Blue Cheese vs Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese
Blue Cheese is a crumbly, creamy, semi-soft cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from France, while Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese is soft, smear-ripened and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Blue Cheese?
A type of cheese injected or inoculated with Penicillium mold to create blue or green veins, resulting in a tangy, sharp flavor and creamy or crumbly texture.
What Is Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese?
Époisses de Bourgogne is a French cheese made from unpasteurized cow's milk. It is known for its soft, smear-ripened texture and washed rind. The cheese has a pungent and spicy aroma, which can be quite strong. Its flavor is rich and creamy, with a hint of saltiness. Époisses is often enjoyed with a slice of crusty bread or paired with a glass of Burgundy wine. It is an AOC-designated cheese, ensuring its traditional methods of production and regional authenticity.
What's the Difference Between Blue Cheese and Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese?
- Milk type: Blue Cheese (Cow, Sheep, Goat), Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese (cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Blue Cheese (Pasteurized or Raw), Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Blue Cheese (Crumbly, Creamy, Semi-Soft), Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese (soft, smear-ripened)
- Rind: Blue Cheese (Natural), Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese (washed)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Blue Cheese | Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Milk Type | Cow, Sheep, Goat | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or Raw | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Crumbly, Creamy, Semi-Soft | Soft, smear-ripened |
| Rind | Natural | Washed |
| Aging | Typically aged 2-6 months | — |
| Taste | Sharp, Tangy, Savory, Salty, Pungent | — |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Blue Cheese | Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Amaro, Apricot, Asian Pear, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dirty Martini, Dried Figs, Fig Jam, German Riesling, Green Apple, Hard Cider, Honey, Honeycomb, IPA, Malbec, Muscat, Pear, Pecans, Port, Scotch, Steak | — |
| Other Good Pairings | Almonds, Apples, Belgian Blonde, Bordeaux, Burgundy Red, California Viogniers, Dried Cranberries, Grapes, Merlot, Mushrooms, Olives, Prosciutto, Roast Beef | — |
Which would you pick?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy Blue Cheese and Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese
Blue Cheese
Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Blue Cheese Taste Like Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. On the nose, Blue Cheese offers strong, pungent, earthy, funky, contrasted with Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese's pungent, spicy.
Can You Substitute Blue Cheese for Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese?
Blue Cheese can stand in for Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect crumbly, creamy, semi-soft bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, smear-ripened.
Which Is Better, Blue Cheese or Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a crumbly, creamy, semi-soft cheese, go with Blue Cheese. For a soft, smear-ripened profile, Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese is the better fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blue Cheese the same as Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Blue Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese uses cow.
Is Blue Cheese similar to Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Blue Cheese for Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Blue Cheese taste like Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Blue Cheese made of?
Blue Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized or raw), using traditional (animal rennet) or microbial (varies by producer) rennet. It's typically aged typically aged 2-6 months. It originates in France.
What is Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese made of?
Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Blue Cheese or Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Blue Cheese is crumbly, creamy, semi-soft, while Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese is soft, smear-ripened.
See full profiles: Blue Cheese and Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese.