Alpicrème Cheese vs Camembert Cheese
Alpicrème Cheese is a soft goat-milk cheese from France, while Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Alpicrème Cheese?
Alpicrème is a soft cheese from France made with goat's milk. It features a bloomy rind that develops during an aging process of 30 days to 3 months. The cheese has a creamy and smooth texture, making it easy to spread. Its flavor is mild and slightly tangy, with the characteristic earthiness that comes from goat's milk. The aging process enhances its flavors, giving it a more pronounced taste over time. Alpicrème is often enjoyed on a cheese platter or paired with a crusty baguette.
What Is Camembert Cheese?
Camembert is a moist, soft, surface-ripened cow's milk cheese from Normandy, first made in the late 18th century. Penicillium camemberti gives it a white bloomy rind and a creamy interior, with a taste stronger and slightly more sour than brie.
What's the Difference Between Alpicrème Cheese and Camembert Cheese?
- Milk type: Alpicrème Cheese (goat's milk), Camembert Cheese (cow's milk)
- Texture: Alpicrème Cheese (soft), Camembert Cheese (soft, artisan)
- Aging: Alpicrème Cheese (30 days to 3 months), Camembert Cheese (minimum 3 weeks)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Alpicrème Cheese | Camembert Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | — | Camembert, Normandy, Northwest France |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions |
| Texture | Soft | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Bloomy | Bloomy |
| Aging | 30 days to 3 months | Minimum 3 weeks |
| Taste | — | Slightly sour, stronger than brie |
Taste Comparison: Does Alpicrème Cheese Taste Like Camembert Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Alpicrème Cheese at 30 days to 3 months develops a different profile than Camembert Cheese at minimum 3 weeks.
Can You Substitute Alpicrème Cheese for Camembert Cheese?
Alpicrème Cheese can stand in for Camembert Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, artisan.
Which Is Better, Alpicrème Cheese or Camembert Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Alpicrème Cheese. For a soft, artisan profile, Camembert Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alpicrème Cheese the same as Camembert Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Alpicrème Cheese is made from goat milk; Camembert Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Alpicrème Cheese is typically aged 30 days to 3 months, Camembert Cheese minimum 3 weeks.
Is Alpicrème Cheese similar to Camembert Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Alpicrème Cheese for Camembert Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Alpicrème Cheese taste like Camembert Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Alpicrème Cheese made of?
Alpicrème Cheese is made from goat milk. It's typically aged 30 days to 3 months. It originates in France.
What is Camembert Cheese made of?
Camembert Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized for aoc camembert de normandie, pasteurized for most other versions). It's typically aged minimum 3 weeks. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Alpicrème Cheese or Camembert Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Alpicrème Cheese is soft, while Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan.