Brick Cheese vs Vlašić Cheese
Brick Cheese is a semi-hard, smear-ripened cow-milk cheese from United States, while Vlašić Cheese is solid, spreadable and made from sheep milk, originating in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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 Vlašić Cheese?
Vlašić, also sold as Travnik cheese, is a white brined cheese from the Vlašić mountain above Travnik in central Bosnia and Herzegovina. Traditionally made from sheep milk, it ripens in brine and comes out mostly dry and quite salty.
What's the Difference Between Brick Cheese and Vlašić Cheese?
- Origin: Brick Cheese (United States), Vlašić Cheese (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
- Milk type: Brick Cheese (Cow's milk), Vlašić Cheese (Ewe’s milk)
- Texture: Brick Cheese (semi-hard, smear-ripened), Vlašić Cheese (Solid, spreadable)
- Aging: Brick Cheese (Best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks), Vlašić Cheese (Minimum 60 days)
- Taste: Brick Cheese (Sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age), Vlašić Cheese (Milky sour, moderately salty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brick Cheese | Vlašić Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States | Bosnia And Herzegovina |
| Specific Origin | Wisconsin | Vlašić Mountain |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Ewe’s milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Strained |
| Texture | Semi-hard, smear-ripened | Solid, spreadable |
| Rind | Washed | — |
| Aging | Best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks | Minimum 60 days |
| Taste | Sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age | Milky sour, moderately salty |
Taste Comparison: Does Brick Cheese Taste Like Vlašić Cheese?
Brick Cheese reads as sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age, while Vlašić Cheese brings milky sour, moderately salty character. On the nose, Brick Cheese offers pungent, rich, contrasted with Vlašić Cheese's pleasant, of sheep’s milk. More specifically, Brick Cheese shows sweet and mild when unaged, nuttier with a stronger smell after aging, while Vlašić Cheese leans toward pleasant without foreign material, milky sour, and moderately salty taste. Aging plays into this as well. Brick Cheese at best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks develops a different profile than Vlašić Cheese at minimum 60 days.
Can You Substitute Brick Cheese for Vlašić Cheese?
Brick Cheese can stand in for Vlašić 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 solid, spreadable. Flavor-wise, Brick Cheese reads as sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age while Vlašić Cheese brings milky sour, moderately salty notes.
Which Is Better, Brick Cheese or Vlašić 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 solid, spreadable profile, Vlašić 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 Vlašić Cheese fits dishes calling for milky sour, moderately salty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brick Cheese the same as Vlašić Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Brick Cheese originates in United States, while Vlašić Cheese comes from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Brick Cheese is made from cow milk; Vlašić Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Brick Cheese is typically aged best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks, Vlašić Cheese minimum 60 days.
Is Brick Cheese similar to Vlašić Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Brick Cheese for Vlašić Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Brick Cheese taste like Vlašić Cheese?
Brick Cheese reads as sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age, while Vlašić Cheese is milky sour, moderately salty. Aromas also diverge. Brick Cheese leans pungent, rich, and Vlašić Cheese is closer to pleasant, of sheep’s milk.
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 Vlašić Cheese made of?
Vlašić Cheese is made from sheep milk (strained), using local natural calf rennet. It's typically aged minimum 60 days. It originates in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Which should I choose, Brick Cheese or Vlašić Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brick Cheese is semi-hard, smear-ripened, while Vlašić Cheese is solid, spreadable.