Brie de Meaux Cheese vs Parmesan Cheese

Brie de Meaux Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Parmesan Cheese is hard and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

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 Parmesan Cheese?

Parmesan, or Parmigiano Reggiano, is a hard granular cow's milk cheese from northern Italy, aged at least 12 months. It is known for its sharp, salty, savory taste, which comes from an unusually high level of glutamate.

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

• Origin: Brie de Meaux Cheese (France), Parmesan Cheese (Italy)
• Texture: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Soft), Parmesan Cheese (Hard)
• Rind: Brie de Meaux Cheese (White mold), Parmesan Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Minimum of 4 weeks), Parmesan Cheese (minimum 12 months, average 2 years)
• Taste: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Cream, butter, hazelnuts), Parmesan Cheese (salty, savory)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Parmesan Cheese brings salty, savory character. On the nose, Brie de Meaux Cheese offers buttery, sweet, contrasted with Parmesan Cheese's nutty, strong. More specifically, Brie de Meaux Cheese shows delicate aromas of cream, butter, and hazelnuts, while Parmesan Cheese leans toward sharp, salty, savory, strong umami. Aging plays into this as well. Brie de Meaux Cheese at minimum of 4 weeks develops a different profile than Parmesan Cheese at minimum 12 months, average 2 years.

Can You Substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Parmesan Cheese?

In most recipes, Brie de Meaux Cheese and Parmesan 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 hard. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts while Parmesan Cheese brings salty, savory notes.

Which Is Better, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Parmesan 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, Parmesan Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese suits recipes that want cream, butter, hazelnuts notes, while Parmesan Cheese fits dishes calling for salty, savory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brie de Meaux Cheese the same as Parmesan Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie de Meaux Cheese originates in France, while Parmesan Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Brie de Meaux Cheese is typically aged minimum of 4 weeks, Parmesan Cheese minimum 12 months, average 2 years.

Is Brie de Meaux Cheese similar to Parmesan Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Parmesan Cheese?

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

Does Brie de Meaux Cheese taste like Parmesan Cheese?

Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Parmesan Cheese is salty, savory. Aromas also diverge. Brie de Meaux Cheese leans buttery, sweet, and Parmesan Cheese is closer to nutty, 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 Parmesan Cheese made of?

Parmesan Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using animal (calf rennet) rennet. It's typically aged minimum 12 months, average 2 years. It originates in Italy.

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

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