Beaufort Cheese vs Cachaille Cheese

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Beaufort Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Cachaille Cheese is soft and made from goat milk, originating in France.

What Is Beaufort Cheese?

Beaufort is a firm raw cow's milk cheese from the Savoie region of the French Alps, part of the gruyère family. Its wheels take a concave shape from the beechwood hoop, and the cheese melts easily enough to be a standard choice for fondue.

What Is Cachaille Cheese?

Cachaille is a strong Provençal cheese preparation made by fermenting leftover sheep tomme and goat brousse with brandy, white wine and oil. Sold in glass jars, it is spread on bread, and a well-tended pot can keep going for 20 years.

What's the Difference Between Beaufort Cheese and Cachaille Cheese?

  • Milk type: Beaufort Cheese (cow's milk), Cachaille Cheese (goat's milk)
  • Texture: Beaufort Cheese (Hard), Cachaille Cheese (soft)
  • Aging: Beaufort Cheese (5 to 12+ months), Cachaille Cheese (2 to 3 months, up to 20 years)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Beaufort Cheese Cachaille Cheese
Country of Origin France France
Specific Origin Beaufortin Valley, Savoie Region Puimichel In Provence Alpes
Milk Type Cow's milk Goat's milk
Milk Treatment Raw —
Texture Hard Soft
Rind Even yellow color —
Aging 5 to 12+ months 2 to 3 months, up to 20 years
Taste Strong Strong

Taste Comparison: Does Beaufort Cheese Taste Like Cachaille Cheese?

Beaufort Cheese reads as strong, while Cachaille Cheese brings strong character. More specifically, Beaufort Cheese shows ivory or slightly yellow color, occasional small eyes and thin slits, while Cachaille Cheese leans toward sharpened with brandy, white wine, vinegar, onion, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper. Aging plays into this as well. Beaufort Cheese at 5 to 12+ months develops a different profile than Cachaille Cheese at 2 to 3 months, up to 20 years.

Can You Substitute Beaufort Cheese for Cachaille Cheese?

Beaufort Cheese can stand in for Cachaille Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect hard bite and body where the recipe calls for soft.

Which Is Better, Beaufort Cheese or Cachaille Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard cheese, go with Beaufort Cheese. For a soft profile, Cachaille Cheese is the better fit.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Beaufort Cheese the same as Cachaille Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Beaufort Cheese is made from cow milk; Cachaille Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Beaufort Cheese is typically aged 5 to 12+ months, Cachaille Cheese 2 to 3 months, up to 20 years.

Is Beaufort Cheese similar to Cachaille Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Beaufort Cheese for Cachaille Cheese?

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

Does Beaufort Cheese taste like Cachaille Cheese?

Beaufort Cheese reads as strong, while Cachaille Cheese is strong.

What is Beaufort Cheese made of?

Beaufort Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using dried calves’ abomasum in recuite rennet. It's typically aged 5 to 12+ months. It originates in France.

What is Cachaille Cheese made of?

Cachaille Cheese is made from goat milk. It's typically aged 2 to 3 months, up to 20 years. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Beaufort Cheese or Cachaille Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Beaufort Cheese is hard, while Cachaille Cheese is soft.