A Guide to Brie Cheese in 2025
Brie cheese is one of the most well-known and loved cheeses around the world. You’ll often see it on party platters, paired with fruit, crackers or wine. But have you ever wondered where Brie cheese originally came from or how it became such a popular choice for gatherings?
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the roots of Brie cheese and how it earned its spot as a favorite on cheese boards everywhere. You’ll also learn some handy tips for storing, serving and even making Brie at home. And if you’ve ever been unsure about the correct Brie cheese, pronunciation, we’ll clear that up too.
Jump to Section
- What Is Brie Cheese?
- Brie Cheese vs Camembert
- The Best Ways to Eat Brie Cheese
- Best Brie Cheese Recipes
- Is Eating Brie Cheese Healthy?
- Brie Cheese FAQs
What Is Brie Cheese?
The History of Brie Cheese
Brie cheese originated in the charming Brie region of France, just outside Paris in the Île-de-France area. Brie earned its nickname, the "Queen of Cheeses," thanks to its rich texture and royal fans over the centuries. According to legend, Brie cheese captured the heart of Emperor Charlemagne in the 8th century.
After tasting it during a visit to a monastery, he became a devoted fan, helping to spread its popularity throughout the land. Over time, Brie became a favorite at the French royal court and was even given as a tribute to kings and queens.
After the French Revolution, Brie’s fame only grew. It was around this time that it was officially crowned “Queen of Cheeses,” a title that honored both its noble roots and its delicious flavor.
While traditional Brie is still made in France, many versions are now produced worldwide. One of the most well-known varieties is Brie de Meaux, which is still made in the town of Meaux using time-honored methods.
Aged for at least four weeks, this version has a rich, complex taste that Brie lovers truly appreciate. The first wheels of Brie cheese were imported to the U.S. in 1936, arriving in refrigerated compartments aboard luxury ships. Today, you can find many types of Brie cheese in grocery stores and specialty shops.
When shopping, you might notice that the price of Brie cheese can vary depending on where it’s made, how it’s aged and whether it’s imported or produced locally. Authentic French Brie usually costs more than domestic options but many find the flavor worth the splurge.
What Type of Cheese is Brie Cheese?
Brie is a soft, creamy cheese that's especially loved for its mild and buttery flavor. It’s typically made from cow’s milk and shaped into large, round wheels. The inside of Brie cheese is pale yellow with a smooth and spreadable texture just beneath the white rind, while the center tends to be slightly firmer.
When learning how to eat Brie cheese, you'll discover that its flavor changes dramatically depending on its ripeness. Younger Brie has a firmer texture and milder taste, perfect for those new to soft cheeses.
As Brie ages, it develops a more complex and sometimes pungent Brie cheese taste that many enthusiasts prefer. The edible white rind adds a subtle mushroom-like flavor to it that beautifully complements the smooth, velvety interior that melts in your mouth.
France is home to classic versions like Brie de Meaux and Brie de Melun, both protected by PDO (protected designation of origin) status.
This means they must be made in specific regions using traditional methods. However, Brie is now made in many countries, and you can find varieties made not just from cow’s milk but also from goat’s or sheep’s milk.
Some Bries are aged longer for a deeper, more complex flavor, while others are served fresh for a lighter, more delicate profile.
Brie Cheese vs Camembert
At first glance, Brie and Camembert look nearly identical. Both have a soft, white rind and a creamy, smooth interior. It’s no surprise that people often mix them up. However, these two popular French cheeses have distinct differences that affect their taste, texture and best uses in the kitchen.
One key difference is how long each cheese is aged. Brie is usually aged for five to ten weeks, which gives it a mild, buttery flavor that’s rich but not overpowering. Think smooth and creamy with a soft, luxurious texture.
Camembert, on the other hand, is typically aged for a shorter period of time, about three to four weeks. Even though it's aged for less time, Camembert uses stronger lactic cultures during the cheese-making process.
This gives it a deeper, earthier flavor that’s more intense than Brie, though it’s still considered a mild cheese.
When you compare Brie cheese vs Camembert in cooking, Camembert tends to melt faster and doesn’t hold its shape as well as Brie. That makes Brie a bit more versatile in certain recipes where you want a creamier texture without losing structure.
Another big difference lies in the fat content. Brie is made with milk that contains around 60% milk fat, while Camembert usually has about 45%. That extra fat gives Brie its famously creamy consistency.
You might also come across double or triple Brie, like the Marine French Triple Cream Brie, which is even richer in texture and flavor.
The Best Ways to Eat Brie Cheese
Thanks to its versatility, there’s really no wrong way to enjoy Brie. One of the most common methods is to serve it at room temperature with crackers, fresh fruit or sliced baguette. It pairs beautifully with berries, apples and grapes and you’ll find that it spreads effortlessly over a crunchy seeded cracker.
It also makes a great centerpiece to a well-rounded cheeseboard. To elevate the experience, try adding savory elements like smoked almonds, salami or prosciutto.
The saltiness of the meats and the boldness of the olives or roasted nuts will balance out the richness of the Brie, giving you a little bit of everything in each bite.
If you're trying a new Brie cheese recipe, be sure to let the cheese come to room temperature before serving. Just set it out for about 30 minutes before guests arrive.
