Boursin Cheese vs Mascares Cheese
Boursin Cheese is a soft and creamy cow-milk cheese from France, while Mascares Cheese is fresh soft, artisan and made from goat and sheep milk, originating in France.
Buy Boursin Cheese
Buy Mascares Cheese
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 Mascares Cheese?
Mascares is a fresh, soft cheese made from a blend of goat's and sheep's milk in the Provencale region of France. It has a creamy white interior and is traditionally wrapped in leaves, which adds a touch of rustic appeal. The cheese offers an earthy aroma with floral notes, suggesting a connection to the natural surroundings where it is produced. Its texture is smooth and spreadable, making it ideal for pairing with crusty bread or crackers. The flavor is mild yet tangy, with a subtle hint of sweetness. Mascares is best enjoyed fresh to appreciate its delicate balance of flavors and aromas.
What's the Difference Between Boursin Cheese and Mascares Cheese?
- Milk type: Boursin Cheese (Cow's milk), Mascares Cheese (goat's and sheep's milk)
- Texture: Boursin Cheese (Soft and creamy), Mascares Cheese (fresh soft, artisan)
- Rind: Boursin Cheese (None), Mascares Cheese (leaf wrapped)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Boursin Cheese | Mascares Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Normandy | Provencale |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat's and sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft and creamy | Fresh soft, artisan |
| Rind | None | Leaf wrapped |
| Aging | Fresh (not aged) | — |
| Taste | Garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Boursin Cheese Taste Like Mascares Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. On the nose, Boursin Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Mascares Cheese's earthy, floral.
Can You Substitute Boursin Cheese for Mascares Cheese?
Boursin Cheese can stand in for Mascares Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft and creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for fresh soft, artisan.
Which Is Better, Boursin Cheese or Mascares Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft and creamy cheese, go with Boursin Cheese. For a fresh soft, artisan profile, Mascares Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boursin Cheese the same as Mascares Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Boursin Cheese is made from cow milk; Mascares Cheese uses goat and sheep.
Is Boursin Cheese similar to Mascares Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Boursin Cheese for Mascares Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Boursin Cheese taste like Mascares Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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 Mascares Cheese made of?
Mascares Cheese is made from goat and sheep milk. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Boursin Cheese or Mascares Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Boursin Cheese is soft and creamy, while Mascares Cheese is fresh soft, artisan.