How To Freeze Brie?
Brie Cheese is an elegant, creamy soft cow’s milk cheese that was named after the French region of Brie. It is easily recognised by it pale yellowish color and white rind and sold in wheel form or slices.
One ounce of Brie cheese is just under 100 calories, and it’s deliciously high in fat. Brie cheese, however, does provide a solid 5.9 grams of protein.
Brie cheese is so versatile as an ingredient in sauces, sandwiches, soups and entrees. It’s also ideal with fruits like grapes and berries, sun-dried tomatoes, breads and crackers or just plain honey.
Brie cheese is a bit pricey compared to others, so many folks have questions about buying it and storing it, etc. Freezing is a wise option.
So Can You Freeze Brie Cheese?
Yes, you can freeze Brie cheese, and it is easy to do. All you need is plastic wrap and aluminum foil. If you prefer not to open the original packaging, then food experts advise wrapping the package tightly in plastic wrap. Add a layer of aluminum foil around it, and then place it in a freezer bag, sealing out the air.
If you no longer have the original packaging, then simply double-wrap your Brie cheese in plastic wrap, followed by the foil and placed in a freezer bag. Include a label with the date on it, and you’re good to go.
How To Defrost Brie Cheese
Thawing out a frozen portion of Brie cheese is also an easy task, where your refrigerator does all the work. All you need to do is remove the frozen package from your freezer, and place it in the fridge to defrost, as it maintains its moisture inside. Thaw the Brie cheese overnight or for 24 hours. Because Brie cheese is comprised of a more structured form of cheese, it takes longer to thaw than shredded cheeses, for example.
Slow defrosting like this helps a semi-soft cheese like Brie retain its nice creamy texture.
How Long Will Brie Cheese Last In The Fridge?
Brie cheese will last in the fridge for about one week past the expiration’s printed date, say food experts. Semi-soft cheeses do not have the longer shelf life of block cheeses, and you cannot keep them left out at room temperature for a long period of time.
Because Brie has a semi-soft texture, it can spoil, and you will notice just by looking at it. For example, Brie cheese that has gone bad will often take on the color of a bluish-green mold. The cheese may also darken in color, and its texture will eventually harden.
The aroma is another signal that your Brie cheese has gone bad. In fact, the smell would be quite strongly offensive. So, trust your nose; if the Brie doesn’t smell right, then, it probably isn’t and is time to toss it out.
How Long Can You Store Frozen Brie Cheese?
You can safely store frozen Brie cheese for up to three months at the most; that appears to be the popular answer from chefs and food handlers. The experts also advise not to freeze big portions of Brie cheese but to divide it into smaller portions for freezing.
We also read that a few chefs claim to safely freeze Brie cheese for up to six months, without any problems. If you freeze Brie cheese past the six month mark, the quality will begin to diminish.
Can You Freeze Brie Cheese In A Puff Pastry?
Yes, you can freeze Brie cheese in a puff pastry, and we don’t blame you, because this is a popular and tasty dish. There are just a few key steps to follow for proper storage.
Freezing Brie wrapped in puff pastry to use at a later time is fine. Some people have good luck by wrapping the Brie cheese in the puff pastry with parchment paper and then wrapping it again with a “press and seal” plastic wrap that really locks in the moisture and freshness. Then, place the wrapped Brie cheese in puff pastry in a freezer bag, and press the air out of the bag. Label the date on your package, and place it in the freezer.
Now, your Brie/puff pastry combo is properly stored for freezing.
Let’s be honest; Brie cheese is a lovely semi-soft cheese that goes beautifully with many recipes or on its own. For those smart shoppers who like buying Brie cheese on sale in bulk, now you have great options for storing and freezing this wonderful cheese.
