Bleu de Gex Cheese vs Leicester Cheese

Bleu de Gex Cheese is a creamy cow-milk cheese from France, while Leicester Cheese is firm, dry, crumbly and made from cow milk, originating in United Kingdom.

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 Leicester Cheese?

Red Leicester is a crumbly cow's milk cheese from Leicestershire, England, close to Cheddar and coloured orange with annatto. Young wheels taste very mild and slightly sweet; after about six months the cheese picks up a tang.

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

• Origin: Bleu de Gex Cheese (France), Leicester Cheese (United Kingdom)
• Texture: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Creamy), Leicester Cheese (firm, dry, crumbly)
• Rind: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Natural, brushed), Leicester Cheese (reddish-orange with a powdery mould)
• Aging: Bleu de Gex Cheese (3 weeks minimum), Leicester Cheese (6 to 12 months)
• Taste: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Mild, with a hint of mushroom), Leicester Cheese (slightly sweet, mellow, nutty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Bleu de Gex Cheese reads as mild, with a hint of mushroom, while Leicester Cheese brings slightly sweet, mellow, nutty character. More specifically, Bleu de Gex Cheese shows milder and younger than most french blue cheeses, while Leicester Cheese leans toward very mild when young, tangier after six months. Aging plays into this as well. Bleu de Gex Cheese at 3 weeks minimum develops a different profile than Leicester Cheese at 6 to 12 months.

Can You Substitute Bleu de Gex Cheese for Leicester Cheese?

In most recipes, Bleu de Gex Cheese and Leicester Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for firm, dry, crumbly. Flavor-wise, Bleu de Gex Cheese reads as mild, with a hint of mushroom while Leicester Cheese brings slightly sweet, mellow, nutty notes.

Which Is Better, Bleu de Gex Cheese or Leicester 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 firm, dry, crumbly profile, Leicester Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Bleu de Gex Cheese suits recipes that want mild, with a hint of mushroom notes, while Leicester Cheese fits dishes calling for slightly sweet, mellow, nutty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bleu de Gex Cheese the same as Leicester Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Bleu de Gex Cheese originates in France, while Leicester Cheese comes from United Kingdom. Aging also differs: Bleu de Gex Cheese is typically aged 3 weeks minimum, Leicester Cheese 6 to 12 months.

Is Bleu de Gex Cheese similar to Leicester Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Bleu de Gex Cheese for Leicester Cheese?

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

Does Bleu de Gex Cheese taste like Leicester Cheese?

Bleu de Gex Cheese reads as mild, with a hint of mushroom, while Leicester Cheese is slightly sweet, mellow, nutty.

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 Leicester Cheese made of?

Leicester Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged 6 to 12 months. It originates in United Kingdom.

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

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Bleu de Gex Cheese is creamy, while Leicester Cheese is firm, dry, crumbly.