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Brie is one of the most popular soft cheeses in the world. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it a favorite for many cheese lovers. But if you’re wondering how long Brie lasts once you buy it, you’re in the right place! In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need about Brie’s shelf life and how to keep it fresh. Let’s dive in and discover the delicious secret to enjoying Brie for as long as possible.
How Long Does Brie Last in the Fridge?
When you buy Brie from the store, the first thing to know is how long it will last in your fridge. Brie is a delicate cheese; its freshness depends on how you store it.
Unopened Brie
If your Brie is unopened, it will typically last about 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge. Always check the expiration or best-by date on the packaging for an accurate time frame. Keeping it sealed and cold is the best way to ensure it stays fresh until you’re ready to enjoy it.
Opened Brie
Once you’ve opened the package, Brie will usually stay in the fridge for up to a week. Wrap it well in wax or parchment paper, then place it in an airtight container. This helps lock in its moisture while keeping any odors from your fridge away from the cheese.
How Long Does Brie Last at Room Temperature?
Brie tastes best when served at room temperature. But leaving it out too long can cause it to spoil.
Serving Brie
When serving Brie at a party or a meal, you can leave it out for about 2 hours. After this time, it begins to lose its texture and flavor, and bacteria may grow. Always remember that safety comes first when it comes to food.
Leftovers
If you’ve left your Brie out for more than 2 hours, it’s best to discard it. The warm environment allows bacteria to multiply, making it unsafe to eat. If you plan to save any leftovers, put them back in the fridge within that 2-hour window.
Can You Freeze Brie to Make It Last Longer?
Freezing Brie is an option, but it’s not ideal if you hope to preserve its creamy texture.
How to Freeze Brie
To freeze Brie, cut it into smaller pieces, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Brie can last up to 6 months in the freezer.
What Happens to the Texture?
The main downside to freezing Brie is that it changes the texture. Once thawed, the cheese becomes more crumbly and less creamy. While it’s still safe to eat, it won’t have the same smoothness that fresh Brie is known for.
How to Tell If Brie Has Gone Bad
Knowing when your Brie has spoiled is essential to enjoying it safely.
- Odd Smell
- Brie has a mild earthy aroma, but if it starts to smell sour or like ammonia, it’s a sign that it has spoiled.
- Discoloration
- Fresh Brie has a white rind and a soft, pale interior. If you notice the inside turning gray or brown, it’s best to toss it out.
- Mold
- The white mold on the rind of Brie is harmless, but if you see green, blue, or black spots, the cheese has gone wrong.
- Texture Changes
- When Brie becomes overly runny, slimy, or complex, it’s time to throw it away. The cheese should have a soft, creamy texture, not firm or watery.
How to Store Brie Properly
Storing Brie correctly is the key to keeping it fresh and flavorful for as long as possible.
In the Fridge
How long does brie last? Always store Brie in the fridge, ideally in the vegetable drawer, where the temperature is more stable. As mentioned earlier, wrapping it in wax or parchment paper and placing it in an airtight container will keep the cheese fresh and prevent drying.
Avoid Plastic Wrap
Plastic wrap can trap moisture and cause the cheese to sweat, leading to spoilage. Use paper wrappings that allow the cheese to breathe but protect it from drying out.
Is It Safe to Eat Brie Past Its Expiration Date?
The best-by date on Brie is a guideline for peak freshness, but you might wonder if it’s still safe to eat after that date.
A Few Days After
If your Brie is just a few days past expiration and stored correctly, it’s likely still safe to eat. Before consuming it, check for any signs of spoilage, like an off smell or visible mold (other than the white rind).
Trust Your Senses
When in doubt, trust your nose, eyes, and taste buds. If something seems off, it’s better to discard it than risk eating spoiled cheese.
Creative Ways to Use Leftover Brie
If you have some Brie that’s approaching its expiration date, here are some delicious ways to use it up:
- Baked Brie
- One of the easiest and tastiest ways to use Brie is to bake it. Please place it in the oven for a few minutes, allowing the cheese to melt while keeping the rind intact. Serve it with crackers or fresh fruit for an easy appetizer.
- Brie Sandwiches
- Melt Brie on a slice of bread with some turkey or ham for a luxurious sandwich.
- Brie in Pasta
- Add chunks of Brie to hot pasta and stir until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
Also read: How Long Does Beef Tallow Last? Amazing Shelf Life!
In conclusion, how long Brie lasts depends on how it’s stored and whether it’s opened or unopened. Unopened Brie lasts about 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge, while opened Brie can last up to a week. How long does brie last? Be mindful of leaving it out for more than 2 hours, and if you choose to freeze it, expect some texture changes. Remember to trust your senses to check for signs of spoilage and enjoy your brie while it’s fresh and delicious.
