Boursin Cheese vs Five Counties Cheese

Boursin Cheese is a soft, creamy cow-milk cheese from France, while Five Counties Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in England.

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 Five Counties Cheese?

Five Counties cheese, originating from Somerset, England, is a semi-firm cheese made from cow's milk. It is known for its layered appearance, featuring five different types of English cheeses stacked together. The flavor is buttery and mild, with a touch of saltiness, making it a pleasant choice for those who enjoy a balanced taste. Its aroma is subtle, adding to its approachable nature. This cheese is also referred to as Five Territories, Five Shires, or Saxonshire. It is often enjoyed on cheese boards or paired with crackers and fruits for a simple yet satisfying snack.

What's the Difference Between Boursin Cheese and Five Counties Cheese?

• Origin: Boursin Cheese (France), Five Counties Cheese (England)
• Texture: Boursin Cheese (Soft, creamy), Five Counties Cheese (Semi-hard)
• Taste: Boursin Cheese (Garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive), Five Counties Cheese (buttery, mild, salty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Boursin Cheese Taste Like Five Counties Cheese?

Boursin Cheese reads as garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive, while Five Counties Cheese brings buttery, mild, salty character. On the nose, Boursin Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Five Counties Cheese's mild.

Can You Substitute Boursin Cheese for Five Counties Cheese?

In most recipes, Boursin Cheese and Five Counties 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 semi-hard. Flavor-wise, Boursin Cheese reads as garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive while Five Counties Cheese brings buttery, mild, salty notes.

Which Is Better, Boursin Cheese or Five Counties 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 semi-hard profile, Five Counties Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Boursin Cheese suits recipes that want garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive notes, while Five Counties Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery, mild, salty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boursin Cheese the same as Five Counties Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Boursin Cheese originates in France, while Five Counties Cheese comes from England.

Is Boursin Cheese similar to Five Counties Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Boursin Cheese for Five Counties Cheese?

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

Does Boursin Cheese taste like Five Counties Cheese?

Boursin Cheese reads as garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive, while Five Counties Cheese is buttery, mild, salty. Aromas also diverge. Boursin Cheese leans mild, and Five Counties Cheese is closer to mild.

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 Five Counties Cheese made of?

Five Counties Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in England.

Which should I choose, Boursin Cheese or Five Counties Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Boursin Cheese is soft, creamy, while Five Counties Cheese is semi-hard.