Bread Cheese vs Époisses Cheese

Bread Cheese is a squeaky cow or goat-milk cheese from Finland, while Époisses Cheese is soft and creamy and made from cow 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 Époisses Cheese?

Époisses is a pungent soft-paste cow's milk cheese from the village of Époisses in Burgundy, France. Washed in brine and Marc de Bourgogne as it ripens, it has a soft red-orange rind that is edible and a strong smell.

What's the Difference Between Bread Cheese and Époisses Cheese?

• Origin: Bread Cheese (Finland), Époisses Cheese (France)
• Milk type: Bread Cheese (cow, goat), Époisses Cheese (Cow's Milk)
• Texture: Bread Cheese (squeaky), Époisses Cheese (Soft and creamy)
• Aging: Bread Cheese (fresh), Époisses Cheese (Minimum of 28 days)
• Taste: Bread Cheese (mild), Époisses Cheese (Subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Bread Cheese Taste Like Époisses Cheese?

Bread Cheese reads as mild, while Époisses Cheese brings subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced character. On the nose, Bread Cheese offers appetizing when heated, contrasted with Époisses Cheese's undergrowth. Aging plays into this as well. Bread Cheese at fresh develops a different profile than Époisses Cheese at minimum of 28 days.

Can You Substitute Bread Cheese for Époisses Cheese?

Bread Cheese can stand in for Époisses 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 soft and creamy. Flavor-wise, Bread Cheese reads as mild while Époisses Cheese brings subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced notes.

Which Is Better, Bread Cheese or Époisses 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 soft and creamy profile, Époisses Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Bread Cheese suits recipes that want mild notes, while Époisses Cheese fits dishes calling for subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bread Cheese the same as Époisses Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Bread Cheese originates in Finland, while Époisses Cheese comes from France. Bread Cheese is made from cow or goat milk; Époisses Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Bread Cheese is typically aged fresh, Époisses Cheese minimum of 28 days.

Is Bread Cheese similar to Époisses Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Bread Cheese for Époisses Cheese?

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

Does Bread Cheese taste like Époisses Cheese?

Bread Cheese reads as mild, while Époisses Cheese is subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced. Aromas also diverge. Bread Cheese leans appetizing when heated, and Époisses Cheese is closer to 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 Époisses Cheese made of?

Époisses Cheese is made from cow milk (raw or pasteurized). It's typically aged minimum of 28 days. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Bread Cheese or Époisses Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Bread Cheese is squeaky, while Époisses Cheese is soft and creamy.