Beaufort Cheese vs Graviera Kritis Cheese

Beaufort Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Graviera Kritis Cheese is hard and made from goat or sheep milk, originating in Greece.

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 Graviera Kritis Cheese?

Graviera Kritis is the Cretan version of graviera, a hard Greek sheep's milk cheese with protected designation of origin status. It ripens for at least five months and tastes slightly sweet, with a burnt caramel note.

What's the Difference Between Beaufort Cheese and Graviera Kritis Cheese?

• Origin: Beaufort Cheese (France), Graviera Kritis Cheese (Greece)
• Milk type: Beaufort Cheese (cow's milk), Graviera Kritis Cheese (Sheep's milk, Goat's milk (up to 20%))
• Rind: Beaufort Cheese (Even yellow color), Graviera Kritis Cheese (Natural rind)
• Aging: Beaufort Cheese (5 to 12+ months), Graviera Kritis Cheese (At least 3 months)
• Taste: Beaufort Cheese (strong), Graviera Kritis Cheese (Nutty, Sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Beaufort Cheese Taste Like Graviera Kritis Cheese?

Beaufort Cheese reads as strong, while Graviera Kritis Cheese brings nutty, sweet character. More specifically, Beaufort Cheese shows ivory or slightly yellow color, occasional small eyes and thin slits, while Graviera Kritis Cheese leans toward mellow, nutty, slightly sweet when young, sharpens and becomes slightly peppery as it ages. Aging plays into this as well. Beaufort Cheese at 5 to 12+ months develops a different profile than Graviera Kritis Cheese at at least 3 months.

Can You Substitute Beaufort Cheese for Graviera Kritis Cheese?

Beaufort Cheese can stand in for Graviera Kritis Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Flavor-wise, Beaufort Cheese reads as strong while Graviera Kritis Cheese brings nutty, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Beaufort Cheese or Graviera Kritis Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Beaufort Cheese suits recipes that want strong notes, while Graviera Kritis Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty, sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Beaufort Cheese the same as Graviera Kritis Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Beaufort Cheese originates in France, while Graviera Kritis Cheese comes from Greece. Beaufort Cheese is made from cow milk; Graviera Kritis Cheese uses goat or sheep. Aging also differs: Beaufort Cheese is typically aged 5 to 12+ months, Graviera Kritis Cheese at least 3 months.

Is Beaufort Cheese similar to Graviera Kritis Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Beaufort Cheese for Graviera Kritis Cheese?

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

Does Beaufort Cheese taste like Graviera Kritis Cheese?

Beaufort Cheese reads as strong, while Graviera Kritis Cheese is nutty, sweet.

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 Graviera Kritis Cheese made of?

Graviera Kritis Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged at least 3 months. It originates in Greece.

Which should I choose, Beaufort Cheese or Graviera Kritis Cheese?

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