Boulette d'Avesnes Cheese vs Jarlsberg Cheese
Boulette d'Avesnes Cheese is a fresh soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard and made from cow milk, originating in Norway.
What Is Boulette d'Avesnes Cheese?
Boulette d'Avesnes is a cheese from Avesnes-sur-Helpe in northern France. It is one of the less common members of the Maroilles family, made by methods very close to those used for Maroilles.
What Is Jarlsberg Cheese?
Jarlsberg is a mild Swiss-type cheese from Norway, made from cow's milk and named after Jarlsberg Manor. It is known for its buttery, slightly sweet and nutty flavor and its medium to large holes.
What's the Difference Between Boulette d'Avesnes Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese?
- Origin: Boulette d'Avesnes Cheese (France), Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway)
- Texture: Boulette d'Avesnes Cheese (fresh soft), Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard)
- Rind: Boulette d'Avesnes Cheese (washed), Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered)
- Taste: Boulette d'Avesnes Cheese (spicy), Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Boulette d'Avesnes Cheese | Jarlsberg Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Norway |
| Specific Origin | Avesnes | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Fresh soft | Semihard |
| Rind | Washed | Plastic-covered |
| Aging | — | Three months to twelve months |
| Taste | Spicy | Mild, sweet, nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Boulette d'Avesnes Cheese Taste Like Jarlsberg Cheese?
Boulette d'Avesnes Cheese reads as spicy, while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty character. On the nose, Boulette d'Avesnes Cheese offers stinky, contrasted with Jarlsberg Cheese's mild, buttery.
Can You Substitute Boulette d'Avesnes Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
In most recipes, Boulette d'Avesnes Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect fresh soft bite and body where the recipe calls for semihard. Flavor-wise, Boulette d'Avesnes Cheese reads as spicy while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty notes.
Which Is Better, Boulette d'Avesnes Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a fresh soft cheese, go with Boulette d'Avesnes Cheese. For a semihard profile, Jarlsberg Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Boulette d'Avesnes Cheese suits recipes that want spicy notes, while Jarlsberg Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, sweet, nutty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boulette d'Avesnes Cheese the same as Jarlsberg Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Boulette d'Avesnes Cheese originates in France, while Jarlsberg Cheese comes from Norway.
Is Boulette d'Avesnes Cheese similar to Jarlsberg Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Boulette d'Avesnes Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Boulette d'Avesnes Cheese taste like Jarlsberg Cheese?
Boulette d'Avesnes Cheese reads as spicy, while Jarlsberg Cheese is mild, sweet, nutty. Aromas also diverge. Boulette d'Avesnes Cheese leans stinky, and Jarlsberg Cheese is closer to mild, buttery.
What is Boulette d'Avesnes Cheese made of?
Boulette d'Avesnes Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in France.
What is Jarlsberg Cheese made of?
Jarlsberg Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged three months to twelve months. It originates in Norway.
Which should I choose, Boulette d'Avesnes Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Boulette d'Avesnes Cheese is fresh soft, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard.