Brie de Meaux Cheese vs Kefalotyri Cheese
Brie de Meaux Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Kefalotyri Cheese is hard and made from goat or sheep milk, originating in Cyprus and Greece.
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 Kefalotyri Cheese?
Kefalotyri is a hard, salty cheese from Greece and Cyprus, made from sheep milk, goat milk, or both. It is known for grating over pasta and vegetables, and for saganaki, where slices are fried in olive oil.
What's the Difference Between Brie de Meaux Cheese and Kefalotyri Cheese?
- Origin: Brie de Meaux Cheese (France), Kefalotyri Cheese (Cyprus and Greece)
- Milk type: Brie de Meaux Cheese (cow's milk), Kefalotyri Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk)
- Milk treatment: Brie de Meaux Cheese (unpasteurized), Kefalotyri Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Soft), Kefalotyri Cheese (hard)
- Rind: Brie de Meaux Cheese (White mold), Kefalotyri Cheese (natural)
- Aging: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Minimum of 4 weeks), Kefalotyri Cheese (2 to 3 months)
- Taste: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Cream, butter, hazelnuts), Kefalotyri Cheese (salty, sharp, spicy, strong, tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brie de Meaux Cheese | Kefalotyri Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Cyprus And Greece |
| Specific Origin | Meaux | Greece And Cyprus |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat's or sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft | Hard |
| Rind | White mold | Natural |
| Aging | Minimum of 4 weeks | 2 to 3 months |
| Taste | Cream, butter, hazelnuts | Salty, sharp, spicy, strong, tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Brie de Meaux Cheese Taste Like Kefalotyri Cheese?
Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Kefalotyri Cheese brings salty, sharp, spicy, strong, tangy character. On the nose, Brie de Meaux Cheese offers buttery, sweet, contrasted with Kefalotyri Cheese's rich, strong. More specifically, Brie de Meaux Cheese shows delicate aromas of cream, butter, and hazelnuts, while Kefalotyri Cheese leans toward drier and stronger when aged a year or more. Aging plays into this as well. Brie de Meaux Cheese at minimum of 4 weeks develops a different profile than Kefalotyri Cheese at 2 to 3 months.
Can You Substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Kefalotyri Cheese?
Brie de Meaux Cheese can stand in for Kefalotyri 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 hard. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts while Kefalotyri Cheese brings salty, sharp, spicy, strong, tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Kefalotyri 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 hard profile, Kefalotyri Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese suits recipes that want cream, butter, hazelnuts notes, while Kefalotyri Cheese fits dishes calling for salty, sharp, spicy, strong, tangy.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brie de Meaux Cheese the same as Kefalotyri Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie de Meaux Cheese originates in France, while Kefalotyri Cheese comes from Cyprus and Greece. Brie de Meaux Cheese is made from cow milk; Kefalotyri Cheese uses goat or sheep. Aging also differs: Brie de Meaux Cheese is typically aged minimum of 4 weeks, Kefalotyri Cheese 2 to 3 months.
Is Brie de Meaux Cheese similar to Kefalotyri Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Kefalotyri Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Brie de Meaux Cheese taste like Kefalotyri Cheese?
Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Kefalotyri Cheese is salty, sharp, spicy, strong, tangy. Aromas also diverge. Brie de Meaux Cheese leans buttery, sweet, and Kefalotyri Cheese is closer to rich, strong.
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 Kefalotyri Cheese made of?
Kefalotyri Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 2 to 3 months. It originates in Cyprus and Greece.
Which should I choose, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Kefalotyri Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie de Meaux Cheese is soft, while Kefalotyri Cheese is hard.