Boursault Cheese vs Emmental Cheese
Boursault Cheese is a soft, soft-ripened cow-milk cheese from France, while Emmental Cheese is hard or medium-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
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 Is Emmental Cheese?
Emmental is a yellow, medium-hard Swiss cheese from the Emme Valley, known for the natural holes that run through it. The taste is savoury but mild. It is eaten cold in chunks or slices and melted into dishes such as gratins.
What's the Difference Between Boursault Cheese and Emmental Cheese?
- Origin: Boursault Cheese (France), Emmental Cheese (Switzerland)
- Milk treatment: Boursault Cheese (pasteurized), Emmental Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Boursault Cheese (soft, soft-ripened), Emmental Cheese (Hard or medium-hard)
- Rind: Boursault Cheese (bloomy), Emmental Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Boursault Cheese (buttery), Emmental Cheese (Nutty, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Boursault Cheese | Emmental Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | — | Emmental, Canton Of Bern |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, soft-ripened | Hard or medium-hard |
| Rind | Bloomy | Natural |
| Aging | — | 4 months to over 1 year |
| Taste | Buttery | Nutty, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Boursault Cheese Taste Like Emmental Cheese?
Boursault Cheese reads as buttery, while Emmental Cheese brings nutty, sweet character.
Can You Substitute Boursault Cheese for Emmental Cheese?
In most recipes, Boursault Cheese and Emmental Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, soft-ripened bite and body where the recipe calls for hard or medium-hard. Flavor-wise, Boursault Cheese reads as buttery while Emmental Cheese brings nutty, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Boursault Cheese or Emmental Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, soft-ripened cheese, go with Boursault Cheese. For a hard or medium-hard profile, Emmental Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Boursault Cheese suits recipes that want buttery notes, while Emmental Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty, sweet.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boursault Cheese the same as Emmental Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Boursault Cheese originates in France, while Emmental Cheese comes from Switzerland.
Is Boursault Cheese similar to Emmental Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Boursault Cheese for Emmental Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Boursault Cheese taste like Emmental Cheese?
Boursault Cheese reads as buttery, while Emmental Cheese is nutty, sweet.
What is Boursault Cheese made of?
Boursault Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in France.
What is Emmental Cheese made of?
Emmental Cheese is made from cow milk (raw). It's typically aged 4 months to over 1 year. It originates in Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Boursault Cheese or Emmental Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Boursault Cheese is soft, soft-ripened, while Emmental Cheese is hard or medium-hard.