Brie de Meaux Cheese vs Edam Cheese

Brie de Meaux Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Edam Cheese is semi-hard, elastic and made from cow milk, originating in Netherlands.

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 Edam Cheese?

Edam is a semi-hard Dutch cheese named after the town of Edam in North Holland, sold in flat-ended spheres under a red wax rind. It hardens rather than spoils, which made it the world's most popular cheese from the 14th to the 18th century.

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

• Origin: Brie de Meaux Cheese (France), Edam Cheese (Netherlands)
• Milk treatment: Brie de Meaux Cheese (unpasteurized), Edam Cheese (pasteurized)
• Texture: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Soft), Edam Cheese (Semi-hard, elastic)
• Rind: Brie de Meaux Cheese (White mold), Edam Cheese (Smooth, waxed)
• Aging: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Minimum of 4 weeks), Edam Cheese (3 months to longer)
• Taste: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Cream, butter, hazelnuts), Edam Cheese (Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Edam Cheese brings sweet, milky, nutty, buttery character. On the nose, Brie de Meaux Cheese offers buttery, sweet, contrasted with Edam Cheese's almost no smell when young. More specifically, Brie de Meaux Cheese shows delicate aromas of cream, butter, and hazelnuts, while Edam Cheese leans toward sweet milky-ness, light brazil nut and almond tones, gentle buttery-ness, aged variants show caramel and roasted nut qualities. Aging plays into this as well. Brie de Meaux Cheese at minimum of 4 weeks develops a different profile than Edam Cheese at 3 months to longer.

Can You Substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Edam Cheese?

In most recipes, Brie de Meaux Cheese and Edam 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 semi-hard, elastic. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts while Edam Cheese brings sweet, milky, nutty, buttery notes.

Which Is Better, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Edam 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-hard, elastic profile, Edam Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese suits recipes that want cream, butter, hazelnuts notes, while Edam Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet, milky, nutty, buttery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brie de Meaux Cheese the same as Edam Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie de Meaux Cheese originates in France, while Edam Cheese comes from Netherlands. Aging also differs: Brie de Meaux Cheese is typically aged minimum of 4 weeks, Edam Cheese 3 months to longer.

Is Brie de Meaux Cheese similar to Edam Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Edam Cheese?

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

Does Brie de Meaux Cheese taste like Edam Cheese?

Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Edam Cheese is sweet, milky, nutty, buttery. Aromas also diverge. Brie de Meaux Cheese leans buttery, sweet, and Edam Cheese is closer to almost no smell when young.

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 Edam Cheese made of?

Edam Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 3 months to longer. It originates in Netherlands.

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

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