If you’re looking for a great appetizer, you can’t go wrong with brie cheese! This cheese that originated in France (and is now popular worldwide) has several benefits. It’s nutrient-rich and most of its fat is saturated, which isn’t harmful as previously believed [*]. But what does brie taste like? Are there other cheeses that can serve as substitutes for brie?
Here’s more about the taste of brie cheese.
What Does Brie Taste Like?
Apart from its creamy interior and edible rind of white mold, brie cheese taste is usually described as buttery, fruity, and nutty. It’s also slightly earthy, which may remind you of sauteed mushrooms. Brie is often compared to Camembert cheese (also from France), but camembert is denser and the flavor tends to be stronger.
Brie complements the flavors of sweet fruits, such as peaches and plums. Caramelized onions, mushrooms, and fresh salads also go well with brie. The next time you’re cooking dishes with a similar flavor profile, be sure to incorporate brie!
Is Brie an Acquired Taste?
Unlike cheddar and mozzarella, which are common snacking cheeses, brie is more of an acquired taste. It won’t appeal to everyone the first time they eat it but after several attempts, they find that brie is actually delicious.
Other cheeses that are considered an acquired taste include Gorgonzola, Roquefort, and Stilton, which are blue cheese varieties.
Cooked or uncooked, eaten on its own or paired with other foods — a serving of brie makes an indulgent treat! If you’re trying brie for the first time, we suggest starting with a small piece and savoring each bite so you can appreciate its softness and creaminess.
For the best cheese-tasting experience, arrange different cheeses on a cheese board. Mix brie with cheddar, gouda, parmesan, and Monterey jack. Add a variety of nuts and dried fruit as well.
What Does Brie Taste Similar to?
In case brie isn’t available at your local grocery — since it’s not easy to come by — don’t worry. Recipes that require brie may use substitutes like Camembert (the best one), Chevre, and Reblochon. Like brie, these cheeses are creamy, soft, and earthy.
Some sources would also suggest triple cream cheese, mozzarella, and Fromager D’Affinois as brie substitutes in many recipes.
What Does Brie Cheese Taste Good With?
Maybe you’re thinking of ways to serve brie at a party or enjoy it yourself. Cheese is a health-boosting food no matter the type as long as it’s natural cheese. That said, brie goes well with other nutritious options, including the following:
- Fruits: pears, peaches, strawberries, apricots, plums, apples
- Meats: beef steak, salami, chicken breast, turkey
- Nuts: pecans, walnuts, almonds
- Veggies: brussels sprouts, spinach, asparagus, sweet potatoes, mushrooms
You can use brie cheese for baked pastries, grilled sandwiches, and as a topping for pizza. For wine connoisseurs, brie is great with white wines like Sauvignon Blanc!
How to Tell If Brie Cheese Has Gone Bad?
There are several ways to tell if a cheese has gone bad. For Brie, check for a color change in the rind — this is the outside layer of brie. Ideally, it should be white and powdery. But if it has turned dark and greyish, and develops an ammonia-like smell, discard it immediately. Keep in mind that brie is a soft cheese and that soft cheeses go bad more quickly than hard ones.
FAQ
Learn more about brie cheese with the frequently asked questions below:
How long does brie last?
If stored properly in the fridge, brie cheese should last about 1 week. After opening it, wrap the cheese in parchment or wax paper and refrigerate it.
Why does brie have a strong smell?
Brie normally smells sweet, creamy, and buttery. If it smells like ammonia and has mold that wasn’t present originally when you first bought the cheese, it’s probably not good to eat.
Why does my brie taste like ammonia?
There’s a huge possibility that your brie cheese has already spoiled. Check the printed date on the package and look for signs of discoloration on the rind, such as blue or green mold. Brie cheese can go bad after 7 days since it’s a soft cheese.
The Bottom Line
So, how does brie taste? As you’ve learned in this article, brie is buttery, fruity, nutty, and a bit earthy. Eat brie on its own or have it alongside fruits, meat, and nuts. It makes a wonderful appetizer, snack, or ingredient in various meals!
Love cheese in general? We invite you to try some of our crunchy snacks made from real cheese. Go ahead and shop all Käze cheese bites.
