Beaufort Cheese vs Goat Cheese
Beaufort Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Goat Cheese is soft, semihard or hard and made from goat milk.
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 Goat Cheese?
Goat cheese, also called chèvre, is cheese made from goat's milk. It is produced around the world in styles ranging from fresh and soft to aged and hard, and is known for the tart, goaty flavor that comes from the milk's medium-chain fatty acids.
What's the Difference Between Beaufort Cheese and Goat Cheese?
- Milk type: Beaufort Cheese (cow's milk), Goat Cheese (goat)
- Texture: Beaufort Cheese (Hard), Goat Cheese (soft, semihard or hard)
- Taste: Beaufort Cheese (strong), Goat Cheese (tart, goaty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Beaufort Cheese | Goat Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | — |
| Specific Origin | Beaufortin Valley, Savoie Region | Worldwide |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | — |
| Texture | Hard | Soft, semihard or hard |
| Rind | Even yellow color | — |
| Aging | 5 to 12+ months | — |
| Taste | Strong | Tart, goaty |
Taste Comparison: Does Beaufort Cheese Taste Like Goat Cheese?
Beaufort Cheese reads as strong, while Goat Cheese brings tart, goaty character. More specifically, Beaufort Cheese shows ivory or slightly yellow color, occasional small eyes and thin slits, while Goat Cheese leans toward tart goat character from caproic and caprylic fatty acids.
Can You Substitute Beaufort Cheese for Goat Cheese?
Beaufort Cheese can stand in for 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, semihard or hard. Flavor-wise, Beaufort Cheese reads as strong while Goat Cheese brings tart, goaty notes.
Which Is Better, Beaufort Cheese or 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, semihard or hard profile, Goat Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Beaufort Cheese suits recipes that want strong notes, while Goat Cheese fits dishes calling for tart, goaty.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Beaufort Cheese the same as Goat Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Beaufort Cheese is made from cow milk; Goat Cheese uses goat.
Is Beaufort Cheese similar to Goat Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Beaufort Cheese for Goat Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Beaufort Cheese taste like Goat Cheese?
Beaufort Cheese reads as strong, while Goat Cheese is tart, 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 Goat Cheese made of?
Goat Cheese is made from goat milk.
Which should I choose, Beaufort Cheese or Goat Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Beaufort Cheese is hard, while Goat Cheese is soft, semihard or hard.