Brie de Meaux Cheese vs Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese
Brie de Meaux Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is a goat-milk cheese.
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 Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol, also known simply as Chavignol, is a cheese made from raw whole goat's milk. It originates from France and is protected under the designation of origin (PDO). The cheese is shaped like a flat cylinder and has a thin rind that can be ivory-colored with or without white or blue molds. The cheese is known for its lactic coagulation process with a small amount of rennet added. It has a fat content of at least 45% of the dry matter and a total dry matter content between 37g and 48g per cheese. The cheese is matured for at least 10 days, and a special version called "repassé" is matured in a confined atmosphere to develop a blue Penicillium mold.
What's the Difference Between Brie de Meaux Cheese and Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese?
- Milk type: Brie de Meaux Cheese (cow's milk), Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Goat's milk)
- Milk treatment: Brie de Meaux Cheese (unpasteurized), Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Raw)
- Rind: Brie de Meaux Cheese (White mold), Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Thin, ivory-colored, with or without white or blue molds)
- Aging: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Minimum of 4 weeks), Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Minimum maturing period of 10 days)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brie de Meaux Cheese | Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | — |
| Specific Origin | Meaux | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Soft | — |
| Rind | White mold | Thin, ivory-colored, with or without white or blue molds |
| Aging | Minimum of 4 weeks | Minimum maturing period of 10 days |
| Taste | Cream, butter, hazelnuts | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Brie de Meaux Cheese Taste Like Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Brie de Meaux Cheese at minimum of 4 weeks develops a different profile than Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese at minimum maturing period of 10 days.
Can You Substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese?
Brie de Meaux Cheese can stand in for Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol 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 Brie de Meaux Cheese the same as Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie de Meaux Cheese is made from cow milk; Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Brie de Meaux Cheese is typically aged minimum of 4 weeks, Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese minimum maturing period of 10 days.
Is Brie de Meaux Cheese similar to Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Brie de Meaux Cheese taste like Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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 Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese made of?
Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is made from goat milk (raw), using small quantity added rennet. It's typically aged minimum maturing period of 10 days.
Which should I choose, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.