Trader Joe's Brie Cheese: How Long Does It Last?

Trader Joe's is known for its impressive selection of cheeses, including traditional French brie. While the exact duration of how long Trader Joe's brie lasts cannot be determined, proper storage methods can help extend its shelf life. Freezing is recommended to preserve the texture and flavour, and it is suggested to wrap the cheese well and store it in a freezer bag or container to prevent moisture ingress. Additionally, it is important to note that brioche, a soft and spongy bread, should not be left out on the counter for an extended period, as it will dry out quickly when exposed to air.

How to store Trader Joe's brie

Trader Joe's offers a wide variety of cheeses, including several types of brie. If you're looking to store Trader Joe's brie, here are some tips to ensure it stays fresh and delicious:

Choosing the Right Brie

When purchasing Trader Joe's brie, it's important to select one that suits your taste preferences. They offer traditional French brie, which is a soft-ripened cheese with a strong flavour. If you prefer something milder, they also offer double and triple cream bries, which have a higher butterfat content and a smoother, richer texture. For a unique twist, you can try their brie with wild mushrooms, which adds an earthy, umami flavour to the cheese.

Storage Temperature

The ideal temperature for storing brie is between 35-40°F (1.7-4.4°C). This means that the cheese compartment in your refrigerator is the best place for it. Avoid freezing brie, as this can affect its texture and taste.

Packaging

To maintain freshness, it's recommended to keep the original packaging of the brie intact. If the cheese came in a vacuum-sealed package, make sure to reseal it tightly after each use. If the brie came wrapped in wax paper, you can keep it that way, ensuring the paper is tightly wrapped around the cheese.

Storage Containers

If you need to transfer your brie to a different container, choose an airtight option such as a glass or ceramic container. Avoid using plastic wrap or containers, as these can trap moisture and affect the cheese's quality.

Storage Duration

Brie is best enjoyed fresh, so it's recommended to consume it within a few days of purchase. If stored properly, it can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator. However, always trust your senses and check for any signs of spoilage, such as discolouration, mould (other than the edible rind), or an off-putting odour.

Storing Opened vs. Unopened Brie

If you've already opened the brie, it's best to consume it within a few days. For longer storage, wrap the remaining cheese tightly in wax paper or place it in an airtight container to minimise exposure to air.

Storing Flavoured Brie

For flavoured bries, such as those with herbs or mushrooms, follow the same storage guidelines as regular brie. However, check the ingredient list for any additional preservatives or flavourings, as these may affect the cheese's longevity.

Serving and Enjoying Your Brie

Brie is best served at room temperature, so remove it from the refrigerator about an hour before serving. You can enjoy it as-is or warm it in the oven for a richer, meltier texture. Pair it with crackers, crostini, or bread, and top it with jam for a sweet and savoury treat.

How long does Trader Joe's brie last once opened?

Trader Joe's offers a wide variety of cheeses, including several types of brie. While there is no precise answer to how long a particular variety of Trader Joe's brie will last once opened, there are some general guidelines that can help determine its shelf life.

Brie is a soft-ripened cheese, which means it has a shorter shelf life compared to harder cheeses. On average, an unopened package of brie can last between two to three weeks in the refrigerator. However, once opened, the shelf life of brie is significantly reduced.

Proper storage plays a crucial role in extending the shelf life of brie. It is recommended to wrap brie in wax paper or cheese paper, ensuring that it is tightly sealed. This helps retain moisture and prevents the cheese from drying out. Additionally, brie should be stored in the warmest part of the refrigerator, usually the top shelf, to maintain optimal quality.

For a more precise estimate, it is advisable to refer to the packaging of the specific Trader Joe's brie variety purchased, as different types of brie may have varying shelf lives. The packaging typically provides information on the recommended storage methods and the "best before" or "use by" dates.

It is important to inspect the brie for any signs of spoilage before consumption. Some common indicators of spoiled brie include visible mold growth, a slimy texture, or an off-putting or ammonia-like odour. If any of these signs are present, it is best to discard the cheese to avoid potential health risks.

In summary, the shelf life of Trader Joe's brie once opened will depend on factors such as the type of brie, proper storage practices, and individual expiration dates. To ensure food safety and optimal quality, it is recommended to follow the storage instructions provided on the packaging and to regularly inspect the cheese for any signs of spoilage.

Best ways to cook Trader Joe's brie

Trader Joe's offers a wide variety of Brie cheeses, including the standard Double Cream, the richer Triple Creme from France, the Triple Creme German Brie with Wild Mushrooms, and the goat's milk Brie. Here are some of the best ways to cook and serve Trader Joe's Brie:

Baked Brie En Croute

This elegant appetizer is perfect for serving guests. It is a wheel of Brie covered in pastry and baked in the oven until melted. The rind on the Brie helps to prevent the cheese from becoming too volcanic, ensuring a presentable dish. Pair it with crackers and a nice jam or Trader Joe's Hot and Sweet Pepper Jelly for contrast.

