Blue Cheese vs Boursault Cheese
Blue Cheese is a crumbly, creamy, semi-soft cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from France, while Boursault Cheese is soft, soft-ripened and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Blue Cheese?
Blue cheese is any cheese made with edible mold cultures that form blue-green spots and veins through the paste. It ranges from mild and slightly sweet to salty and sharp, and from almost liquid to hard.
What Is Boursault Cheese?
Boursault is a soft, soft-ripened cheese from France made from pasteurized cow's milk. It features a bloomy rind, which helps develop its creamy interior. The texture is exceptionally smooth and spreadable, making it a popular choice for spreading on bread or crackers. Its flavor is predominantly buttery, with a rich and mild taste that appeals to many palates. Boursault's approachable flavor and creamy texture make it a favorite for both casual snacking and more formal cheese platters. It pairs well with light wines, fruit, and nuts, enhancing its creamy character.
What's the Difference Between Blue Cheese and Boursault Cheese?
- Milk type: Blue Cheese (Cow, Sheep, Goat), Boursault Cheese (cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Blue Cheese (Pasteurized or Raw), Boursault Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Blue Cheese (Crumbly, Creamy, Semi-Soft), Boursault Cheese (soft, soft-ripened)
- Rind: Blue Cheese (Natural), Boursault Cheese (bloomy)
- Taste: Blue Cheese (Sharp, Tangy, Savory, Salty, Pungent), Boursault Cheese (buttery)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Blue Cheese | Boursault Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Milk Type | Cow, Sheep, Goat | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or Raw | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Crumbly, Creamy, Semi-Soft | Soft, soft-ripened |
| Rind | Natural | Bloomy |
| Aging | Typically aged 2-6 months | — |
| Taste | Sharp, Tangy, Savory, Salty, Pungent | Buttery |
Taste Comparison: Does Blue Cheese Taste Like Boursault Cheese?
Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent, while Boursault Cheese brings buttery character.
Can You Substitute Blue Cheese for Boursault Cheese?
Blue Cheese can stand in for Boursault 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, soft-ripened. Flavor-wise, Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent while Boursault Cheese brings buttery notes.
Which Is Better, Blue Cheese or Boursault 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, soft-ripened profile, Boursault Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Blue Cheese suits recipes that want sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent notes, while Boursault Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blue Cheese the same as Boursault Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Blue Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Boursault Cheese uses cow.
Is Blue Cheese similar to Boursault Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Blue Cheese for Boursault Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Blue Cheese taste like Boursault Cheese?
Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent, while Boursault Cheese is buttery.
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 Boursault Cheese made of?
Boursault Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Blue Cheese or Boursault Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Blue Cheese is crumbly, creamy, semi-soft, while Boursault Cheese is soft, soft-ripened.