Boursault Cheese vs Red Leicester Cheese

Boursault Cheese is a soft, soft-ripened cow-milk cheese from France, while Red Leicester Cheese is hard, crumbly and made from cow milk, originating in United Kingdom.

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 Red Leicester Cheese?

Red Leicester is an English cow's milk cheese from Leicestershire, close to Cheddar but crumblier. Annatto gives it its orange colour, and four to nine months of ageing takes it from mild and mellow to tangy and slightly nutty.

What's the Difference Between Boursault Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese?

• Origin: Boursault Cheese (France), Red Leicester Cheese (United Kingdom)
• Milk treatment: Boursault Cheese (pasteurized), Red Leicester Cheese (Unpasteurized (Sparkenhoe Farm), Pasteurized (others))
• Texture: Boursault Cheese (Soft, soft-ripened), Red Leicester Cheese (Hard, crumbly)
• Rind: Boursault Cheese (bloomy), Red Leicester Cheese (Clothbound (Sparkenhoe Farm), Plastic (industrial))
• Taste: Boursault Cheese (buttery), Red Leicester Cheese (caramel, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Boursault Cheese Taste Like Red Leicester Cheese?

Boursault Cheese reads as buttery, while Red Leicester Cheese brings caramel, sweet character.

Can You Substitute Boursault Cheese for Red Leicester Cheese?

In most recipes, Boursault Cheese and Red Leicester 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, crumbly. Flavor-wise, Boursault Cheese reads as buttery while Red Leicester Cheese brings caramel, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Boursault Cheese or Red Leicester 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, crumbly profile, Red Leicester Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Boursault Cheese suits recipes that want buttery notes, while Red Leicester Cheese fits dishes calling for caramel, sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boursault Cheese the same as Red Leicester Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Boursault Cheese originates in France, while Red Leicester Cheese comes from United Kingdom.

Is Boursault Cheese similar to Red Leicester Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Boursault Cheese for Red Leicester Cheese?

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

Does Boursault Cheese taste like Red Leicester Cheese?

Boursault Cheese reads as buttery, while Red Leicester Cheese is caramel, sweet.

What is Boursault Cheese made of?

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

What is Red Leicester Cheese made of?

Red Leicester Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized (sparkenhoe farm), pasteurized (others)), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial. It originates in United Kingdom.

Which should I choose, Boursault Cheese or Red Leicester Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Boursault Cheese is soft, soft-ripened, while Red Leicester Cheese is hard, crumbly.