Brick Cheese vs Queso Blanco
Brick Cheese is a semi-hard, smear-ripened cow-milk cheese from United States, while Queso Blanco is a cow-milk cheese.
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 Queso Blanco?
Queso blanco is the white, fresh cheese of Latin America, made by curdling hot milk with an acid such as vinegar. No rennet or culture goes into it, and depending on the country it is crumbled over soups, fried as queso frito, or melted into quesadillas.
What's the Difference Between Brick Cheese and Queso Blanco?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brick Cheese | Queso Blanco | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States | — |
| Specific Origin | Wisconsin | Latin America |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow |
| Texture | Semi-hard, smear-ripened | — |
| Rind | Washed | — |
| Aging | Best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks | — |
| Taste | Sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Brick Cheese Taste Like Queso Blanco?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Brick Cheese for Queso Blanco?
In most recipes, Brick Cheese and Queso Blanco can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.
Which Is Better, Brick Cheese or Queso Blanco?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brick Cheese the same as Queso Blanco?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Brick Cheese similar to Queso Blanco?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Brick Cheese for Queso Blanco?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Brick Cheese taste like Queso Blanco?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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 Queso Blanco made of?
Queso Blanco is made from cow milk, using none rennet.
Which should I choose, Brick Cheese or Queso Blanco?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.