Brick Cheese vs Colby-Jack Cheese

Brick Cheese is a semi-hard, smear-ripened cow-milk cheese from United States, while Colby-Jack Cheese is semi-hard, processed and made from cow milk, originating in United States.

What Is Brick Cheese?

Brick cheese is a Wisconsin cheese pressed into brick shape and ripened on the surface with Brevibacterium linens. Young, it is sweet, mild and melts well; aged, it smells stronger and tastes nuttier. It is the traditional cheese on Detroit-style pizza.

What Is Colby-Jack Cheese?

Colby-Jack, also spelled Co-jack or Cojack, is an American marble cheese made by blending curds of Colby and Monterey Jack. It is known for its orange and white marbling, its mild flavor, and how well it melts over burgers and casseroles.

What's the Difference Between Brick Cheese and Colby-Jack Cheese?

• Texture: Brick Cheese (semi-hard, smear-ripened), Colby-Jack Cheese (semi-hard, processed)
• Rind: Brick Cheese (washed), Colby-Jack Cheese (sometimes dipped in wax)
• Aging: Brick Cheese (Best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks), Colby-Jack Cheese (up to 14 days)
• Taste: Brick Cheese (Sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age), Colby-Jack Cheese (mild to mellow)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Brick Cheese Taste Like Colby-Jack Cheese?

Brick Cheese reads as sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age, while Colby-Jack Cheese brings mild to mellow character. More specifically, Brick Cheese shows sweet and mild when unaged, nuttier with a stronger smell after aging, while Colby-Jack Cheese leans toward mild; flavor set by the colby and monterey jack used. Aging plays into this as well. Brick Cheese at best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks develops a different profile than Colby-Jack Cheese at up to 14 days.

Can You Substitute Brick Cheese for Colby-Jack Cheese?

In most recipes, Brick Cheese and Colby-Jack Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-hard, smear-ripened bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, processed. Flavor-wise, Brick Cheese reads as sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age while Colby-Jack Cheese brings mild to mellow notes.

Which Is Better, Brick Cheese or Colby-Jack Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard, smear-ripened cheese, go with Brick Cheese. For a semi-hard, processed profile, Colby-Jack Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brick Cheese suits recipes that want sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age notes, while Colby-Jack Cheese fits dishes calling for mild to mellow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brick Cheese the same as Colby-Jack Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Brick Cheese is typically aged best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks, Colby-Jack Cheese up to 14 days.

Is Brick Cheese similar to Colby-Jack Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Brick Cheese for Colby-Jack Cheese?

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

Does Brick Cheese taste like Colby-Jack Cheese?

Brick Cheese reads as sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age, while Colby-Jack Cheese is mild to mellow.

What is Brick Cheese made of?

Brick Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks. It originates in United States.

What is Colby-Jack Cheese made of?

Colby-Jack Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged up to 14 days. It originates in United States.

Which should I choose, Brick Cheese or Colby-Jack Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brick Cheese is semi-hard, smear-ripened, while Colby-Jack Cheese is semi-hard, processed.