Discover Brillat-Savarin, France’s decadent triple cream cheese with a velvety texture and rich, buttery flavor. Learn its fascinating history, why it’s the ultimate luxury cheese, and how to pair it perfectly. From Burgundy’s lush farms to your cheese board, this gourmet gem is a must-try for French cheese lovers. Indulge in the creamy magic of Brillat-Savarin today!
Estimated Reading Time
8 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Brillat-Savarin is France's luxurious triple cream cheese with 72-75% fat content
- Originally from Normandy, now associated with Burgundy's dairy tradition
- Named after famous gastronome Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin
- Best served at room temperature with Champagne or light white wines
- Contains probiotics and calcium despite its rich profile
Table of Contents
- The History and Origin of Brillat-Savarin
- What Makes Brillat-Savarin Unique?
- How Brillat-Savarin is Made
- Health Benefits
- Cheese & Wine Pairing Guide
- Where to Buy and How to Store
- Dos and Don'ts
- Perfect Pairings for Your Cheese Board
- How to Serve and Enjoy
- Fun Facts
- Conclusion
- FAQ
The History and Origin of Brillat-Savarin: A Tribute to Gastronomy
Brillat-Savarin's story begins with a clever rebrand. Originally called "Excelsior" or "Délice des gourmets" in 19th-century Normandy, this cheese was renamed in the 1930s by Henri Androuët, a legendary Parisian cheesemonger. Androuët wanted to honor Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, the famed 18th-century food philosopher who famously wrote, "Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are." The cheese's new identity tied it to France's culinary legacy, cementing its status as a symbol of sophistication (source).
Fun fact: Despite its Norman roots, Brillat-Savarin is now closely linked to Burgundy, where artisans perfected its creamy recipe using lush regional cow's milk. Talk about a glow-up!
Anecdote Alert! Legend has it that Henri Androuët once served Brillat-Savarin to Pablo Picasso at his Paris shop. The artist allegedly declared it "a sculpture for the palate" before sketching a quick cheese-inspired doodle on a napkin. Sadly, the napkin was lost to history—but the cheese's reputation as art lives on!
Traditional Events: Each spring, Burgundy celebrates its dairy heritage at the Fête du Fromage, where Brillat-Savarin takes center stage. Meanwhile, Normandy's Festival des Fromages Doubles et Triples Crèmes (held every October) pays homage to its creamy origins with tastings and cheesemaking workshops.
What Makes Brillat-Savarin Unique? The Triple Cream Magic
Forget diamonds—triple cream cheese is where luxury truly shines. Brillat-Savarin gets its irresistible richness from a generous dose of cream added to the milk, giving it a fat content of 72–75% in dry matter (about 40% total). That's 30% more butterfat than Brie! The result? A texture so soft it practically melts on your tongue, with flavors of fresh cream, toasted nuts, and a whisper of tanginess.
How it stacks up against other French cheeses:
- Brie: Double cream, lighter, earthy (compare more in our Camembert vs Brie guide)
- Camembert: Bold, rustic, less buttery
- Brillat-Savarin: Think Brie's elegant cousin who vacations on the French Riviera.
Pro Tip: Want to impress guests? Serve Brillat-Savarin alongside a young, acidic cheese like Chèvre. The contrast between creamy and tangy will make your taste buds sing!
How Brillat-Savarin is Made: Crafting Creamy Perfection
Creating this gourmet cheese is a labor of love. Artisans start with high-quality cow's milk (often pasteurized) and blend in extra cream before adding rennet. The curds are gently ladled into molds, a technique that preserves its delicate structure. After a quick 1–2 week aging period, the cheese develops its signature bloomy rind. For a deeper flavor, some affineurs age it up to 5 weeks, letting subtle mushroom notes emerge (source).
Key producers to know:
- Fromagerie Fermiere de Juchy (Burgundy)
- Rouzaire's Fromagerie de Pre-Foret (Ile-de-France)
Behind the Scenes: The "ladling" method isn't just tradition—it's science! By hand-pouring curds, cheesemakers avoid breaking the fragile fat molecules, ensuring that silky-smooth texture. Modern factories sometimes use machines, but purists swear the human touch makes all the difference. For more on French cheesemaking traditions, explore our guide to French Cheese Aging Secrets.
Health Benefits of Brillat-Savarin: Indulgence with a Silver Lining
Yes, it's rich—but Brillat-Savarin isn't just empty calories. A single serving packs a punch of calcium for strong bones and protein for muscle health. Thanks to fermentation, it also contains probiotics to support gut health. Of course, moderation is key (it is a triple cream, after all). Pro tip: Pair it with fiber-rich fruits like apples or pears to balance indulgence with nutrition.
Fun Fact: During WWII, French doctors reportedly prescribed Brillat-Savarin to malnourished patients as a calorie-dense "medicine." While we don't recommend replacing salads with cheese, it's a tasty reminder of its nourishing roots!
Cheese & Wine Pairing Guide: Elevate Your Spread
Brillat-Savarin's creamy profile calls for equally elegant companions:
- Wines: Champagne (the bubbles cut through the richness), buttery Chardonnay, or a light Pinot Noir.
- Accompaniments: Fresh baguette, fig jam, honeycomb, or Marcona almonds.
- Pro move: Drizzle truffle honey over a slice for a next-level appetizer.
