Brie de Meaux Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Brie de Meaux Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Brie de Meaux Cheese?

Brie de Meaux is a variety of Brie that is considered one of the finest cheeses in the world, holding AOC designation. It features a more complex flavor profile than regular Brie, including a rich, creamy interior with flavors of mushrooms, almonds, and truffles. Its rind is bloomy and edible, contributing a rustic, earthy note to its taste.

What Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano is an iconic Italian cheese produced in specific regions of Italy, including Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, and parts of Mantua and Bologna. It is made from raw cow's milk and aged at least 12 months, developing a deep, complex flavor that's slightly nutty and salty. Parmigiano Reggiano is essential in Italian cooking and as a finishing cheese.

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

• Origin: Brie de Meaux Cheese (France), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
• Milk treatment: Brie de Meaux Cheese (unpasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw)
• Texture: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Soft), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
• Rind: Brie de Meaux Cheese (White mold), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
• Aging: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Minimum of 4 weeks), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months)
• Taste: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Cream, butter, hazelnuts), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Brie de Meaux Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. On the nose, Brie de Meaux Cheese offers buttery, sweet, contrasted with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's mild, milky. More specifically, Brie de Meaux Cheese shows delicate aromas of cream, butter, and hazelnuts, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese leans toward lactic (fermented milk), sweet (fresh cream, melted butter), fruity or citrusy (apricot, banana, dried fruits, lemon, pineapple), balanced by savory nutty (hazelnut, walnut) and meaty. Aging plays into this as well. Brie de Meaux Cheese at minimum of 4 weeks develops a different profile than Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months.

Can You Substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

In most recipes, Brie de Meaux Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano 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 grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.

Which Is Better, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano 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 grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese suits recipes that want cream, butter, hazelnuts notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brie de Meaux Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie de Meaux Cheese originates in France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Brie de Meaux Cheese is typically aged minimum of 4 weeks, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 12 to 36 months.

Is Brie de Meaux Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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

Does Brie de Meaux Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami. Aromas also diverge. Brie de Meaux Cheese leans buttery, sweet, and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is closer to mild, milky.

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 Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese made of?

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using calf rennet. It's typically aged 12 to 36 months. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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