Baguette Laonnaise Cheese vs Camembert Cheese

Baguette Laonnaise Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan 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 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 Baguette Laonnaise Cheese and Camembert Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Baguette Laonnaise Cheese (pasteurized), Camembert Cheese (unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions)
• Rind: Baguette Laonnaise Cheese (washed), Camembert Cheese (Bloomy)
• Aging: Baguette Laonnaise Cheese (3 to 4 months), Camembert Cheese (minimum 3 weeks)
• Taste: Baguette Laonnaise Cheese (spicy), Camembert Cheese (slightly sour, stronger than brie)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Baguette Laonnaise Cheese reads as spicy, while Camembert Cheese brings slightly sour, stronger than brie character. On the nose, Baguette Laonnaise Cheese offers pungent, contrasted with Camembert Cheese's buttery, rich. More specifically, Baguette Laonnaise Cheese shows black pepper, tarragon, while Camembert Cheese leans toward slightly sour, sometimes chalky, stronger than brie of the same ripening time; ammonia when overripe. Aging plays into this as well. Baguette Laonnaise Cheese at 3 to 4 months develops a different profile than Camembert Cheese at minimum 3 weeks.

Can You Substitute Baguette Laonnaise Cheese for Camembert Cheese?

In most recipes, Baguette Laonnaise Cheese and Camembert Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Flavor-wise, Baguette Laonnaise Cheese reads as spicy while Camembert Cheese brings slightly sour, stronger than brie notes.

Which Is Better, Baguette Laonnaise Cheese or Camembert Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Baguette Laonnaise Cheese suits recipes that want spicy notes, while Camembert Cheese fits dishes calling for slightly sour, stronger than brie.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Baguette Laonnaise Cheese the same as Camembert Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Baguette Laonnaise Cheese is typically aged 3 to 4 months, Camembert Cheese minimum 3 weeks.

Is Baguette Laonnaise Cheese similar to Camembert Cheese?

Yes, they share close profiles. Same milk base and similar texture make them workable alternatives in many recipes.

Can I substitute Baguette Laonnaise Cheese for Camembert Cheese?

Yes, quite easily. The milk base and texture are close enough that most recipes won't notice the swap.

Does Baguette Laonnaise Cheese taste like Camembert Cheese?

Baguette Laonnaise Cheese reads as spicy, while Camembert Cheese is slightly sour, stronger than brie. Aromas also diverge. Baguette Laonnaise Cheese leans pungent, and Camembert Cheese is closer to buttery, rich.

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 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, Baguette Laonnaise Cheese or Camembert Cheese?

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