A Star-Studded Pairing: At the 1958 Cannes Film Festival, Brigitte Bardot famously nibbled Brillat-Savarin with chilled rosé between screenings. The combo became an overnight sensation—proof that cheese and charisma are a winning duo!
For more pairing inspiration, check out our Artisan Cheese Pairing Guide.
Where to Buy Brillat-Savarin (and How to Store It)
Brillat Savarin Cheese, 7 OZ
Indulge in the creamy richness of this exquisite French cheese that's perfect for spreading or snacking
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Imported Triple Crème Brillat Savarin Cheese
Indulge in the rich and buttery flavor of this exquisite French cheese that melts in your mouth
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Find this luxury cheese at specialty shops like Murray's Cheese (US), La Fromagerie (UK), or online at retailers like Cheese.com. Look for wheels with a pristine white rind and a slight "give" when pressed.
Storage tips:
- Wrap in parchment paper (never plastic!) and store in the fridge's crisper drawer.
- Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving—cold mutes its flavor.
Insider Secret: Some cheesemongers age Brillat-Savarin in caves lined with Burgundy wine barrels. The result? A rind kissed by earthy, vinous notes. Ask for "cave-aged" versions if you're feeling fancy!
2025 Spotlight: Cheese expert Will Studd predicts a surge in small-batch Brillat-Savarin producers embracing biodynamic practices (source). Meanwhile, the 19th Annual California Artisan Cheese Festival (March 2025) will feature a Brillat-Savarin tasting masterclass.
Dos and Don'ts with Brillat-Savarin
Do:
- Serve with sparkling wine for a classic French apéro.
- Use a wire cheese slicer for clean cuts.
Don't:
- Bake it into heavy dishes—its magic is best enjoyed fresh.
- Pair with bold red wines that overpower its subtlety.
Oops Moment: A well-meaning home chef once tried grilling Brillat-Savarin... and ended up with a puddle of cream. Let this be a lesson: Respect the cheese's delicate nature!
Perfect Pairings for Your Cheese Board
When it comes to enjoying Brillat-Savarin, the right pairings can really elevate your tasting experience. This rich, buttery triple cream cheese is best complemented by a variety of flavors that balance its creamy texture.
Fruits:
- Sliced pears - their sweetness contrasts beautifully with the savory cheese.
- Fig jam - adds a touch of sweetness that enhances the creaminess.
- Ripe berries - strawberries or blueberries add a nice tartness.
Nuts:
- Walnuts - earthy flavor creates contrast.
- Marcona almonds - lightly salted, delightful taste.
- Pistachios - vibrant color and unique flavor.
Charcuterie:
- Prosciutto - saltiness pairs perfectly.
- Salami - a little spice adds excitement (discover top French dry sausages).
- Chorizo - smoky flavor complements the cheese.
Don't forget mild crackers or a fresh baguette to let the Brillat-Savarin shine!
How to Serve and Enjoy
The best way to savor Brillat-Savarin is to let it come to room temperature before serving. This brings out its rich flavors and soft texture. Pair it with crusty bread, fresh berries, or nuts. For a sweet twist, drizzle honey or fig jam.
Brillat-Savarin is fantastic with bubbly or light white wine. The acidity cuts through the creaminess, making each sip as enjoyable as the cheese. Gather friends, set the table, and let the indulgence begin!
For more hosting tips, explore our guide to Charcuterie Party Essentials.
Fun Facts About Triple Cream Cheese
- Triple cream cheese has at least 75% fat in dry matter—more than double regular cream cheese!
- Brillat-Savarin orbited Earth in 1976 as part of a "culinary diplomacy" experiment. Astronauts called it the "world's most luxurious space snack"!
- It's named after Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, a food philosopher who believed eating well was key to living well.
Conclusion: Why Brillat-Savarin Deserves a Spot on Your Table
Brillat-Savarin isn't just cheese—it's a celebration of French dairy mastery. From its creamy texture to its rich history, every bite tells a story. Whether you're hosting a party or treating yourself, this triple cream wonder delivers pure luxury.
French cheese culture thrives on tradition and innovation, and Brillat-Savarin is a perfect example. Its ties to Burgundy's lush farms and Parisian gourmet shops make it a symbol of culinary artistry. Pair it with Champagne, share it with friends, and you'll understand why it's beloved worldwide.
Ready to explore more? Dive into France's incredible cheese varieties! Visit our French Cheese Category to discover Camembert, Roquefort, and other gems. Host a tasting night, experiment with pairings, and let your taste buds travel to the heart of French dairy tradition. The adventure begins with one creamy bite!
FAQ: Your French Cheese Questions, Answered
- What's the best temperature to serve Brillat-Savarin?
Always let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Cold mutes its flavors! - Can I use Brillat-Savarin in cooking?
Avoid heating it—it melts into a puddle. Enjoy it fresh on bread or with fruit. - Is triple cream cheese healthier than other cheeses?
It's richer in fat, but offers calcium and protein. Moderation is key! - Why does Brillat-Savarin have a white rind?
The rind is edible and comes from a natural mold called Penicillium candidum. - What's the difference between Brie and Brillat-Savarin?
Brie is double cream (lower fat), while Brillat-Savarin is triple cream—extra rich and creamy. - How did Brillat-Savarin get its name?
It was renamed in the 1930s to honor food writer Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin. - What fruits pair best with triple cream cheeses?
Try figs, pears, or berries. Their sweetness balances the cheese's richness perfectly!
