Boursault Cheese vs Gouda Cheese
Boursault Cheese is a soft, soft-ripened cow-milk cheese from France, while Gouda Cheese is solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged and made from cow milk, originating in Netherlands.
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 Gouda Cheese?
Gouda is a yellow cow's milk cheese from the Netherlands, named after the city of Gouda in South Holland. It runs from young and elastic to old and hard, picking up a caramel sweetness and small crunchy crystals with age.
What's the Difference Between Boursault Cheese and Gouda Cheese?
- Origin: Boursault Cheese (France), Gouda Cheese (Netherlands)
- Milk treatment: Boursault Cheese (pasteurized), Gouda Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
- Texture: Boursault Cheese (soft, soft-ripened), Gouda Cheese (solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged)
- Rind: Boursault Cheese (bloomy), Gouda Cheese (Durable)
- Taste: Boursault Cheese (buttery), Gouda Cheese (Sweet to nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Boursault Cheese | Gouda Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Netherlands |
| Specific Origin | — | Southern Holland |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, soft-ripened | Solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged |
| Rind | Bloomy | Durable |
| Aging | — | 4 weeks to 21 months |
| Taste | Buttery | Sweet to nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Boursault Cheese Taste Like Gouda Cheese?
Boursault Cheese reads as buttery, while Gouda Cheese brings sweet to nutty character.
Can You Substitute Boursault Cheese for Gouda Cheese?
In most recipes, Boursault Cheese and Gouda 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 solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged. Flavor-wise, Boursault Cheese reads as buttery while Gouda Cheese brings sweet to nutty notes.
Which Is Better, Boursault Cheese or Gouda 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 solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged profile, Gouda Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Boursault Cheese suits recipes that want buttery notes, while Gouda Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet to nutty.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boursault Cheese the same as Gouda Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Boursault Cheese originates in France, while Gouda Cheese comes from Netherlands.
Is Boursault Cheese similar to Gouda Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Boursault Cheese for Gouda Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Boursault Cheese taste like Gouda Cheese?
Boursault Cheese reads as buttery, while Gouda Cheese is sweet to nutty.
What is Boursault Cheese made of?
Boursault Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in France.
What is Gouda Cheese made of?
Gouda Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It's typically aged 4 weeks to 21 months. It originates in Netherlands.
Which should I choose, Boursault Cheese or Gouda Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Boursault Cheese is soft, soft-ripened, while Gouda Cheese is solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged.