Asiago Cheese vs Munster Cheese

Asiago Cheese is a cheese from Italy, while Munster Cheese is semisoft and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Asiago Cheese?

Asiago is a cow's milk cheese from the Asiago plateau in Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy, made either young and soft (Asiago pressato) or aged and crumbly (Asiago d'allevo). It carries Italian DOP status, though the name is treated as generic in the U.S. and Australia.

What Is Munster Cheese?

Munster, also called Munster-géromé, is a soft cheese made from raw cow's milk in the Vosges of eastern France. Brine washing during aging leaves it with a moist orange rind, a penetrating smell and a very strong taste.

What's the Difference Between Asiago Cheese and Munster Cheese?

• Origin: Asiago Cheese (Italy), Munster Cheese (France)
• Milk treatment: Asiago Cheese (raw (Asiago d'allevo)), Munster Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Rind: Asiago Cheese (thin, elastic (Asiago pressato)), Munster Cheese (Washed, saltwater solution)
• Aging: Asiago Cheese (20 to 40 days fresh; 60 days to 15 months or more aged), Munster Cheese (4-6 weeks to 2-3 months)
• Taste: Asiago Cheese (sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old), Munster Cheese (Strong, gamey)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Asiago Cheese Taste Like Munster Cheese?

Asiago Cheese reads as sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old, while Munster Cheese brings strong, gamey character. More specifically, Asiago Cheese shows mezzano sweetish, vecchio bitter, stravecchio bitter and spicy, while Munster Cheese leans toward strong smell, sticky orange-red rind, mellow creamy finish, heightened bite. traditionally enjoyed with rye bread or biscuits with cumin seeds.. Aging plays into this as well. Asiago Cheese at 20 to 40 days fresh; 60 days to 15 months or more aged develops a different profile than Munster Cheese at 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months.

Can You Substitute Asiago Cheese for Munster Cheese?

Asiago Cheese can stand in for Munster Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Flavor-wise, Asiago Cheese reads as sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old while Munster Cheese brings strong, gamey notes.

Which Is Better, Asiago Cheese or Munster Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Asiago Cheese suits recipes that want sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old notes, while Munster Cheese fits dishes calling for strong, gamey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Asiago Cheese the same as Munster Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Asiago Cheese originates in Italy, while Munster Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Asiago Cheese is typically aged 20 to 40 days fresh; 60 days to 15 months or more aged, Munster Cheese 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months.

Is Asiago Cheese similar to Munster Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Asiago Cheese for Munster Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.

Does Asiago Cheese taste like Munster Cheese?

Asiago Cheese reads as sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old, while Munster Cheese is strong, gamey.

What is Asiago Cheese made of?

Asiago Cheese is made from milk (raw (asiago d'allevo)), using rennet. It's typically aged 20 to 40 days fresh; 60 days to 15 months or more aged. It originates in Italy.

What is Munster Cheese made of?

Munster Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using traditional rennet. It's typically aged 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Asiago Cheese or Munster Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.