Beyaz Peynir Cheese vs Brick Cheese
Beyaz Peynir Cheese is a semi-soft, brined cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Turkey, while Brick Cheese is semi-hard, smear-ripened and made from cow milk, originating in United States.
What Is Beyaz Peynir Cheese?
Beyaz peynir is a Turkish white cheese made from unpasteurized sheep, cow or goat milk and cured in brine for about six months. It turns up plain at breakfast, in salads, and in cooked dishes such as menemen, börek and pide.
What Is Brick Cheese?
Brick cheese is a Wisconsin cheese pressed into brick shape and ripened on the surface with Brevibacterium linens. Young, it is sweet, mild and melts well; aged, it smells stronger and tastes nuttier. It is the traditional cheese on Detroit-style pizza.
What's the Difference Between Beyaz Peynir Cheese and Brick Cheese?
- Origin: Beyaz Peynir Cheese (Turkey), Brick Cheese (United States)
- Milk type: Beyaz Peynir Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Brick Cheese (Cow's milk)
- Texture: Beyaz Peynir Cheese (semi-soft, brined), Brick Cheese (semi-hard, smear-ripened)
- Aging: Beyaz Peynir Cheese (about 6 months in brine), Brick Cheese (Best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks)
- Taste: Beyaz Peynir Cheese (strong when matured), Brick Cheese (Sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Beyaz Peynir Cheese | Brick Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Turkey | United States |
| Specific Origin | Turkey | Wisconsin |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Semi-soft, brined | Semi-hard, smear-ripened |
| Rind | — | Washed |
| Aging | About 6 months in brine | Best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks |
| Taste | Strong when matured | Sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age |
Taste Comparison: Does Beyaz Peynir Cheese Taste Like Brick Cheese?
Beyaz Peynir Cheese reads as strong when matured, while Brick Cheese brings sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age character. Aging plays into this as well. Beyaz Peynir Cheese at about 6 months in brine develops a different profile than Brick Cheese at best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks.
Can You Substitute Beyaz Peynir Cheese for Brick Cheese?
Beyaz Peynir Cheese can stand in for Brick Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft, brined bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, smear-ripened. Flavor-wise, Beyaz Peynir Cheese reads as strong when matured while Brick Cheese brings sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age notes.
Which Is Better, Beyaz Peynir Cheese or Brick Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft, brined cheese, go with Beyaz Peynir Cheese. For a semi-hard, smear-ripened profile, Brick Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Beyaz Peynir Cheese suits recipes that want strong when matured notes, while Brick Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Beyaz Peynir Cheese the same as Brick Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Beyaz Peynir Cheese originates in Turkey, while Brick Cheese comes from United States. Beyaz Peynir Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Brick Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Beyaz Peynir Cheese is typically aged about 6 months in brine, Brick Cheese best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks.
Is Beyaz Peynir Cheese similar to Brick Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Beyaz Peynir Cheese for Brick Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Beyaz Peynir Cheese taste like Brick Cheese?
Beyaz Peynir Cheese reads as strong when matured, while Brick Cheese is sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age.
What is Beyaz Peynir Cheese made of?
Beyaz Peynir Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (unpasteurized), using vegetable rennet. It's typically aged about 6 months in brine. It originates in Turkey.
What is Brick Cheese made of?
Brick Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks. It originates in United States.
Which should I choose, Beyaz Peynir Cheese or Brick Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Beyaz Peynir Cheese is semi-soft, brined, while Brick Cheese is semi-hard, smear-ripened.