Brie is a popular type of cheese that originated in the French region. It’s made from cow’s milk that is soft and creamy in texture. Brie is a delicate cheese that needs to be handled with care and stored to prevent spoilage. You may wonder if you can freeze brie to extend their shelf life.
Can you freeze brie? Yes, you can freeze brie. This cheese needs to be stored in an airtight container. If not, it will spoil really quickly due to the soft and creamy texture. Properly stored and kept at a constant temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit, brie can last for up to 6 months.
Does Brie Freeze Well?
Brie does not freeze well and this is due to them being a dairy product. Most dairy products tend to lose their texture once they’re defrosted, and this goes the same for Brie.
If you’re planning to use frozen Brie for cooking or baking goods, you should not have any problem. The Brie will need to be mixed in with other ingredients and so it won’t matter if the texture changes.
However, for those who want to eat Brie on bread, you may not be satisfied with the taste and texture of it.
How To Freeze Brie
When it comes to freezing Brie, it’s pretty simple and straightforward. Brie should be prepared and handled with care. If not, it can lead to food poisoning.
To freeze Brie, all you need is a knife, aluminum foil, parchment paper, a baking tray, and an airtight container.
Below are the steps in details to freezing Brie:
Freezing Brie in Small Portion
Step 1: Portion the Brie
Portion the brie for freezing into an airtight container. This will make it easier for you to remove them from the freezer, and it prevents any leftovers.
If you’re going to use them for a large family meal, you can freeze a large piece of it. Otherwise, it’s best to freeze smaller pieces. Use a knife and cut them into pieces.
Step 2: Flash Freezing
With each portion of the brie, wrap an aluminum foil around it. This will help prevent air and moisture from reaching the cheese. If any of these elements reach them, it will cause them to go bad.
Place a freezer bag onto a baking tray. Then put the brie slices into a freezer bag. Make sure to keep they are not touching each other. Squeeze the air from the bag as much as you can.
Put the tray into the freezer. Flash freeze the brie for about 2-3 hours or until they are solid.
Step 3: Storage
Once the brie is completely frozen solid, remove them from the freezer. Immediately transfer the brie from the freezer bag to an airtight container. Using a container will help stop the cheese from absorbing other food in the freezer.
Check the seal on the lid to make sure there are no leaks. If there are none, secure it in the container tightly.
Step 4: Label and Freezing
With a marker, write down the date of freezing. Then place the brie into the freezer.
Freezing Large Wedges or Slices Of Brie
Step 1: Prepare the Brie
Wrap each block or wedge of brie in parchment paper. Then wrap them with aluminum foil. You can double wrap them for extra protection.
Step 1: Store in Bag
Place each brie into a freezer bag. You can put more than one if the bag is large enough to accommodate them, but don’t put too much where they will be too tight.
Then squeeze out the air from the bag with your hand or use a straw to draw the air out. Seal the bag tightly.
Step 1: Label and Freeze
Using a marker, write the date of freezing on the bag. Then place the brie into the freezer.
How Long Can You Freeze Brie?
Brie, when it’s properly stored will last for up to 6 months in the freezer. After that time, it will still be safe to eat, but the quality of it will decrease.
After that 6 months, if you do decide to eat the cheese, it won’t taste as fresh it should. This is due to the Brie getting freezer burn when it’s stored in the freezer for too long
How Do You Defrost Brie?
The best way to defrost brie is to put them in the fridge. Leave the brie in the fridge to thaw overnight before using it. This will allow them to thaw slowly and retain their texture and flavor.
If you need it much sooner, you can thaw them in a bowl of cold water or use the microwave.
To thaw them in cold water, remove the amount of brie you’ll be needing. Place them into a resealable plastic bag and seal the bag tightly. Then put the bag of brie into a bowl of cold water. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to thaw. You can change the water every 10 minutes to help them thaw quicker.
Since it’s being exposed to air temperature, you’ll want to avoid leaving them out too long. Exposure to warm temperatures could cause bacterial growth.
Another method to thaw the cheese is in the microwave. Remove them from the freezer and take off the aluminum foil. Then place the brie onto a microwave-safe plate. Cover the lid onto the plate and heat it for about 10 minutes. Check every 2-3 minutes to ensure it’s thawing properly.
Can You Refreeze Brie?
Brie endures a lot of change in texture and taste when it’s freezing. By freezing it again, the texture and taste will be altered even more.
Also, due to the repeated freezing and thawing, bacterial growth is likely to happen.
To prevent having to refreeze brie, you should portion them. This way, you’ll only remove what you need from the freezer without worrying about any leftovers.
How To Recognize Spoiled Brie
Store-bought brie will have an expiry date on the package. This will tell you when to use the Brie by and if it’s past the expiry date, you should just throw it away.
Another thing to look for is the changes in color. If the brie starts to change to yellow, it’s spoiled and should be discarded.
If you notice mold on the Brie, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s spoiled. Only if the mold on it becomes slimy is when Brie is bad and should not be eaten.
Other Questions about Brie
Can you eat the mold on brie?
Yes, you can eat the mold that’s on the brie. It’s completely safe to consume until you are allergic to it. The rind on brie act as a barrier and keep the inside safe from bacteria and other microorganisms during production.
Can you freeze brie in puff pastry?
You should not freeze brie in puff pastry. While the pastry freeze just fine, the brie inside will not. You’ll be left with a texture that’s off and a gooey pastry.