This makes it soft and spreadable, which is ideal for snacking or entertaining. With that said, you don’t want to leave it out for too long, because of its high moisture content, Brie can spoil if left unrefrigerated for more than two hours.
When storing leftover Brie, simply wrap it in wax paper or place it in a zip-top bag and keep it in the fridge. It typically stays fresh for up to two weeks. If the cheese smells off or develops unusual mold, it’s time to toss it.
When it comes to drinks, Brie’s taste is complemented best by something crisp and light. A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Banshee Chardonnay works beautifully. If you’re more of a beer fan, a Belgian-style wheat beer or a sparkling cider can be a great way to refresh your palate between bites.
How To Make Brie Cheese at Home
Making Brie cheese at home might seem a little intimidating at first, but once you’ve made your first successful batch, you'll see it's worth the effort. To begin, warm up fresh cow’s milk and add a cheese starter culture along with rennet.
This step helps the milk thicken into curds. Once the curds have formed, gently cut them and allow them to release their whey. After draining, carefully scoop the curds into round molds where they start to take shape.
Next comes salting and the addition of a special mold that helps develop Brie’s signature bloomy rind. After this, you may remove the cheese from the molds and place it in a cool, controlled space to age. Over time, the outside forms a soft white rind while the inside turns smooth and buttery.
As mentioned, Brie cheese tastes mild and earthy when young, becoming deeper and more complex as it matures. If you're exploring homemade cheeses, you might also enjoy making simple, fresh options like cottage cheese.
It’s beginner-friendly and quick to prepare, making it a great companion project to your first Brie cheese recipe.
Best Brie Cheese Recipes
Brie cheese is to party appetizers what champagne is to celebrations. But there are many different ways to prepare it, whether you're planning a fancy wine night or just need some last-minute cheese board ideas.
Classic Baked Brie
Baked Brie cheese is always a crowd-pleaser and couldn’t be simpler to make. All you have to do is place a whole wheel of Brie on a piece of parchment paper in a shallow baking dish.
Then, bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes until the inside is soft and melty, while the rind stays in place. You can serve your baked Brie warm with crackers, fresh figs and a drizzle of honey.
Baked Brie in Puff Pastry
For an elevated version of the baked Brie cheese recipe, try wrapping the wheel in puff pastry before baking. Place the Brie in the center of a puff pastry sheet, spread your favorite jam on top of the cheese, then fold the pastry over to enclose it completely before baking it to perfection.
Brie Puff Pastry Cups
For an appetizer that guests can easily enjoy while mingling, try making Brie cheese bites using premade puff pastry cups. Simply add small cubes of Brie topped with a tiny dollop of fruit jam to each cup before baking according to package directions.
These delightful Brie cheese bites can be prepared quickly when you're short on time but want something special for a celebration or gathering.
Is Eating Brie Cheese Healthy?
At this point, we’ve established that Brie cheese is delicious. Whether it's melted on a baguette or sitting pretty on your charcuterie board, it’s a crowd-pleaser. But is eating Brie cheese healthy? The short answer is, it can be, if you don't go overboard.
Brie is packed with nutrients like calcium and protein, plus it brings along vitamins A and B12, which are great for your skin, eyes and energy levels. You’ll also find minerals like phosphorus and zinc in there, which are essential for your body to function well.
Another one of its hidden benefits is the presence of probiotics; friendly bacteria that support gut health, help with digestion, strengthen your immune system and, according to Harvard Health, may even positively affect your mood.
Now, if you're wondering how to eat Brie cheese in a way that's healthy, the key is moderation. Stick to smaller portions and keep an eye on what you’re serving it with, because Brie is high in fat and calories.
A standard serving size (about 1 ounce or 28 grams) has roughly 95 calories. Of course, the calorie count can vary depending on the brand, so checking the nutrition label is a smart move.
Want to compare your options? This is where Brie cheese vs Camembert gets interesting. While both are creamy and French, their calorie content and textures can differ slightly, which is something to consider if you’re trying to be mindful of what you’re eating.
And don’t forget the Brie cheese price can vary too. Some high-end versions cost a pretty penny, while others are more wallet-friendly.
Brie Cheese FAQs
What Is So Special About Brie Cheese?
What makes Brie cheese truly special is its subtle flavor that changes slightly from one wheel to another. This happens because the cows graze on different wild grasses and flowers, giving each batch of Brie its own unique taste that captures the essence of where and when it was made.
And if you're wondering about the pronunciation of Brie, it's simply "bree" (rhymes with "tree"). Many people mistakenly say "brie" as two syllables, but the proper French pronunciation is just one smooth sound.
Do You Eat the Skin on Brie?
The white rind on Brie is completely edible and adds a mild, earthy flavor that complements the creamy inside. In fact, many Brie lovers say the rind is an essential part of the experience.
Still, if the texture isn’t for you, you can remove the rind and just enjoy the soft cheese underneath. To do this, place the Brie flat on a cutting board and use a sharp, serrated knife to gently slice off the edges, carefully peeling the rind away as you go.
Brie cheese is one of those foods that feels a little fancy but is incredibly approachable once you get to know it. It's also incredibly versatile, which makes it perfect for beginners and cheese connoisseurs alike.
Remember to serve your Brie at room temperature to fully appreciate its creamy texture and complex flavors and don't be afraid to experiment with different pairings to find your favorite combination.
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