Beaufort Cheese vs Pélardon Cheese
Beaufort Cheese
Pélardon Cheese
Beaufort Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Pélardon 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 Pélardon Cheese?
Pélardon is a small round goat's milk cheese from the Cévennes range in France's Languedoc-Roussillon region. It ripens under a white mold rind and has carried AOC status since August 2000.
What's the Difference Between Beaufort Cheese and Pélardon Cheese?
- Milk type: Beaufort Cheese (cow's milk), Pélardon Cheese (goat)
- Texture: Beaufort Cheese (Hard), Pélardon Cheese (soft)
- Rind: Beaufort Cheese (Even yellow color), Pélardon Cheese (bloomy, white mold)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Beaufort Cheese | Pélardon Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Beaufortin Valley, Savoie Region | Cévennes Range, Languedoc-Roussillon, France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | — |
| Texture | Hard | Soft |
| Rind | Even yellow color | Bloomy, white mold |
| Aging | 5 to 12+ months | — |
| Taste | Strong | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Beaufort Cheese Taste Like Pélardon Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Beaufort Cheese for Pélardon Cheese?
Beaufort Cheese can stand in for Pélardon 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 Pélardon 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, Pélardon Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Beaufort Cheese the same as Pélardon Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Beaufort Cheese is made from cow milk; Pélardon Cheese uses goat.
Is Beaufort Cheese similar to Pélardon Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Beaufort Cheese for Pélardon Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Beaufort Cheese taste like Pélardon Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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 Pélardon Cheese made of?
Pélardon Cheese is made from goat milk. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Beaufort Cheese or Pélardon Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Beaufort Cheese is hard, while Pélardon Cheese is soft.