Brick Cheese vs Tulum Cheese
Brick Cheese is a semi-hard, smear-ripened cow-milk cheese from United States, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.
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 Tulum Cheese?
Tulum is a Turkish goat's milk cheese ripened inside a goatskin casing, which is what the word tulum means in Turkish. It is made in several regions, and versions from Erzincan, İzmir, Divle, Çimi and Kargı each taste different.
What's the Difference Between Brick Cheese and Tulum Cheese?
- Origin: Brick Cheese (United States), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
- Milk type: Brick Cheese (Cow's milk), Tulum Cheese (goat)
- Aging: Brick Cheese (Best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks), Tulum Cheese (about 6 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brick Cheese | Tulum Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States | Turkey |
| Specific Origin | Wisconsin | Turkey |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | Semi-hard, smear-ripened | — |
| Rind | Washed | — |
| Aging | Best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks | About 6 months |
| Taste | Sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Brick Cheese Taste Like Tulum Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Brick Cheese at best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks develops a different profile than Tulum Cheese at about 6 months.
Can You Substitute Brick Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
Brick Cheese can stand in for Tulum Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Brick Cheese or Tulum Cheese?
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 Tulum Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Brick Cheese originates in United States, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey. Brick Cheese is made from cow milk; Tulum Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Brick Cheese is typically aged best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks, Tulum Cheese about 6 months.
Is Brick Cheese similar to Tulum Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Brick Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Brick Cheese taste like Tulum Cheese?
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 Tulum Cheese made of?
Tulum Cheese is made from goat milk (raw). It's typically aged about 6 months. It originates in Turkey.
Which should I choose, Brick Cheese or Tulum Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.