Boursault Cheese vs Époisses Cheese

Boursault Cheese is a soft, soft-ripened cow-milk cheese from France, while Époisses Cheese is soft, creamy and made from cow milk, originating in France.

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 Époisses Cheese?

Époisses is a pungent soft-paste cow's milk cheese from the village of Époisses in Burgundy, France. Washed in brine and Marc de Bourgogne as it ripens, it has a soft red-orange rind that is edible and a strong smell.

What's the Difference Between Boursault Cheese and Époisses Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Boursault Cheese (pasteurized), Époisses Cheese (raw or pasteurized)
• Texture: Boursault Cheese (Soft, soft-ripened), Époisses Cheese (Soft, creamy)
• Rind: Boursault Cheese (bloomy), Époisses Cheese (Washed-rind)
• Taste: Boursault Cheese (buttery), Époisses Cheese (Subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Boursault Cheese Taste Like Époisses Cheese?

Boursault Cheese reads as buttery, while Époisses Cheese brings subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced character.

Can You Substitute Boursault Cheese for Époisses Cheese?

In most recipes, Boursault Cheese and Époisses 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 soft, creamy. Flavor-wise, Boursault Cheese reads as buttery while Époisses Cheese brings subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced notes.

Which Is Better, Boursault Cheese or Époisses 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 soft, creamy profile, Époisses Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Boursault Cheese suits recipes that want buttery notes, while Époisses Cheese fits dishes calling for subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boursault Cheese the same as Époisses Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Boursault Cheese similar to Époisses Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Boursault Cheese for Époisses Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Boursault Cheese taste like Époisses Cheese?

Boursault Cheese reads as buttery, while Époisses Cheese is subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced.

What is Boursault Cheese made of?

Boursault Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in France.

What is Époisses Cheese made of?

Époisses Cheese is made from cow milk (raw or pasteurized). It's typically aged minimum of 28 days. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Boursault Cheese or Époisses Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Boursault Cheese is soft, soft-ripened, while Époisses Cheese is soft, creamy.