Mini Baked Brie Bites

These easy-to-make appetizers are perfect for snacking and entertaining. To make them, spread some Brie on crackers, add some fig jam and caramelized onions, and top with crispy prosciutto and a drizzle of hot honey. You can also use phyllo cups, mini muffin tins, crostinis, or puff pastries instead of crackers. For a warm and melty cheese bite, pop them in the oven for a few minutes before adding the final toppings.

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Trader Joe's Brie can be a delicious addition to grilled cheese sandwiches. Its mild taste and creamy texture will complement the bread and other ingredients, such as tomatoes or spinach.

Cheese Board

As recommended by Molly Browne, education director at the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, a cheese board should include a mix of soft, hard, and funky cheeses. Trader Joe's Brie can be a great addition to a cheese board, providing a mild and creamy option. Pair it with some crackers, jams, or fruits for a delicious and elegant appetizer.

Best crackers to pair with Trader Joe's brie

Trader Joe's has a compact but thoughtful selection of cheeses, including a few varieties of brie. The best crackers to pair with Trader Joe's brie will depend on the type of brie you choose and your personal preferences. Here are some options for crackers to pair with Trader Joe's brie:

• Fig & Olive Crisps: These crackers are chock-full of luxurious add-ins like dried fruits and herbs. They are a great option to pair with any type of brie and are a less expensive alternative to similar crackers sold at Whole Foods.
• Everything But the Gluten Norwegian Crispbread: These sturdy crackers are seasoned with a special mix that is similar to Everything but the Bagel Seasoning. They are a good gluten-free option to pair with brie.
• Red Chili Scalloped Crackers: These fun, scallop-edged crackers are spicy and complement a variety of cheeses, including brie.
• 3-Seed Beet Crackers: These crackers are a unique option as they are both a cracker and a vegetable! They will add a gorgeous purple/red hue to your grazing tray and are a flavorful option to pair with brie.
• Organic Salty Squares: Salty crackers are a classic option to pair with cheese, and these squares from Trader Joe's are perfect for jazzing up soup or slathering with cookie butter.
• Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps: These crunchy crackers packed with tart cranberry and sweet pumpkin powder are perfect for pairing with cream cheese or other mild cheeses like brie.

In addition to crackers, you could also pair Trader Joe's brie with a nice jam or jelly, such as Trader Joe's Hot and Sweet Pepper Jelly.

Best wines to pair with Trader Joe's brie

Trader Joe's offers a wide range of wines, many of which are private labels, and some of which are exclusive to the store. Here are some of the best wines to pair with Trader Joe's brie:

Emma Reichart Rosé Pinot Noir

This dry rosé from the Nahe wine region of Germany has a tart apple and strawberry nose, with notes of cherry and watermelon. At 11.5% ABV, it is perfect for a hot summer day and pairs well with Mediterranean-inspired dishes and soft-ripened cheeses like brie. At $4.99 a bottle, it is an excellent choice for those on a budget.

Espiral Vinho Verde

This white wine, priced between $4.99 and $6.99, is a crowd-pleaser with its bright, acidic, and crisp flavour. Its taste resembles the tartness of a Granny Smith apple, and it pairs well with grazing apps like a meat-and-cheese board or Cranberry-Brie Bites with Puff Pastry.

Giardino Pinot Grigio delle Venezie

Produced in the Veneto region of northwestern Italy, this wine is semi-dry, medium-bodied, and has a smooth mouthfeel. Its flavour profile includes notes of apple, vanilla, and butterscotch. At 12% ABV, it is best served chilled and pairs well with Italian cuisine, seafood, pasta dishes, and fresh mozzarella.

Joseph Händler Riesling

This wine from the central southwestern German state of Rheinland-Pfalz costs $6.99 a bottle. It has a pale straw colour and a nose of vanilla and honey, typical of a classic Riesling. It is dry, with low acidity, and has flavours of apple and pear, with a hint of citrus. At 10% ABV, it is easy to drink and pairs well with a variety of foods, including fish, seafood, and spicy dishes.

Charles Shaw Nouveau Red Table Wine 2024

Beloved by wine connoisseurs, Charles Shaw wines offer a fresh approach to California reds. Their Nouveau Red Table Wine 2024 is a top recommendation for the holidays and will pair well with both turkey and ham.

In addition to these options, Trader Joe's offers a variety of red and white wines under $10 that can complement the mild and creamy flavour of brie. These include:

• Grifone 1967 Toscana from Italy ($5.99)
• WELL REaD red blend from California ($6.99)
• Picton Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand ($7.99)
• La Finca Malbec from Argentina ($4.99)
• Loudenotte Cuvée Réservée Pinot Noir from southern France ($6.99)

Frequently asked questions