Brie de Meaux Cheese vs Crottin de Chavignol Cheese

Brie de Meaux Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is firm, smooth and made from goat 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 Crottin de Chavignol Cheese?

Crottin de Chavignol is a small cylindrical goat cheese from the Loire Valley and the claim to fame of the village of Chavignol. It tastes subtle and slightly nutty, and it is sold at three stages of ripening, from a white rind and compact paste to a crumbly one with bluish mould.

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

• Milk type: Brie de Meaux Cheese (cow's milk), Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (goat's milk)
• Texture: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Soft), Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (Firm, smooth)
• Rind: Brie de Meaux Cheese (White mold), Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (Natural, white or blue)
• Aging: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Minimum of 4 weeks), Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (At least 10 days)
• Taste: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Cream, butter, hazelnuts), Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (Light goat to walnut and hazelnut)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Brie de Meaux Cheese Taste Like Crottin de Chavignol Cheese?

Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Crottin de Chavignol Cheese brings light goat to walnut and hazelnut character. On the nose, Brie de Meaux Cheese offers buttery, sweet, contrasted with Crottin de Chavignol Cheese's light goat to mushroom and forest undergrowth. More specifically, Brie de Meaux Cheese shows delicate aromas of cream, butter, and hazelnuts, while Crottin de Chavignol Cheese leans toward light goat flavor, floral, balanced, ages to mushroom, forest undergrowth, matures to nutty flavors, repassé: strong, creamy. Aging plays into this as well. Brie de Meaux Cheese at minimum of 4 weeks develops a different profile than Crottin de Chavignol Cheese at at least 10 days.

Can You Substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Crottin de Chavignol Cheese?

Brie de Meaux Cheese can stand in for Crottin de Chavignol 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 firm, smooth. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts while Crottin de Chavignol Cheese brings light goat to walnut and hazelnut notes.

Which Is Better, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Crottin de Chavignol 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 firm, smooth profile, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese suits recipes that want cream, butter, hazelnuts notes, while Crottin de Chavignol Cheese fits dishes calling for light goat to walnut and hazelnut.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brie de Meaux Cheese the same as Crottin de Chavignol Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie de Meaux Cheese is made from cow milk; Crottin de Chavignol Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Brie de Meaux Cheese is typically aged minimum of 4 weeks, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese at least 10 days.

Is Brie de Meaux Cheese similar to Crottin de Chavignol Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Crottin de Chavignol Cheese?

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

Does Brie de Meaux Cheese taste like Crottin de Chavignol Cheese?

Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is light goat to walnut and hazelnut. Aromas also diverge. Brie de Meaux Cheese leans buttery, sweet, and Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is closer to light goat to mushroom and forest undergrowth.

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 Cheese made of?

Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged at least 10 days. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Crottin de Chavignol Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie de Meaux Cheese is soft, while Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is firm, smooth.