Cheeses from Belgium
A guide to cheeses from Belgium, highlighting the country's most notable and diverse varieties.
Bassigny au porto
Bassigny au Porto is a semi-soft cheese from Belgium made with pasteurized cow's milk. It has a 45% fat content, giving it a rich and creamy texture. The cheese is known for its yellow color and washed rind, which contributes to its aromatic scent. In terms of flavor, Bassigny au Porto is both acidic and buttery, offering a balanced taste profile. It is also known by the synonym Langres. This cheese is a fine choice for those who enjoy nuanced flavors with a rich texture.
Beauvoorde
Beauvoorde is a semi-hard cheese from the Flanders region of Belgium, crafted from cow's milk. It presents a mild flavor that makes it approachable for many palates. The cheese has a natural rind and a yellow interior, giving it a classic appearance. Its aroma is notably spicy, adding an interesting contrast to its mild taste. Beauvoorde is versatile and can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a cheese board. It pairs well with various accompaniments, making it a popular choice for cheese enthusiasts.
Brusselae Kaas (Fromage de Bruxelles)
Brusselae Kaas, also known as Fromage de Bruxelles, is a Belgian cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk. It is a soft, artisan cheese with a washed rind, giving it a strong aroma that can be quite bold. The cheese has a pale yellow color, and its flavor profile is notably salty and sharp, offering a taste experience for those who enjoy more intense flavors. Its soft texture makes it easy to spread or melt, making it a good choice for a variety of culinary applications. This cheese is well-suited for those who appreciate the traditional characteristics of Belgian cheese-making.
Chimay
Produced in the Scourmont Abbey in Belgium, Chimay is a semi-soft cheese with a rind washed in Chimay beer. This process imparts unique flavors ranging from fruity to nutty and malty. Chimay cheese is creamy and melts well, making it a great choice for cooking or enjoying with a glass of Chimay beer.
Herve
Herve is a traditional Belgian cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk. It features a soft, artisan texture and is known for its smooth yet spicy flavor. The cheese has a strong, pungent aroma that can be quite intense. Herve is typically orange in color, giving it a distinctive appearance. Often referred to as Fromage de Herve, it is a staple in Belgian cheese-making traditions. This cheese is commonly enjoyed with bread or as part of a cheese platter, where its bold characteristics can be appreciated.
Limburger
Limburger is a well-known cheese originally from the historical Duchy of Limburg, which is now divided among three countries: Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. This cheese is famous for its strong, pungent aroma and soft, creamy texture with a mild, somewhat spicy flavor. It is often enjoyed on rye bread with onion and mustard.
Maredsous
Maredsous is a soft cheese made from cow's milk in Belgium. It has a creamy texture that makes it easy to spread. The flavor is mild and slightly buttery, with just a hint of tanginess. Maredsous is often enjoyed with bread or crackers and pairs well with light wines or beers. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in both cold and warm dishes, adding a gentle touch to any meal. The cheese is typically aged for a short period, which helps maintain its soft and smooth consistency.
Passendale
Passendale is a semi-soft, soft-ripened cheese originating from the village of Passendale in Belgium. Made from pasteurized cow's milk, it has a smooth, golden orange color and a natural rind. The cheese is known for its mild flavor and sweet aroma, making it approachable for many palates. With a fat content of 28%, Passendale offers a creamy, yet light texture. Its sweetness pairs well with fruits and nuts, and it can be enjoyed on its own or used as a versatile ingredient in various dishes.
Postel
Postel is a Belgian cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk. It features a washed rind, which gives it a mild and slightly tangy flavor. The cheese has a smooth and creamy texture, making it easy to spread or enjoy on its own. Postel is often enjoyed as part of a cheese platter or paired with fresh bread. Its gentle taste makes it a good choice for those who prefer milder cheeses. This cheese can also be used in cooking, adding a subtle richness to dishes.
Prince-Jean
Prince-Jean is a Belgian cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk. It has a fresh, soft texture and is crafted in an artisan style. The flavor is buttery, making it a smooth and pleasant cheese to enjoy. Its aroma is fresh and rich, complementing its creamy taste profile. The cheese is white in color and features a natural rind. Prince-Jean is ideal for those who appreciate a mild and creamy cheese experience.
Remedou
Remedou is a hard cheese made from cow's milk, originating from the Land of Herve in Belgium. It has a fat content of 40% and is known for its strong, stinky aroma, which may be off-putting to some but enticing to others. The cheese presents a yellow hue and offers a bold flavor that matches its potent smell. While it might not be for everyone, those who appreciate strong cheeses often find Remedou's taste rewarding. It's best enjoyed by those who can handle its intense aroma and relish its rich taste.
Rubens
Rubens is a semi-soft cheese from Belgium, made from cow's milk. It features a washed rind, which often gives it a slightly pungent aroma. The cheese has a creamy texture that is smooth and easy to slice. Its flavor is mild yet savory with a hint of nuttiness. The washed rind contributes to a subtle earthy taste, making it a pleasant choice for those who enjoy milder cheeses. Rubens pairs well with fresh fruits and crusty bread, and it can be a tasty addition to a cheese board.