Baguette Laonnaise Cheese vs Brie Cheese

Baguette Laonnaise Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Brie Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Baguette Laonnaise Cheese?

Baguette laonnaise is a washed-rind cow's milk cheese from Thiérache and the city of Laon in Picardie, France. It is a variation of Maroilles with black pepper and tarragon worked into the curd, sold as a rectangular loaf that gives the cheese its name.

What Is Brie Cheese?

Brie is a soft cow's milk cheese named after the French region it comes from, pale under a white mould rind. It runs 60 to 75 percent butterfat and tastes creamy, nutty and mushroom-like, with a faint acidity. The rind is eaten along with the paste.

What's the Difference Between Baguette Laonnaise Cheese and Brie Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Baguette Laonnaise Cheese (pasteurized), Brie Cheese (Raw, Pasteurized)
• Texture: Baguette Laonnaise Cheese (soft, artisan), Brie Cheese (Soft)
• Rind: Baguette Laonnaise Cheese (washed), Brie Cheese (Bloomy)
• Aging: Baguette Laonnaise Cheese (3 to 4 months), Brie Cheese (at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir)
• Taste: Baguette Laonnaise Cheese (spicy), Brie Cheese (Nutty, Mushroom)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Baguette Laonnaise Cheese Taste Like Brie Cheese?

Baguette Laonnaise Cheese reads as spicy, while Brie Cheese brings nutty, mushroom character. On the nose, Baguette Laonnaise Cheese offers pungent, contrasted with Brie Cheese's ammoniated when overripe. More specifically, Baguette Laonnaise Cheese shows black pepper, tarragon, while Brie Cheese leans toward creamy, nutty, mushroom-like, slightly acidic. Aging plays into this as well. Baguette Laonnaise Cheese at 3 to 4 months develops a different profile than Brie Cheese at at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir.

Can You Substitute Baguette Laonnaise Cheese for Brie Cheese?

In most recipes, Baguette Laonnaise Cheese and Brie Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Baguette Laonnaise Cheese reads as spicy while Brie Cheese brings nutty, mushroom notes.

Which Is Better, Baguette Laonnaise Cheese or Brie Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, artisan cheese, go with Baguette Laonnaise Cheese. For a soft profile, Brie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Baguette Laonnaise Cheese suits recipes that want spicy notes, while Brie Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty, mushroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Baguette Laonnaise Cheese the same as Brie Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Baguette Laonnaise Cheese is typically aged 3 to 4 months, Brie Cheese at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir.

Is Baguette Laonnaise Cheese similar to Brie Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Baguette Laonnaise Cheese for Brie Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Baguette Laonnaise Cheese taste like Brie Cheese?

Baguette Laonnaise Cheese reads as spicy, while Brie Cheese is nutty, mushroom. Aromas also diverge. Baguette Laonnaise Cheese leans pungent, and Brie Cheese is closer to ammoniated when overripe.

What is Baguette Laonnaise Cheese made of?

Baguette Laonnaise Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 3 to 4 months. It originates in France.

What is Brie Cheese made of?

Brie Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Baguette Laonnaise Cheese or Brie Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Baguette Laonnaise Cheese is soft, artisan, while Brie Cheese is soft.