Brie de Meaux Cheese vs Brunost Cheese

Brie de Meaux Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Brunost Cheese is semi-soft, whey and made from cow and goat milk, originating in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

What Is Brie de Meaux Cheese?

Brie de Meaux is a soft cheese made from raw cow's milk in the Brie region of France, an AOC product since 1980. Wheels run 36 to 37 cm (14 to 14+1/2 in) across, with a delicate white rind and a straw-yellow, creamy interior.

What Is Brunost Cheese?

Brunost is a Norwegian whey product made by boiling whey with milk and cream until the milk sugars caramelize. It is brown, sweet and firm enough to slice, and it is eaten like cheese on sandwiches, crispbread and waffles.

What's the Difference Between Brie de Meaux Cheese and Brunost Cheese?

• Origin: Brie de Meaux Cheese (France), Brunost Cheese (Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden)
• Milk type: Brie de Meaux Cheese (cow's milk), Brunost Cheese (cow's and goat's milk)
• Milk treatment: Brie de Meaux Cheese (unpasteurized), Brunost Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
• Texture: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Soft), Brunost Cheese (semi-soft, whey)
• Rind: Brie de Meaux Cheese (White mold), Brunost Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Minimum of 4 weeks), Brunost Cheese (unaged, ready once packed and refrigerated)
• Taste: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Cream, butter, hazelnuts), Brunost Cheese (caramel, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Brie de Meaux Cheese Taste Like Brunost Cheese?

Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Brunost Cheese brings caramel, sweet character. More specifically, Brie de Meaux Cheese shows delicate aromas of cream, butter, and hazelnuts, while Brunost Cheese leans toward sweet, caramel-like, with a tang that is stronger in goat's milk versions. Aging plays into this as well. Brie de Meaux Cheese at minimum of 4 weeks develops a different profile than Brunost Cheese at unaged, ready once packed and refrigerated.

Can You Substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Brunost Cheese?

Brie de Meaux Cheese can stand in for Brunost Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, whey. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts while Brunost Cheese brings caramel, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Brunost Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Brie de Meaux Cheese. For a semi-soft, whey profile, Brunost Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese suits recipes that want cream, butter, hazelnuts notes, while Brunost Cheese fits dishes calling for caramel, sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brie de Meaux Cheese the same as Brunost Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie de Meaux Cheese originates in France, while Brunost Cheese comes from Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Brie de Meaux Cheese is made from cow milk; Brunost Cheese uses cow and goat. Aging also differs: Brie de Meaux Cheese is typically aged minimum of 4 weeks, Brunost Cheese unaged, ready once packed and refrigerated.

Is Brie de Meaux Cheese similar to Brunost Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Brunost Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Brie de Meaux Cheese taste like Brunost Cheese?

Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Brunost Cheese is caramel, sweet.

What is Brie de Meaux Cheese made of?

Brie de Meaux Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using bovi rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 4 weeks. It originates in France.

What is Brunost Cheese made of?

Brunost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It's typically aged unaged, ready once packed and refrigerated. It originates in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

Which should I choose, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Brunost Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie de Meaux Cheese is soft, while Brunost Cheese is semi-soft, whey.