Brick Cheese vs San Michali Cheese
Brick Cheese
San Michali Cheese
Brick Cheese is a semi-hard, smear-ripened cow-milk cheese from United States, while San Michali Cheese is compact, with very small irregular holes and made from cow milk, originating in Greece.
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 San Michali Cheese?
San Michali is a hard cow's milk cheese from the Greek island of Syros, aged at least four months. It carries PDO status, tastes salty and piquant, and is one of the most expensive cheeses in Greece.
What's the Difference Between Brick Cheese and San Michali Cheese?
- Origin: Brick Cheese (United States), San Michali Cheese (Greece)
- Texture: Brick Cheese (semi-hard, smear-ripened), San Michali Cheese (Compact, with very small irregular holes)
- Rind: Brick Cheese (washed), San Michali Cheese (Often covered with paraffin)
- Aging: Brick Cheese (Best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks), San Michali Cheese (At least four months)
- Taste: Brick Cheese (Sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age), San Michali Cheese (Salty, peppery)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brick Cheese | San Michali Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States | Greece |
| Specific Origin | Wisconsin | Island Of Syros |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow’s milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-hard, smear-ripened | Compact, with very small irregular holes |
| Rind | Washed | Often covered with paraffin |
| Aging | Best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks | At least four months |
| Taste | Sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age | Salty, peppery |
Taste Comparison: Does Brick Cheese Taste Like San Michali Cheese?
Brick Cheese reads as sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age, while San Michali Cheese brings salty, peppery character. Aging plays into this as well. Brick Cheese at best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks develops a different profile than San Michali Cheese at at least four months.
Can You Substitute Brick Cheese for San Michali Cheese?
In most recipes, Brick Cheese and San Michali 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 compact, with very small irregular holes. Flavor-wise, Brick Cheese reads as sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age while San Michali Cheese brings salty, peppery notes.
Which Is Better, Brick Cheese or San Michali 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 compact, with very small irregular holes profile, San Michali 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 San Michali Cheese fits dishes calling for salty, peppery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brick Cheese the same as San Michali Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Brick Cheese originates in United States, while San Michali Cheese comes from Greece. Aging also differs: Brick Cheese is typically aged best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks, San Michali Cheese at least four months.
Is Brick Cheese similar to San Michali Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Brick Cheese for San Michali Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Brick Cheese taste like San Michali Cheese?
Brick Cheese reads as sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age, while San Michali Cheese is salty, peppery.
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 San Michali Cheese made of?
San Michali Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged at least four months. It originates in Greece.
Which should I choose, Brick Cheese or San Michali Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brick Cheese is semi-hard, smear-ripened, while San Michali Cheese is compact, with very small irregular holes.