Beyaz Peynir Cheese vs Mont d'Or Cheese

Beyaz Peynir Cheese is a semi-soft, brined cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Turkey, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.

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 Mont d'Or Cheese?

Mont d'Or is a seasonal soft cow's milk cheese from the Jura region of France and Switzerland, wrapped in a band of spruce that gives it its flavor. It sells from September 10 to May 10 and is usually warmed in its spruce box and eaten like fondue.

What's the Difference Between Beyaz Peynir Cheese and Mont d'Or Cheese?

• Origin: Beyaz Peynir Cheese (Turkey), Mont d'Or Cheese (France)
• Milk type: Beyaz Peynir Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Mont d'Or Cheese (Cow's milk)
• Milk treatment: Beyaz Peynir Cheese (unpasteurized), Mont d'Or Cheese (Raw)
• Texture: Beyaz Peynir Cheese (semi-soft, brined), Mont d'Or Cheese (Soft)
• Aging: Beyaz Peynir Cheese (about 6 months in brine), Mont d'Or Cheese (21 to 60 days)
• Taste: Beyaz Peynir Cheese (strong when matured), Mont d'Or Cheese (Resinous, mild to pungent)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Beyaz Peynir Cheese Taste Like Mont d'Or Cheese?

Beyaz Peynir Cheese reads as strong when matured, while Mont d'Or Cheese brings resinous, mild to pungent character. Aging plays into this as well. Beyaz Peynir Cheese at about 6 months in brine develops a different profile than Mont d'Or Cheese at 21 to 60 days.

Can You Substitute Beyaz Peynir Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?

Beyaz Peynir Cheese can stand in for Mont d'Or 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 soft. Flavor-wise, Beyaz Peynir Cheese reads as strong when matured while Mont d'Or Cheese brings resinous, mild to pungent notes.

Which Is Better, Beyaz Peynir Cheese or Mont d'Or 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 soft profile, Mont d'Or Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Beyaz Peynir Cheese suits recipes that want strong when matured notes, while Mont d'Or Cheese fits dishes calling for resinous, mild to pungent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Beyaz Peynir Cheese the same as Mont d'Or Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Beyaz Peynir Cheese originates in Turkey, while Mont d'Or Cheese comes from France. Beyaz Peynir Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Mont d'Or Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Beyaz Peynir Cheese is typically aged about 6 months in brine, Mont d'Or Cheese 21 to 60 days.

Is Beyaz Peynir Cheese similar to Mont d'Or Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Beyaz Peynir Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?

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

Does Beyaz Peynir Cheese taste like Mont d'Or Cheese?

Beyaz Peynir Cheese reads as strong when matured, while Mont d'Or Cheese is resinous, mild to pungent.

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 Mont d'Or Cheese made of?

Mont d'Or Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 21 to 60 days. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Beyaz Peynir Cheese or Mont d'Or Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Beyaz Peynir Cheese is semi-soft, brined, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft.