Frederic Melton
While the rind of brie cheese is edible, some people find its taste and texture unappetizing. The soft cheese sticks to the rind, making it difficult to remove without wasting half of the cheese. One way to make the process easier is to freeze the cheese before slicing off the top, bottom, and sides with a serrated knife. The cheese can then be returned to room temperature or baked before serving.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should the rind be removed? | The rind is edible and adds flavour to the cheese. However, some people dislike its taste and texture. |
| How to remove the rind? | Freeze the cheese, then slice off the top, bottom, and sides with a serrated knife. Pry off the remaining rind with your fingers. |
| How to prevent freezer burn? | Wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. |
| How long to freeze the cheese? | Freeze for at least 30 minutes. |
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What You'll Learn
Freeze the brie to harden it
Freezing brie cheese is a great way to extend its shelf life. If you plan to freeze your brie, it is best to put it in the freezer as soon as you get it home or within a day of purchase to ensure you're freezing it at its best. Before freezing, wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or several layers of cling film to protect it from freezer burn and maintain its flavour and texture. Make sure to cover the entire rind.
If your freezer has a 『quick freeze』 or 『flash freeze』 mode, use that. This will help to retain the texture and taste as the faster it cools, the more numerous and smaller the ice crystals will be. It is also important to limit the amount of air and moisture to help reduce the risk of freezer burn.
Freezing brie will alter its texture and flavour, so it is recommended to use frozen brie for cooking rather than serving it on a cheeseboard. The distinctive taste remains, however, and there are many recipes that use frozen brie, such as baked brie with your favourite toppings, brie and blackberry pizza, or a toasted brie baguette with cranberries.
When you are ready to use the frozen brie, thaw it in the refrigerator and consume it within a few days. Slow defrosting is the best method for minimising the effects of freezing on the texture and shape of the brie.
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Slice off the top and bottom
Removing the rind from brie cheese can be a tricky affair, as the soft, gooey cheese sticks to the rind, making it difficult to remove without taking half the cheese with it. One effective approach is to slice off the top and bottom of the cheese. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Prepare the Brie Cheese
Start by placing the brie on its side on a cutting board. It is recommended to use a serrated knife to cut through the cheese effectively. If your brie is too soft, consider wrapping it in plastic wrap and placing it in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to firm it up. This will make it easier to slice and remove the rind.
Step 2: Slice Off the Top and Bottom
Using a serrated knife, carefully slice off both circular ends of the brie cheese. Stand the cheese on its side to get a stable base for cutting. This step might be challenging if the cheese is too soft, so ensure it is sufficiently chilled and firm before proceeding.
Step 3: Pry Off the Rind
Once you've cut off the top and bottom, use your fingers to gently pry off the rind from the exposed surfaces. If the rind is still challenging to remove, you can try freezing the cheese for another 30 minutes to make it firmer. The goal is to detach the rind from the cheese without taking too much of the creamy part with it.
Step 4: Prepare for Serving
After removing the top and bottom rind, you can choose to slice off the sides as well, or leave them intact. If you wish to serve the brie without the sides, lay the cheese flat on the cutting board and use your knife to cut along the edges to remove the sides and remaining rind. If you're happy with just the top and bottom removed, you can serve the brie as-is or proceed to the next step.
Step 5: Bring to Room Temperature
Before serving, it is recommended to let the cheese come to room temperature. This will ensure the optimal texture and flavour of the brie. You can also choose to bake the brie at this point if you prefer it warm. Additionally, consider pairing your brie with preserves, marmalade, or baked pita chips for an enhanced culinary experience.
Remember, while removing the rind from brie cheese can be tricky, with careful slicing and patience, you can successfully detach the top and bottom rind and enjoy your cheese the way you like it.
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Pry off the rind with your fingers
To pry off the rind of a brie cheese with your fingers, you'll first need to firm up the cheese by freezing it. Place the brie in the freezer for at least 30 minutes, or even a few hours or overnight. Wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap will protect it from freezer burn and keep the texture and flavour fresh.
Once the cheese is frozen, use a serrated knife to slice off the top and bottom of the brie. Stand the cheese on its side to do this. If the brie is firm, the top and bottom should be easy to cut off. If it's still too soft, wrap it in plastic and place it back in the freezer for another 30 minutes.
Now, use your fingers to pry off the rind. You can use your fingernail to lift up any part of the rind wherever it seems loosest, and then peel the rest of the rind off like you're peeling an orange.
If you want to remove the sides of the rind as well, lay the brie flat on a cutting board and use a serrated knife to cut along the edge of the cheese, pulling the sides of the rind away bit by bit.
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Use a knife to cut off the sides
To remove the rind from the sides of a wheel of brie cheese, it is recommended that you use a serrated knife. Before using the knife, however, there are a few preparatory steps to take. Firstly, wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring that the entire rind is covered. This will protect the cheese from freezer burn and maintain its flavour and texture. Then, place the wrapped cheese in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to allow it to harden.
Once the cheese has been in the freezer for long enough and is completely firm, take it out and remove the plastic wrap. Now, you can use your knife. Stand the cheese on its side and use the serrated knife to slice off both circular ends. After making the cuts, use your fingers to pry off the rind. If the cheese is firm enough, this should be easy. If it is still difficult, wrap the cheese and place it back in the freezer for another 30 minutes.
Now, you can slice off the sides. Lay the cheese flat on the cutting board and use the knife to cut along the edge of the cheese, slicing off the sides. As you cut, start pulling the sides of the rind away from the cheese, gradually removing it. Continue until the rind has been completely removed. If you want to avoid the cheese sticking to your cutting board, you can lay a piece of waxed paper or parchment paper on the board before placing the cheese on it.
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Peel the rind like an orange
To peel the rind from Brie cheese like an orange, start by freezing the cheese. Wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap to protect it from freezer burn and maintain its flavour and texture. Place the wrapped cheese in the freezer for at least 30 minutes; the cheese will be easier to peel once it has hardened.
After freezing, remove the plastic wrap and place the cheese on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, slice off the top and bottom of the cheese, cutting both circular ends. Then, use your fingers to pry off the rind. If the cheese is firm, the top and bottom should be easy to cut off. If it is still soft, place it back in the freezer for another 30 minutes.
Once the top and bottom are removed, stand the cheese on its side and use the knife to slice off the sides, pulling the rind away bit by bit. Alternatively, use a potato peeler to peel the rind off the sides.
Finally, use your fingernail to pry up any remaining parts of the rind, and then peel off the rest, just like you would an orange.
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