Bread Cheese vs Crottin de Chavignol Cheese

Bread Cheese is a squeaky cow or goat-milk cheese from Finland, while Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is firm, smooth and made from goat milk, originating in France.

What Is Bread Cheese?

Bread cheese, or leipäjuusto, is a Finnish fresh cheese traditionally made from cow's colostrum and baked until the surface browns. It has a mild flavor, squeaks against the teeth, and is usually eaten in slices with coffee.

What Is Crottin de Chavignol Cheese?

Crottin de Chavignol is a small cylindrical goat cheese from the Loire Valley and the claim to fame of the village of Chavignol. It tastes subtle and slightly nutty, and it is sold at three stages of ripening, from a white rind and compact paste to a crumbly one with bluish mould.

What's the Difference Between Bread Cheese and Crottin de Chavignol Cheese?

• Origin: Bread Cheese (Finland), Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (France)
• Milk type: Bread Cheese (cow, goat), Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (goat's milk)
• Texture: Bread Cheese (squeaky), Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (Firm, smooth)
• Aging: Bread Cheese (fresh), Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (At least 10 days)
• Taste: Bread Cheese (mild), Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (Light goat to walnut and hazelnut)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Bread Cheese Taste Like Crottin de Chavignol Cheese?

Bread Cheese reads as mild, while Crottin de Chavignol Cheese brings light goat to walnut and hazelnut character. On the nose, Bread Cheese offers appetizing when heated, contrasted with Crottin de Chavignol Cheese's light goat to mushroom and forest undergrowth. Aging plays into this as well. Bread Cheese at fresh develops a different profile than Crottin de Chavignol Cheese at at least 10 days.

Can You Substitute Bread Cheese for Crottin de Chavignol Cheese?

Bread Cheese can stand in for Crottin de Chavignol Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect squeaky bite and body where the recipe calls for firm, smooth. Flavor-wise, Bread Cheese reads as mild while Crottin de Chavignol Cheese brings light goat to walnut and hazelnut notes.

Which Is Better, Bread Cheese or Crottin de Chavignol Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a squeaky cheese, go with Bread Cheese. For a firm, smooth profile, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Bread Cheese suits recipes that want mild notes, while Crottin de Chavignol Cheese fits dishes calling for light goat to walnut and hazelnut.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bread Cheese the same as Crottin de Chavignol Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Bread Cheese originates in Finland, while Crottin de Chavignol Cheese comes from France. Bread Cheese is made from cow or goat milk; Crottin de Chavignol Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Bread Cheese is typically aged fresh, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese at least 10 days.

Is Bread Cheese similar to Crottin de Chavignol Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Bread Cheese for Crottin de Chavignol Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Bread Cheese taste like Crottin de Chavignol Cheese?

Bread Cheese reads as mild, while Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is light goat to walnut and hazelnut. Aromas also diverge. Bread Cheese leans appetizing when heated, and Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is closer to light goat to mushroom and forest undergrowth.

What is Bread Cheese made of?

Bread Cheese is made from cow or goat milk. It's typically aged fresh. It originates in Finland.

What is Crottin de Chavignol Cheese made of?

Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged at least 10 days. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Bread Cheese or Crottin de Chavignol Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Bread Cheese is squeaky, while Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is firm, smooth.