Brie de Meaux Cheese vs Niolo Cheese

Brie de Meaux Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Niolo Cheese is soft and made from goat or sheep 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 Niolo Cheese?

Niolo is a Corsican sheep's or goat's milk cheese made only in the Niolo region, the high valley of the Golo. It is a flat square tomme with a washed ivory rind and a sticky paste that runs from mild to sharp or strong after 3 to 4 months in a damp cellar.

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

• Milk type: Brie de Meaux Cheese (cow's milk), Niolo Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk)
• Texture: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Soft), Niolo Cheese (soft)
• Rind: Brie de Meaux Cheese (White mold), Niolo Cheese (washed)
• Aging: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Minimum of 4 weeks), Niolo Cheese (3 to 4 months)
• Taste: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Cream, butter, hazelnuts), Niolo Cheese (mild, sharp or strong depending on aging)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Niolo Cheese brings mild, sharp or strong depending on aging character. On the nose, Brie de Meaux Cheese offers buttery, sweet, contrasted with Niolo Cheese's strong. More specifically, Brie de Meaux Cheese shows delicate aromas of cream, butter, and hazelnuts, while Niolo Cheese leans toward animal and spicy notes from damp cellar aging. Aging plays into this as well. Brie de Meaux Cheese at minimum of 4 weeks develops a different profile than Niolo Cheese at 3 to 4 months.

Can You Substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Niolo Cheese?

Brie de Meaux Cheese can stand in for Niolo 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 soft. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts while Niolo Cheese brings mild, sharp or strong depending on aging notes.

Which Is Better, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Niolo 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 profile, Niolo Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese suits recipes that want cream, butter, hazelnuts notes, while Niolo Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, sharp or strong depending on aging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brie de Meaux Cheese the same as Niolo Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie de Meaux Cheese is made from cow milk; Niolo Cheese uses goat or sheep. Aging also differs: Brie de Meaux Cheese is typically aged minimum of 4 weeks, Niolo Cheese 3 to 4 months.

Is Brie de Meaux Cheese similar to Niolo Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Niolo Cheese?

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

Does Brie de Meaux Cheese taste like Niolo Cheese?

Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Niolo Cheese is mild, sharp or strong depending on aging. Aromas also diverge. Brie de Meaux Cheese leans buttery, sweet, and Niolo Cheese is closer to 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 Niolo Cheese made of?

Niolo Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk. It's typically aged 3 to 4 months. It originates in France.

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

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