Bleu d'Auvergne Cheese vs Camembert Cheese

Bleu d'Auvergne Cheese is a firm and creamy cow-milk cheese from France, while Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Bleu d'Auvergne Cheese?

Bleu d'Auvergne is a French blue cheese made from cow's milk in the Auvergne region, with AOC protection. It is less salty and creamier than most blues, and ages only about four weeks.

What Is Camembert Cheese?

Camembert is a moist, soft, surface-ripened cow's milk cheese from Normandy, first made in the late 18th century. Penicillium camemberti gives it a white bloomy rind and a creamy interior, with a taste stronger and slightly more sour than brie.

What's the Difference Between Bleu d'Auvergne Cheese and Camembert Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Bleu d'Auvergne Cheese (raw or pasteurized), Camembert Cheese (unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions)
• Texture: Bleu d'Auvergne Cheese (Firm and creamy), Camembert Cheese (soft, artisan)
• Rind: Bleu d'Auvergne Cheese (Clean, slightly gray), Camembert Cheese (Bloomy)
• Aging: Bleu d'Auvergne Cheese (Minimum of four weeks), Camembert Cheese (minimum 3 weeks)
• Taste: Bleu d'Auvergne Cheese (Intense and distinctive blue), Camembert Cheese (slightly sour, stronger than brie)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Bleu d'Auvergne Cheese Taste Like Camembert Cheese?

Bleu d'Auvergne Cheese reads as intense and distinctive blue, while Camembert Cheese brings slightly sour, stronger than brie character. On the nose, Bleu d'Auvergne Cheese offers strong, contrasted with Camembert Cheese's buttery, rich. More specifically, Bleu d'Auvergne Cheese shows flavors of undergrowth and even mushrooms, with a touch of salt and tanginess, while Camembert Cheese leans toward slightly sour, sometimes chalky, stronger than brie of the same ripening time; ammonia when overripe. Aging plays into this as well. Bleu d'Auvergne Cheese at minimum of four weeks develops a different profile than Camembert Cheese at minimum 3 weeks.

Can You Substitute Bleu d'Auvergne Cheese for Camembert Cheese?

In most recipes, Bleu d'Auvergne Cheese and Camembert Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect firm and creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Bleu d'Auvergne Cheese reads as intense and distinctive blue while Camembert Cheese brings slightly sour, stronger than brie notes.

Which Is Better, Bleu d'Auvergne Cheese or Camembert Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a firm and creamy cheese, go with Bleu d'Auvergne Cheese. For a soft, artisan profile, Camembert Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Bleu d'Auvergne Cheese suits recipes that want intense and distinctive blue notes, while Camembert Cheese fits dishes calling for slightly sour, stronger than brie.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bleu d'Auvergne Cheese the same as Camembert Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Bleu d'Auvergne Cheese is typically aged minimum of four weeks, Camembert Cheese minimum 3 weeks.

Is Bleu d'Auvergne Cheese similar to Camembert Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Bleu d'Auvergne Cheese for Camembert Cheese?

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

Does Bleu d'Auvergne Cheese taste like Camembert Cheese?

Bleu d'Auvergne Cheese reads as intense and distinctive blue, while Camembert Cheese is slightly sour, stronger than brie. Aromas also diverge. Bleu d'Auvergne Cheese leans strong, and Camembert Cheese is closer to buttery, rich.

What is Bleu d'Auvergne Cheese made of?

Bleu d'Auvergne Cheese is made from cow milk (raw or pasteurized). It's typically aged minimum of four weeks. It originates in France.

What is Camembert Cheese made of?

Camembert Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized for aoc camembert de normandie, pasteurized for most other versions). It's typically aged minimum 3 weeks. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Bleu d'Auvergne Cheese or Camembert Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Bleu d'Auvergne Cheese is firm and creamy, while Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan.