Beaufort Cheese vs Chèvre (Goat Cheese)

Beaufort Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Chèvre (Goat 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 Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

Chèvre is the French name for cheese made from goat's milk. The classic French style is soft and creamy under a light colored rind, tart from the fatty acids in goat milk, and is sometimes served hot as chèvre chaud.

What's the Difference Between Beaufort Cheese and Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

• Milk type: Beaufort Cheese (cow's milk), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (Goat)
• Milk treatment: Beaufort Cheese (Raw), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
• Texture: Beaufort Cheese (Hard), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (soft)
• Rind: Beaufort Cheese (Even yellow color), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (light colored)
• Aging: Beaufort Cheese (5 to 12+ months), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (not aged for long)
• Taste: Beaufort Cheese (strong), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Beaufort Cheese Taste Like Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

Beaufort Cheese reads as strong, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) brings tangy character. On the nose, Beaufort Cheese offers fruity, nutty, contrasted with Chèvre (Goat Cheese)'s goaty. More specifically, Beaufort Cheese shows ivory or slightly yellow color, occasional small eyes and thin slits, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) leans toward mild, creamy, sometimes fruity. Aging plays into this as well. Beaufort Cheese at 5 to 12+ months develops a different profile than Chèvre (Goat Cheese) at not aged for long.

Can You Substitute Beaufort Cheese for Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

Beaufort Cheese can stand in for Chèvre (Goat 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. Flavor-wise, Beaufort Cheese reads as strong while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) brings tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Beaufort Cheese or Chèvre (Goat 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, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Beaufort Cheese suits recipes that want strong notes, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) fits dishes calling for tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Beaufort Cheese the same as Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Beaufort Cheese is made from cow milk; Chèvre (Goat Cheese) uses goat. Aging also differs: Beaufort Cheese is typically aged 5 to 12+ months, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) not aged for long.

Is Beaufort Cheese similar to Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

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

Can I substitute Beaufort Cheese for Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

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

Does Beaufort Cheese taste like Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

Beaufort Cheese reads as strong, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is tangy. Aromas also diverge. Beaufort Cheese leans fruity, nutty, and Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is closer to goaty.

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 Chèvre (Goat Cheese) made of?

Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is made from goat milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It's typically aged not aged for long. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Beaufort Cheese or Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Beaufort Cheese is hard, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is soft.