Bleu de Gex Cheese vs Mont d'Or Cheese
Bleu de Gex Cheese
Mont d'Or Cheese
Bleu de Gex Cheese is a creamy cow-milk cheese from France, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Bleu de Gex Cheese?
Bleu de Gex, also known as Bleu du Haut-Jura or Gex, is a mild, creamy blue cheese from the Jura region on the border between France and Switzerland. It has subtle blue veining and a nutty, slightly earthy flavor. Bleu de Gex is less intense than other blue cheeses, making it a good introduction to the category.
What Is Mont d'Or Cheese?
Mont d'Or, or Vacherin Mont d'Or, is a seasonal, soft cheese made from cow's milk in the Jura region of France. Available from September to May, it has a delicate, creamy texture and a rich, earthy flavor. Mont d'Or is traditionally eaten warmed in the box it comes in, making the interior deliciously runny.
What's the Difference Between Bleu de Gex Cheese and Mont d'Or Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Unpasteurized), Mont d'Or Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Creamy), Mont d'Or Cheese (Soft)
- Rind: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Natural, brushed), Mont d'Or Cheese (Washed rind)
- Aging: Bleu de Gex Cheese (3 weeks minimum), Mont d'Or Cheese (21 to 60 days)
- Taste: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Mild, with a hint of mushroom), Mont d'Or Cheese (Resinous, mild to pungent)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Bleu de Gex Cheese | Mont d'Or Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Haut-Jura, Bourg-En-Bresse | Jura Mountains, Doubs |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Creamy | Soft |
| Rind | Natural, brushed | Washed rind |
| Aging | 3 weeks minimum | 21 to 60 days |
| Taste | Mild, with a hint of mushroom | Resinous, mild to pungent |
Taste Comparison: Does Bleu de Gex Cheese Taste Like Mont d'Or Cheese?
Bleu de Gex Cheese reads as mild, with a hint of mushroom, while Mont d'Or Cheese brings resinous, mild to pungent character. Aging plays into this as well. Bleu de Gex Cheese at 3 weeks minimum develops a different profile than Mont d'Or Cheese at 21 to 60 days.
Can You Substitute Bleu de Gex Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?
In most recipes, Bleu de Gex Cheese and Mont d'Or 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 soft. Flavor-wise, Bleu de Gex Cheese reads as mild, with a hint of mushroom while Mont d'Or Cheese brings resinous, mild to pungent notes.
Which Is Better, Bleu de Gex 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 creamy cheese, go with Bleu de Gex Cheese. For a soft profile, Mont d'Or Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Bleu de Gex Cheese suits recipes that want mild, with a hint of mushroom notes, while Mont d'Or Cheese fits dishes calling for resinous, mild to pungent.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bleu de Gex Cheese the same as Mont d'Or Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Bleu de Gex Cheese is typically aged 3 weeks minimum, Mont d'Or Cheese 21 to 60 days.
Is Bleu de Gex Cheese similar to Mont d'Or Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Bleu de Gex Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Bleu de Gex Cheese taste like Mont d'Or Cheese?
Bleu de Gex Cheese reads as mild, with a hint of mushroom, while Mont d'Or Cheese is resinous, mild to pungent.
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 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, Bleu de Gex Cheese or Mont d'Or Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Bleu de Gex Cheese is creamy, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft.