Boursin Cheese vs Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)

Boursin Cheese is a soft, creamy cow-milk cheese from France, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is semi-soft, washed-rind and made from cow milk, originating in Australia.

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 Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Washed Rind Cheese from Australia is made using cow's milk and is known for its smear-ripened texture, which can range from soft to hard or semi-hard. The flavor profile of this cheese is a mix of nutty, sharp, and sweet notes, making it appealing to a variety of palates. Its aroma is quite strong and earthy, which is typical of washed rind cheeses. The washed rind technique contributes to its distinctive smell and flavor, as it encourages the growth of specific bacteria on the surface. This cheese can be a great addition to a cheese board, enjoyed on its own, or paired with fruits and bread.

What's the Difference Between Boursin Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

• Origin: Boursin Cheese (France), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (Australia)
• Texture: Boursin Cheese (Soft, creamy), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (Semi-soft, washed-rind)
• Rind: Boursin Cheese (None), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (washed)
• Taste: Boursin Cheese (Garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (nutty, sharp, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Boursin Cheese Taste Like Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Boursin Cheese reads as garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) brings nutty, sharp, sweet character. On the nose, Boursin Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)'s earthy, strong.

Can You Substitute Boursin Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

In most recipes, Boursin Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) 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-soft, washed-rind. Flavor-wise, Boursin Cheese reads as garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) brings nutty, sharp, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Boursin Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

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-soft, washed-rind profile, Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Boursin Cheese suits recipes that want garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive notes, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) fits dishes calling for nutty, sharp, sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boursin Cheese the same as Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Boursin Cheese originates in France, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) comes from Australia.

Is Boursin Cheese similar to Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

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

Can I substitute Boursin Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

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

Does Boursin Cheese taste like Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Boursin Cheese reads as garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is nutty, sharp, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Boursin Cheese leans mild, and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is closer to earthy, strong.

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 Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) made of?

Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is made from cow milk. It originates in Australia.

Which should I choose, Boursin Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Boursin Cheese is soft, creamy, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is semi-soft, washed-rind.