Bartlett Cheese vs Comté Cheese

Bartlett Cheese is a soft, artisan sheep-milk cheese from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom, while Comté Cheese is smooth; semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Bartlett Cheese?

Bartlett is a soft, artisan cheese made from unpasteurized sheep's milk in Somerset, England. It has a mold-ripened rind, which contributes to its aromatic and strong scent. The cheese is white in color and features a buttery and milky flavor profile. Its soft texture makes it an inviting choice for cheese boards or spreading on bread. Bartlett is appreciated for its rich taste and aromatic presence, offering a true taste of traditional English cheese-making.

What Is Comté Cheese?

Comté is a hard cheese from eastern France, made daily from raw cow's milk in village dairies called fruitières. It holds PDO status, has the largest production of any French PDO cheese, and tastes mild, nutty, salty and slightly sweet.

What's the Difference Between Bartlett Cheese and Comté Cheese?

• Origin: Bartlett Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom), Comté Cheese (France)
• Milk type: Bartlett Cheese (sheep's milk), Comté Cheese (Cow's Milk)
• Milk treatment: Bartlett Cheese (unpasteurized), Comté Cheese (Raw)
• Texture: Bartlett Cheese (soft, artisan), Comté Cheese (Smooth; Semi-hard)
• Rind: Bartlett Cheese (mold ripened), Comté Cheese (Natural)
• Taste: Bartlett Cheese (buttery, milky), Comté Cheese (Nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Bartlett Cheese Taste Like Comté Cheese?

Bartlett Cheese reads as buttery, milky, while Comté Cheese brings nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted character.

Can You Substitute Bartlett Cheese for Comté Cheese?

Bartlett Cheese can stand in for Comté Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for smooth; semi-hard. Flavor-wise, Bartlett Cheese reads as buttery, milky while Comté Cheese brings nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted notes.

Which Is Better, Bartlett Cheese or Comté 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 Bartlett Cheese. For a smooth; semi-hard profile, Comté Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Bartlett Cheese suits recipes that want buttery, milky notes, while Comté Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bartlett Cheese the same as Comté Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Bartlett Cheese originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom, while Comté Cheese comes from France. Bartlett Cheese is made from sheep milk; Comté Cheese uses cow.

Is Bartlett Cheese similar to Comté Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Bartlett Cheese for Comté Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Bartlett Cheese taste like Comté Cheese?

Bartlett Cheese reads as buttery, milky, while Comté Cheese is nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted.

What is Bartlett Cheese made of?

Bartlett Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.

What is Comté Cheese made of?

Comté Cheese is made from cow milk (raw). It's typically aged 4 months to 3 years. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Bartlett Cheese or Comté Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Bartlett Cheese is soft, artisan, while Comté Cheese is smooth; semi-hard.