Bresse Bleu Cheese vs Camembert Cheese

Bresse Bleu Cheese is a soft, blue-veined cow-milk cheese from France, while Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Bresse Bleu Cheese?

Bresse Bleu, or Bleu de Bresse, is a French blue cheese from the Bresse area, first made after World War II. It is known for its firm white edible coating that smells of mushrooms and a creamy Brie-like interior flecked with blue mould.

What Is Camembert Cheese?

Camembert is a moist, soft, surface-ripened cow's milk cheese from Normandy, first made in the late 18th century. Penicillium camemberti gives it a white bloomy rind and a creamy interior, with a taste stronger and slightly more sour than brie.

What's the Difference Between Bresse Bleu Cheese and Camembert Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Bresse Bleu Cheese (pasteurized), Camembert Cheese (unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions)
• Texture: Bresse Bleu Cheese (soft, blue-veined), Camembert Cheese (soft, artisan)
• Rind: Bresse Bleu Cheese (firm, edible white coating of Penicillium camemberti), Camembert Cheese (Bloomy)
• Taste: Bresse Bleu Cheese (creamy), Camembert Cheese (slightly sour, stronger than brie)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Bresse Bleu Cheese Taste Like Camembert Cheese?

Bresse Bleu Cheese reads as creamy, while Camembert Cheese brings slightly sour, stronger than brie character. On the nose, Bresse Bleu Cheese offers milky, mushroom, contrasted with Camembert Cheese's buttery, rich.

Can You Substitute Bresse Bleu Cheese for Camembert Cheese?

In most recipes, Bresse Bleu Cheese and Camembert Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, blue-veined bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Bresse Bleu Cheese reads as creamy while Camembert Cheese brings slightly sour, stronger than brie notes.

Which Is Better, Bresse Bleu Cheese or Camembert Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, blue-veined cheese, go with Bresse Bleu Cheese. For a soft, artisan profile, Camembert Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Bresse Bleu Cheese suits recipes that want creamy notes, while Camembert Cheese fits dishes calling for slightly sour, stronger than brie.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bresse Bleu Cheese the same as Camembert Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Bresse Bleu Cheese similar to Camembert Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Bresse Bleu Cheese for Camembert Cheese?

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

Does Bresse Bleu Cheese taste like Camembert Cheese?

Bresse Bleu Cheese reads as creamy, while Camembert Cheese is slightly sour, stronger than brie. Aromas also diverge. Bresse Bleu Cheese leans milky, mushroom, and Camembert Cheese is closer to buttery, rich.

What is Bresse Bleu Cheese made of?

Bresse Bleu Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in France.

What is Camembert Cheese made of?

Camembert Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized for aoc camembert de normandie, pasteurized for most other versions). It's typically aged minimum 3 weeks. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Bresse Bleu Cheese or Camembert Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Bresse Bleu Cheese is soft, blue-veined, while Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan.