Brick Cheese vs Geitost Cheese

Brick Cheese is a semi-hard, smear-ripened cow-milk cheese from United States, while Geitost Cheese is semi-hard, whey and made from cow and goat milk, originating in Norway.

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 Geitost Cheese?

Geitost is the Norwegian brown whey cheese made with goat's milk in the mix. Boiling milk, cream and whey caramelizes the milk sugars, which gives it a deep brown color and a sweet, caramel taste with a tang behind it.

What's the Difference Between Brick Cheese and Geitost Cheese?

• Origin: Brick Cheese (United States), Geitost Cheese (Norway)
• Milk type: Brick Cheese (Cow's milk), Geitost Cheese (cow's and goat's milk)
• Texture: Brick Cheese (semi-hard, smear-ripened), Geitost Cheese (semi-hard, whey)
• Rind: Brick Cheese (washed), Geitost Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Brick Cheese (Best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks), Geitost Cheese (not aged)
• Taste: Brick Cheese (Sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age), Geitost Cheese (burnt caramel, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Brick Cheese Taste Like Geitost Cheese?

Brick Cheese reads as sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age, while Geitost Cheese brings burnt caramel, sweet character. On the nose, Brick Cheese offers pungent, rich, contrasted with Geitost Cheese's caramel. More specifically, Brick Cheese shows sweet and mild when unaged, nuttier with a stronger smell after aging, while Geitost Cheese leans toward sweet and caramel-like, with a tang that is sharper in the goat's milk versions. Aging plays into this as well. Brick Cheese at best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks develops a different profile than Geitost Cheese at not aged.

Can You Substitute Brick Cheese for Geitost Cheese?

Brick Cheese can stand in for Geitost Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-hard, smear-ripened bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, whey. Flavor-wise, Brick Cheese reads as sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age while Geitost Cheese brings burnt caramel, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Brick Cheese or Geitost 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, whey profile, Geitost 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 Geitost Cheese fits dishes calling for burnt caramel, sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brick Cheese the same as Geitost Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Brick Cheese originates in United States, while Geitost Cheese comes from Norway. Brick Cheese is made from cow milk; Geitost Cheese uses cow and goat. Aging also differs: Brick Cheese is typically aged best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks, Geitost Cheese not aged.

Is Brick Cheese similar to Geitost Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Brick Cheese for Geitost Cheese?

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

Does Brick Cheese taste like Geitost Cheese?

Brick Cheese reads as sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age, while Geitost Cheese is burnt caramel, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Brick Cheese leans pungent, rich, and Geitost Cheese is closer to caramel.

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 Geitost Cheese made of?

Geitost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk. It's typically aged not aged. It originates in Norway.

Which should I choose, Brick Cheese or Geitost Cheese?

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