Brie de Meaux Cheese vs Camembert Cheese

Brie de Meaux Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.

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 Camembert Cheese?

Camembert is a moist, soft, surface-ripened cow's milk cheese from Normandy, first made in the late 18th century. Penicillium camemberti gives it a white bloomy rind and a creamy interior, with a taste stronger and slightly more sour than brie.

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

• Milk treatment: Brie de Meaux Cheese (unpasteurized), Camembert Cheese (unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions)
• Texture: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Soft), Camembert Cheese (soft, artisan)
• Rind: Brie de Meaux Cheese (White mold), Camembert Cheese (Bloomy)
• Aging: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Minimum of 4 weeks), Camembert Cheese (minimum 3 weeks)
• Taste: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Cream, butter, hazelnuts), Camembert Cheese (slightly sour, stronger than brie)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Camembert Cheese brings slightly sour, stronger than brie character. On the nose, Brie de Meaux Cheese offers buttery, sweet, contrasted with Camembert Cheese's buttery, rich. More specifically, Brie de Meaux Cheese shows delicate aromas of cream, butter, and hazelnuts, while Camembert Cheese leans toward slightly sour, sometimes chalky, stronger than brie of the same ripening time; ammonia when overripe. Aging plays into this as well. Brie de Meaux Cheese at minimum of 4 weeks develops a different profile than Camembert Cheese at minimum 3 weeks.

Can You Substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Camembert Cheese?

In most recipes, Brie de Meaux Cheese and Camembert Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts while Camembert Cheese brings slightly sour, stronger than brie notes.

Which Is Better, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Camembert 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 soft, artisan profile, Camembert Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese suits recipes that want cream, butter, hazelnuts notes, while Camembert Cheese fits dishes calling for slightly sour, stronger than brie.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brie de Meaux Cheese the same as Camembert Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Brie de Meaux Cheese is typically aged minimum of 4 weeks, Camembert Cheese minimum 3 weeks.

Is Brie de Meaux Cheese similar to Camembert Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Camembert Cheese?

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

Does Brie de Meaux Cheese taste like Camembert Cheese?

Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Camembert Cheese is slightly sour, stronger than brie. Aromas also diverge. Brie de Meaux Cheese leans buttery, sweet, and Camembert Cheese is closer to buttery, rich.

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 Camembert Cheese made of?

Camembert Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized for aoc camembert de normandie, pasteurized for most other versions). It's typically aged minimum 3 weeks. It originates in France.

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

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie de Meaux Cheese is soft, while Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan.