Bresse Bleu Cheese vs Jarlsberg Cheese
Bresse Bleu Cheese is a soft, blue-veined cow-milk cheese from France, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard and made from cow milk, originating in Norway.
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 Jarlsberg Cheese?
Jarlsberg is a mild Swiss-type cheese from Norway, made from cow's milk and named after Jarlsberg Manor. It is known for its buttery, slightly sweet and nutty flavor and its medium to large holes.
What's the Difference Between Bresse Bleu Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese?
- Origin: Bresse Bleu Cheese (France), Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway)
- Texture: Bresse Bleu Cheese (soft, blue-veined), Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard)
- Rind: Bresse Bleu Cheese (firm, edible white coating of Penicillium camemberti), Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered)
- Taste: Bresse Bleu Cheese (creamy), Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Bresse Bleu Cheese | Jarlsberg Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Norway |
| Specific Origin | Bresse, France | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, blue-veined | Semihard |
| Rind | Firm, edible white coating of Penicillium camemberti | Plastic-covered |
| Aging | — | Three months to twelve months |
| Taste | Creamy | Mild, sweet, nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Bresse Bleu Cheese Taste Like Jarlsberg Cheese?
Bresse Bleu Cheese reads as creamy, while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty character. On the nose, Bresse Bleu Cheese offers milky, mushroom, contrasted with Jarlsberg Cheese's mild, buttery.
Can You Substitute Bresse Bleu Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
In most recipes, Bresse Bleu Cheese and Jarlsberg 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 semihard. Flavor-wise, Bresse Bleu Cheese reads as creamy while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty notes.
Which Is Better, Bresse Bleu Cheese or Jarlsberg 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 semihard profile, Jarlsberg Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Bresse Bleu Cheese suits recipes that want creamy notes, while Jarlsberg Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, sweet, nutty.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bresse Bleu Cheese the same as Jarlsberg Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Bresse Bleu Cheese originates in France, while Jarlsberg Cheese comes from Norway.
Is Bresse Bleu Cheese similar to Jarlsberg Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Bresse Bleu Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Bresse Bleu Cheese taste like Jarlsberg Cheese?
Bresse Bleu Cheese reads as creamy, while Jarlsberg Cheese is mild, sweet, nutty. Aromas also diverge. Bresse Bleu Cheese leans milky, mushroom, and Jarlsberg Cheese is closer to mild, buttery.
What is Bresse Bleu Cheese made of?
Bresse Bleu Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in France.
What is Jarlsberg Cheese made of?
Jarlsberg Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged three months to twelve months. It originates in Norway.
Which should I choose, Bresse Bleu Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Bresse Bleu Cheese is soft, blue-veined, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard.