Bitto Cheese vs Jarlsberg Cheese
Bitto Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese
Bitto Cheese is a cow and goat-milk cheese from Italy, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard and made from cow milk, originating in Norway.
What Is Bitto Cheese?
Bitto is a historic cheese from the Valtellina valley in Lombardy, Italy. It is made from a mix of cow's and goat’s milk, giving it a unique, rich flavor. Aged Bitto can mature for up to 10 years, during which it develops a granular texture and deep, complex flavors ranging from fruity to nutty.
What Is Jarlsberg Cheese?
Jarlsberg is a famous Norwegian cheese, known for its distinctive sweet and nutty taste. It is a semi-soft cheese with large, round holes. Jarlsberg is versatile and can be sliced, grilled, or melted. It is often used in sandwiches, as a burger topping, or simply enjoyed on its own.
What's the Difference Between Bitto Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese?
- Origin: Bitto Cheese (Italy), Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway)
- Milk type: Bitto Cheese (Cow's milk primarily, with non-mandatory addition of raw goat’s milk up to 10%), Jarlsberg Cheese (cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Bitto Cheese (Raw), Jarlsberg Cheese (pasteurized)
- Aging: Bitto Cheese (Minimum of 70 days), Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Bitto Cheese | Jarlsberg Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Norway |
| Specific Origin | Province Of Sondrio, Lombardy, Including Neighboring Upland Pastures Of Lecco And Bergamo | No Specific Location |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk primarily, with non-mandatory addition of raw goat’s milk up to 10% | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Pasteurized |
| Texture | — | Semihard |
| Rind | — | Plastic-covered |
| Aging | Minimum of 70 days | Three months to twelve months |
| Taste | — | Mild, sweet, nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Bitto Cheese Taste Like Jarlsberg Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. More specifically, Bitto Cheese shows cooked at 118–126°f, finely cut curd, matured for a minimum of 70 days, while Jarlsberg Cheese leans toward known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor and large eyes.. Aging plays into this as well. Bitto Cheese at minimum of 70 days develops a different profile than Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months.
Can You Substitute Bitto Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
Bitto Cheese can stand in for Jarlsberg Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Bitto Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bitto Cheese the same as Jarlsberg Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Bitto Cheese originates in Italy, while Jarlsberg Cheese comes from Norway. Bitto Cheese is made from cow and goat milk; Jarlsberg Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Bitto Cheese is typically aged minimum of 70 days, Jarlsberg Cheese three months to twelve months.
Is Bitto Cheese similar to Jarlsberg Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Bitto Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Bitto Cheese taste like Jarlsberg Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Bitto Cheese made of?
Bitto Cheese is made from cow and goat milk (raw), using calf rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 70 days. It originates in Italy.
What is Jarlsberg Cheese made of?
Jarlsberg Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged three months to twelve months. It originates in Norway.
Which should I choose, Bitto Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.