All About Brie cheese
Your complete guide to brie cheese - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Brie cheese Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for brie cheese in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
unopened fridge1-2 weeks past 'best by' or 'sell by' date
Signs of Spoilage
Pink, green, or black mold (beyond the natural white rind), very strong pungent ammonia smell, slimy or excessively sticky texture, hard or dried-out spots.
How to Check
Visual inspection for discoloration or abnormal mold growth. Smell test for a strong, off-putting ammonia odor. Touch test for excessive sliminess or hardness.
Storage Tips
Always check the 'best by' date on the packaging. Keep brie in its original packaging (wax paper, foil, or plastic wrap) or an airtight container to prevent it from drying out and absorbing other fridge odors.
opened fridge3-7 days after opening
Signs of Spoilage
Rapid development of pink, green, or black mold (not the intentional white rind), strong sour or pungent ammonia smell, hard and dried-out edges, very slimy or liquidy surface.
How to Check
Visual inspection for any new mold growth (any color other than the natural white rind), dried patches, or excessive sliminess. Smell test for a strong, sour, or very pungent ammonia odor. Touch test: it should still be soft and creamy; if it feels excessively sticky, hard, or crumbly, it's likely spoiled.
Storage Tips
Re-wrap brie tightly after each use. First, wrap in parchment paper, then an additional layer of plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store in an airtight container. This helps maintain moisture and prevents it from absorbing other odors. Avoid storing directly in plastic wrap for extended periods as it can trap moisture and encourage mold growth.
freezer1-2 months for best quality, up to 3-4 months safely
Signs of Spoilage
While true spoilage (mold) is unlikely in the freezer, quality degradation includes: freezer burn (dry, discolored, leathery spots), significant change in texture (more crumbly, mealy, or less creamy) after thawing, loss of original flavor.
How to Check
Visual inspection (pre-thaw) for white, dry, discolored patches indicating freezer burn. Visual and touch (post-thaw) to assess texture changes; it may appear more crumbly or less smooth. Taste test (post-thaw) for muted or off-flavors.
Storage Tips
Wrap the brie very tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe bag, pressing out all air to prevent freezer burn. Freezing is best for brie intended for cooking (e.g., baked brie) rather than serving as a cheese board item, as the texture can become grainy or crumbly upon thawing. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight.