will prevent freezer burn and keep the Brie from drying out.
When ready to enjoy your frozen Brie, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Then, enjoy it as you would any other type of cheese.
Read: How Long Is Cooked Corn Good In The Fridge?
How To Properly Store Unopened Brie in the Fridge?
To store unopened Brie in the fridge, keep it in its original packaging or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent air exposure.
“Life is great. Cheese makes it better.”
Avery Aames, Author
Place it in the coldest part of the fridge, ideally in the cheese or dairy compartment.
Avoid storing it near strong-smelling foods. Enjoy the fresh and creamy goodness for up to six weeks.
Is It Okay For It To Be Left At Room Temperature?
Based on my experiment, Brie tastes best when left out at room temperature for a short time before eating, as this allows the flavor to develop fully.
However, there are also food safety concerns about leaving Brie out of the fridge for too long. The USDA recommends that soft cheeses like Brie should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours.
This is because bacteria can grow quickly on soft cheeses, which can cause food poisoning.
If you choose to leave Brie out at room temperature, eat it within two hours, and don’t put it back in the fridge once it has been opened.
Read: How Long Can You Keep Dough In The Fridge?
How Long Does Brie Last After Opening?
When stored properly, Brie will last approximately five to seven days after being opened. The key to storing Brie is to keep it in its original packaging and store it in the refrigerator.
“Savor unopened Brie for weeks, its creamy delight awaits you.”
–Eat Pallet Restaurant & Food Advice
Brie should be removed from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving to allow it to come to room temperature.
How To Store It Once Opened
Here’s how to store Brie once it’s been opened:
- First, remove the rind from the cheese using a sharp knife.
- Next, cut the Brie into small wedges or cubes and transfer them to an airtight container.
- If you’re not planning on eating the Brie right away, you can also wrap it in plastic or wax paper before storing it in the fridge.
How To Tell If Brie Has Gone Bad
Several signs indicate that Brie has gone bad.
- The first is the smell. Brie should have a subtle, milky aroma. If the cheese smells sour or putrid, it has gone bad.
- The second sign is the texture. Brie should be smooth and creamy. If it is hard or crumbly, it has gone bad.
- Finally, the taste of bad Brie will be sour and unpleasant.
If you experience any of these signs, it is best to throw out the cheese and buy fresh Brie instead.
FAQs
What does bad brie taste like?
Most people generally describe bad Brie as having a sour or acidic taste and a grainy or rubbery texture.
Can you eat Brie 2 days out of date?
Yes. Brie is a soft cheese with a high acidity level, meaning it has a long shelf life. It can be eaten up to two weeks after the date on the package as long as it’s stored in the fridge.
Does Brie smell bad?
Many people think Brie smells bad, although it has a strong odor. This is because the bacteria used to produce the cheese’s smell makes it taste so good.
To some, the smell is unbearable, but others find it quite intoxicating. If you’re not a fan of the smell, try eating Brie with some sweet jam or honey to help cut through the smell.
When should you not eat Brie?
It’s important to avoid eating Brie if you have a weakened immune system or if you’re pregnant, as you’re more susceptible to foodborne illness. Additionally, if the cheese has an off odor, discard it.
Key Takeaways
In my culinary escapades, I learned that unopened Brie cheese has a shelf life of approximately six weeks when properly stored in the fridge.
With its creamy texture and rich flavor [2], this delectable cheese can be savored for a considerable amount of time.
So go ahead, stock up on Brie, and indulge in its deliciousness whenever your taste buds desire!
Reference:
- https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-is-brie-cheese-1806997
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/Brie-cheese
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