Bleu de Gex Cheese vs Brunost Cheese

Bleu de Gex Cheese is a creamy cow-milk cheese from France, while Brunost Cheese is semi-soft, whey and made from cow and goat milk, originating in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

What Is Bleu de Gex Cheese?

Bleu de Gex is a creamy, semi-soft blue cheese from the Jura region of France, made with unpasteurized Montbéliard cow's milk and aged at least three weeks. It is milder and younger than most French blues, and every wheel is stamped with the word Gex.

What Is Brunost Cheese?

Brunost is a Norwegian whey product made by boiling whey with milk and cream until the milk sugars caramelize. It is brown, sweet and firm enough to slice, and it is eaten like cheese on sandwiches, crispbread and waffles.

What's the Difference Between Bleu de Gex Cheese and Brunost Cheese?

• Origin: Bleu de Gex Cheese (France), Brunost Cheese (Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden)
• Milk type: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Cow), Brunost Cheese (cow's and goat's milk)
• Milk treatment: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Unpasteurized), Brunost Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
• Texture: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Creamy), Brunost Cheese (semi-soft, whey)
• Rind: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Natural, brushed), Brunost Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Bleu de Gex Cheese (3 weeks minimum), Brunost Cheese (unaged, ready once packed and refrigerated)
• Taste: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Mild, with a hint of mushroom), Brunost Cheese (caramel, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Bleu de Gex Cheese Taste Like Brunost Cheese?

Bleu de Gex Cheese reads as mild, with a hint of mushroom, while Brunost Cheese brings caramel, sweet character. More specifically, Bleu de Gex Cheese shows milder and younger than most french blue cheeses, while Brunost Cheese leans toward sweet, caramel-like, with a tang that is stronger in goat's milk versions. Aging plays into this as well. Bleu de Gex Cheese at 3 weeks minimum develops a different profile than Brunost Cheese at unaged, ready once packed and refrigerated.

Can You Substitute Bleu de Gex Cheese for Brunost Cheese?

Bleu de Gex Cheese can stand in for Brunost Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, whey. Flavor-wise, Bleu de Gex Cheese reads as mild, with a hint of mushroom while Brunost Cheese brings caramel, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Bleu de Gex Cheese or Brunost Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a creamy cheese, go with Bleu de Gex Cheese. For a semi-soft, whey profile, Brunost Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Bleu de Gex Cheese suits recipes that want mild, with a hint of mushroom notes, while Brunost Cheese fits dishes calling for caramel, sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bleu de Gex Cheese the same as Brunost Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Bleu de Gex Cheese originates in France, while Brunost Cheese comes from Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Bleu de Gex Cheese is made from cow milk; Brunost Cheese uses cow and goat. Aging also differs: Bleu de Gex Cheese is typically aged 3 weeks minimum, Brunost Cheese unaged, ready once packed and refrigerated.

Is Bleu de Gex Cheese similar to Brunost Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Bleu de Gex Cheese for Brunost Cheese?

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

Does Bleu de Gex Cheese taste like Brunost Cheese?

Bleu de Gex Cheese reads as mild, with a hint of mushroom, while Brunost Cheese is caramel, sweet.

What is Bleu de Gex Cheese made of?

Bleu de Gex Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 3 weeks minimum. It originates in France.

What is Brunost Cheese made of?

Brunost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It's typically aged unaged, ready once packed and refrigerated. It originates in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

Which should I choose, Bleu de Gex Cheese or Brunost Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Bleu de Gex Cheese is creamy, while Brunost Cheese is semi-soft, whey.