Alpicrème Cheese vs Jarlsberg Cheese
Alpicrème Cheese is a soft goat-milk cheese from France, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard and made from cow milk, originating in Norway.
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 Jarlsberg Cheese?
Jarlsberg is a mild Swiss-type cheese from Norway, made from cow's milk and named after Jarlsberg Manor. It is known for its buttery, slightly sweet and nutty flavor and its medium to large holes.
What's the Difference Between Alpicrème Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese?
- Origin: Alpicrème Cheese (France), Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway)
- Milk type: Alpicrème Cheese (goat's milk), Jarlsberg Cheese (cow's milk)
- Texture: Alpicrème Cheese (soft), Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard)
- Rind: Alpicrème Cheese (Bloomy), Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered)
- Aging: Alpicrème Cheese (30 days to 3 months), Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Alpicrème Cheese | Jarlsberg Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Norway |
| Specific Origin | — | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft | Semihard |
| Rind | Bloomy | Plastic-covered |
| Aging | 30 days to 3 months | Three months to twelve months |
| Taste | — | Mild, sweet, nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Alpicrème Cheese Taste Like Jarlsberg 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 Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months.
Can You Substitute Alpicrème Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
Alpicrème Cheese can stand in for Jarlsberg 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 semihard.
Which Is Better, Alpicrème Cheese or Jarlsberg 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 semihard profile, Jarlsberg Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alpicrème Cheese the same as Jarlsberg Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Alpicrème Cheese originates in France, while Jarlsberg Cheese comes from Norway. Alpicrème Cheese is made from goat milk; Jarlsberg Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Alpicrème Cheese is typically aged 30 days to 3 months, Jarlsberg Cheese three months to twelve months.
Is Alpicrème Cheese similar to Jarlsberg Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Alpicrème Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Alpicrème Cheese taste like Jarlsberg 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 Jarlsberg Cheese made of?
Jarlsberg Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged three months to twelve months. It originates in Norway.
Which should I choose, Alpicrème Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Alpicrème Cheese is soft, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard.