Boursin Cheese vs Brie de Melun Cheese

Boursin Cheese is a soft, creamy cow-milk cheese from France, while Brie de Melun Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Boursin Cheese?

Boursin is a French brand of soft, fresh Gournay-style cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk and cream with herbs mixed in. It spreads easily, crumbles a little, and is best known for its original garlic and fine herbs flavour.

What Is Brie de Melun Cheese?

Brie de Melun is a soft unpasteurised cow's milk cheese from the Brie region of France, one of only two bries the French government certifies. It is smaller than Brie de Meaux, with a stronger flavour and a more pungent smell, and has held AOC status since 1980.

What's the Difference Between Boursin Cheese and Brie de Melun Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Boursin Cheese (Pasteurized), Brie de Melun Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Texture: Boursin Cheese (Soft, creamy), Brie de Melun Cheese (Soft)
• Rind: Boursin Cheese (None), Brie de Melun Cheese (Bloomy)
• Aging: Boursin Cheese (Fresh (not aged)), Brie de Melun Cheese (at least four or five weeks)
• Taste: Boursin Cheese (Garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive), Brie de Melun Cheese (salty, sharp, sour, strong)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Boursin Cheese Taste Like Brie de Melun Cheese?

Boursin Cheese reads as garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive, while Brie de Melun Cheese brings salty, sharp, sour, strong character. On the nose, Boursin Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Brie de Melun Cheese's grassy, musty. More specifically, Boursin Cheese shows fresh, with added flavors like garlic, herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive, while Brie de Melun Cheese leans toward creamy, nutty, mushroom-like, slightly acidic. Aging plays into this as well. Boursin Cheese at fresh (not aged) develops a different profile than Brie de Melun Cheese at at least four or five weeks.

Can You Substitute Boursin Cheese for Brie de Melun Cheese?

In most recipes, Boursin Cheese and Brie de Melun Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Boursin Cheese reads as garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive while Brie de Melun Cheese brings salty, sharp, sour, strong notes.

Which Is Better, Boursin Cheese or Brie de Melun Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, creamy cheese, go with Boursin Cheese. For a soft profile, Brie de Melun Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Boursin Cheese suits recipes that want garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive notes, while Brie de Melun Cheese fits dishes calling for salty, sharp, sour, strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boursin Cheese the same as Brie de Melun Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Boursin Cheese is typically aged fresh (not aged), Brie de Melun Cheese at least four or five weeks.

Is Boursin Cheese similar to Brie de Melun Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Boursin Cheese for Brie de Melun Cheese?

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

Does Boursin Cheese taste like Brie de Melun Cheese?

Boursin Cheese reads as garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive, while Brie de Melun Cheese is salty, sharp, sour, strong. Aromas also diverge. Boursin Cheese leans mild, and Brie de Melun Cheese is closer to grassy, musty.

What is Boursin Cheese made of?

Boursin Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using microbial rennet. It's typically aged fresh (not aged). It originates in France.

What is Brie de Melun Cheese made of?

Brie de Melun Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged at least four or five weeks. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Boursin Cheese or Brie de Melun Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Boursin Cheese is soft, creamy, while Brie de Melun Cheese is soft.