Autun Cheese vs Brunost Cheese
Autun Cheese is a fresh soft, artisan cow and goat-milk cheese from France, while Brunost Cheese is semi-soft, whey and made from cow and goat milk, originating in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
What Is Autun Cheese?
Autun is a fresh, soft cheese made from a blend of cow's and goat's milk, originating in the Burgundy region of France. It is crafted from unpasteurized milk, allowing it to retain a natural and authentic taste. With a fat content of 40-45%, the cheese has a creamy, yet light texture. Autun is rindless and presents a clean, white appearance. Its flavor is characterized by a pleasant acidity that provides a refreshing taste experience. Due to its artisan nature, Autun is often enjoyed fresh and can be paired with simple accompaniments to highlight its bright flavors.
What Is Brunost Cheese?
Brunost, or "brown cheese," is a distinctly Norwegian dairy product, often classified as a cheese, though it differs from traditional cheeses. It is made by boiling down the whey of goat's milk, cow's milk, or a combination of both, until the water evaporates, and the natural milk sugars caramelize. This process gives Brunost its unique brown color, sweet caramel-like flavor, and fudge-like texture. It is commonly sliced thin and served on bread, crispbreads, or waffles.
What's the Difference Between Autun Cheese and Brunost Cheese?
- Origin: Autun Cheese (France), Brunost Cheese (Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden)
- Milk treatment: Autun Cheese (unpasteurized), Brunost Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
- Texture: Autun Cheese (fresh soft, artisan), Brunost Cheese (semi-soft, whey)
- Rind: Autun Cheese (rindless), Brunost Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Autun Cheese (acidic), Brunost Cheese (caramel, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Autun Cheese | Brunost Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway And Sweden |
| Specific Origin | Burgundy | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's and goat's milk | Cow's and goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Fresh soft, artisan | Semi-soft, whey |
| Rind | Rindless | Natural |
| Taste | Acidic | Caramel, sweet |
Which would you pick?
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Where to buy Autun Cheese and Brunost Cheese
Autun Cheese
Brunost Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Autun Cheese Taste Like Brunost Cheese?
Autun Cheese reads as acidic, while Brunost Cheese brings caramel, sweet character.
Can You Substitute Autun Cheese for Brunost Cheese?
In most recipes, Autun Cheese and Brunost Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow and goat-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect fresh soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, whey. Flavor-wise, Autun Cheese reads as acidic while Brunost Cheese brings caramel, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Autun Cheese or Brunost Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a fresh soft, artisan cheese, go with Autun Cheese. For a semi-soft, whey profile, Brunost Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Autun Cheese suits recipes that want acidic notes, while Brunost Cheese fits dishes calling for caramel, sweet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Autun Cheese the same as Brunost Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Autun Cheese originates in France, while Brunost Cheese comes from Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
Is Autun Cheese similar to Brunost Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow and goat-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Autun Cheese for Brunost Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Autun Cheese taste like Brunost Cheese?
Autun Cheese reads as acidic, while Brunost Cheese is caramel, sweet.
What is Autun Cheese made of?
Autun Cheese is made from cow and goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in France.
What is Brunost Cheese made of?
Brunost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It originates in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
Which should I choose, Autun Cheese or Brunost Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Autun Cheese is fresh soft, artisan, while Brunost Cheese is semi-soft, whey.
See full profiles: Autun Cheese and Brunost Cheese.