Beaufort Cheese vs Washed Rind Cheese

Beaufort Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Washed Rind Cheese is soft to hard.

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 Washed Rind Cheese?

Washed-rind cheese, also called smear-ripened, is cured over and over with brine or mold-bearing agents as it ripens. That feeds Brevibacterium linens on the surface, which gives the cheese its pungent smell, firm rind and distinctive flavor.

What's the Difference Between Beaufort Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese?

• Texture: Beaufort Cheese (Hard), Washed Rind Cheese (soft to hard)
• Rind: Beaufort Cheese (Even yellow color), Washed Rind Cheese (washed, firm)
• Taste: Beaufort Cheese (strong), Washed Rind Cheese (pungent, distinctive)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Beaufort Cheese Taste Like Washed Rind Cheese?

Beaufort Cheese reads as strong, while Washed Rind Cheese brings pungent, distinctive character. On the nose, Beaufort Cheese offers fruity, nutty, contrasted with Washed Rind Cheese's pungent.

Can You Substitute Beaufort Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese?

Beaufort Cheese can stand in for Washed Rind 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 to hard. Flavor-wise, Beaufort Cheese reads as strong while Washed Rind Cheese brings pungent, distinctive notes.

Which Is Better, Beaufort Cheese or Washed Rind 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 to hard profile, Washed Rind Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Beaufort Cheese suits recipes that want strong notes, while Washed Rind Cheese fits dishes calling for pungent, distinctive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Beaufort Cheese the same as Washed Rind Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Beaufort Cheese similar to Washed Rind Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Beaufort Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Beaufort Cheese taste like Washed Rind Cheese?

Beaufort Cheese reads as strong, while Washed Rind Cheese is pungent, distinctive. Aromas also diverge. Beaufort Cheese leans fruity, nutty, and Washed Rind Cheese is closer to pungent.

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 Washed Rind Cheese made of?

Washed Rind Cheese is made from milk.

Which should I choose, Beaufort Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese?

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