Bresse Bleu Cheese vs Chèvre (Goat Cheese)

Bresse Bleu Cheese is a soft, blue-veined cow-milk cheese from France, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is soft and made from goat 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 Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

Chèvre is the French name for cheese made from goat's milk. The classic French style is soft and creamy under a light colored rind, tart from the fatty acids in goat milk, and is sometimes served hot as chèvre chaud.

What's the Difference Between Bresse Bleu Cheese and Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

• Milk type: Bresse Bleu Cheese (Cow's milk), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (Goat's milk)
• Milk treatment: Bresse Bleu Cheese (pasteurized), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
• Texture: Bresse Bleu Cheese (Soft, blue-veined), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (Soft)
• Rind: Bresse Bleu Cheese (firm, edible white coating of Penicillium camemberti), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (light colored)
• Taste: Bresse Bleu Cheese (creamy), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Bresse Bleu Cheese Taste Like Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

Bresse Bleu Cheese reads as creamy, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) brings tangy character. On the nose, Bresse Bleu Cheese offers milky, mushroom, contrasted with Chèvre (Goat Cheese)'s goaty.

Can You Substitute Bresse Bleu Cheese for Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

Bresse Bleu Cheese can stand in for Chèvre (Goat Cheese) in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, blue-veined bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Bresse Bleu Cheese reads as creamy while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) brings tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Bresse Bleu Cheese or Chèvre (Goat 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 profile, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Bresse Bleu Cheese suits recipes that want creamy notes, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) fits dishes calling for tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bresse Bleu Cheese the same as Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Bresse Bleu Cheese is made from cow milk; Chèvre (Goat Cheese) uses goat.

Is Bresse Bleu Cheese similar to Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

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

Can I substitute Bresse Bleu Cheese for Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

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

Does Bresse Bleu Cheese taste like Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

Bresse Bleu Cheese reads as creamy, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is tangy. Aromas also diverge. Bresse Bleu Cheese leans milky, mushroom, and Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is closer to goaty.

What is Bresse Bleu Cheese made of?

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

What is Chèvre (Goat Cheese) made of?

Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is made from goat milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It's typically aged not aged for long. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Bresse Bleu Cheese or Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Bresse Bleu Cheese is soft, blue-veined, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is soft.