Brie de Meaux Cheese vs Époisses Cheese

Brie de Meaux Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Époisses Cheese is soft, creamy 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 Époisses Cheese?

Époisses is a pungent soft-paste cow's milk cheese from the village of Époisses in Burgundy, France. Washed in brine and Marc de Bourgogne as it ripens, it has a soft red-orange rind that is edible and a strong smell.

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

• Milk treatment: Brie de Meaux Cheese (unpasteurized), Époisses Cheese (raw or pasteurized)
• Texture: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Soft), Époisses Cheese (Soft, creamy)
• Rind: Brie de Meaux Cheese (White mold), Époisses Cheese (Washed-rind)
• Aging: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Minimum of 4 weeks), Époisses Cheese (Minimum of 28 days)
• Taste: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Cream, butter, hazelnuts), Époisses Cheese (Subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Époisses Cheese brings subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced character. On the nose, Brie de Meaux Cheese offers buttery, sweet, contrasted with Époisses Cheese's undergrowth. More specifically, Brie de Meaux Cheese shows delicate aromas of cream, butter, and hazelnuts, while Époisses Cheese leans toward penetrating odor, undergrowth aromas, soft and melting, slightly crumbly center if not long matured, creamy sensation on the palette. Aging plays into this as well. Brie de Meaux Cheese at minimum of 4 weeks develops a different profile than Époisses Cheese at minimum of 28 days.

Can You Substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Époisses Cheese?

In most recipes, Brie de Meaux Cheese and Époisses 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, creamy. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts while Époisses Cheese brings subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced notes.

Which Is Better, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Époisses 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, creamy profile, Époisses Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese suits recipes that want cream, butter, hazelnuts notes, while Époisses Cheese fits dishes calling for subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brie de Meaux Cheese the same as Époisses Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Brie de Meaux Cheese is typically aged minimum of 4 weeks, Époisses Cheese minimum of 28 days.

Is Brie de Meaux Cheese similar to Époisses Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Époisses Cheese?

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

Does Brie de Meaux Cheese taste like Époisses Cheese?

Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Époisses Cheese is subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced. Aromas also diverge. Brie de Meaux Cheese leans buttery, sweet, and Époisses Cheese is closer to 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 Époisses Cheese made of?

Époisses Cheese is made from cow milk (raw or pasteurized). It's typically aged minimum of 28 days. It originates in France.

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

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