Brick Cheese vs Queijo São Jorge

Brick Cheese is a semi-hard, smear-ripened cow-milk cheese from United States, while Queijo São Jorge is firm consistency, hard or semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Portugal.

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 Queijo São Jorge?

Queijo São Jorge is a semi-hard to hard cow's milk cheese made only on the island of São Jorge in the Azores. It is known for its firm, brittle yellowish paste, small irregular holes, and a strong, slightly spicy flavor that sharpens with age.

What's the Difference Between Brick Cheese and Queijo São Jorge?

• Origin: Brick Cheese (United States), Queijo São Jorge (Portugal)
• Texture: Brick Cheese (semi-hard, smear-ripened), Queijo São Jorge (Firm consistency, hard or semi-hard)
• Rind: Brick Cheese (washed), Queijo São Jorge (Natural)
• Aging: Brick Cheese (Best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks), Queijo São Jorge (minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions)
• Taste: Brick Cheese (Sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age), Queijo São Jorge (Peppery, grassy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Brick Cheese Taste Like Queijo São Jorge?

Brick Cheese reads as sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age, while Queijo São Jorge brings peppery, grassy character. On the nose, Brick Cheese offers pungent, rich, contrasted with Queijo São Jorge's peppery, grassy. More specifically, Brick Cheese shows sweet and mild when unaged, nuttier with a stronger smell after aging, while Queijo São Jorge leans toward mild, sour aftertaste; musty, earthy, barnyardy (aged). Aging plays into this as well. Brick Cheese at best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks develops a different profile than Queijo São Jorge at minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions.

Can You Substitute Brick Cheese for Queijo São Jorge?

In most recipes, Brick Cheese and Queijo São Jorge 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 firm consistency, hard or semi-hard. Flavor-wise, Brick Cheese reads as sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age while Queijo São Jorge brings peppery, grassy notes.

Which Is Better, Brick Cheese or Queijo São Jorge?

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 firm consistency, hard or semi-hard profile, Queijo São Jorge 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 Queijo São Jorge fits dishes calling for peppery, grassy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brick Cheese the same as Queijo São Jorge?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Brick Cheese originates in United States, while Queijo São Jorge comes from Portugal. Aging also differs: Brick Cheese is typically aged best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks, Queijo São Jorge minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions.

Is Brick Cheese similar to Queijo São Jorge?

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

Can I substitute Brick Cheese for Queijo São Jorge?

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

Does Brick Cheese taste like Queijo São Jorge?

Brick Cheese reads as sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age, while Queijo São Jorge is peppery, grassy. Aromas also diverge. Brick Cheese leans pungent, rich, and Queijo São Jorge is closer to peppery, grassy.

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 Queijo São Jorge made of?

Queijo São Jorge is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions. It originates in Portugal.

Which should I choose, Brick Cheese or Queijo São Jorge?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brick Cheese is semi-hard, smear-ripened, while Queijo São Jorge is firm consistency, hard or semi-hard.