Brie de Meaux Cheese vs Rabacal Cheese

Brie de Meaux Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Rabacal Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from goat and sheep milk, originating in Portugal.

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 Rabacal Cheese?

Rabaçal is a Portuguese sheep's and goat's milk cheese from the village of Rabaçal in the Coimbra district, protected as a DOP since 1996. It is sold mainly as a hard cheese with a delicate, balanced taste that sharpens as it ages.

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

• Origin: Brie de Meaux Cheese (France), Rabacal Cheese (Portugal)
• Milk type: Brie de Meaux Cheese (cow's milk), Rabacal Cheese (goat's and sheep's milk)
• Texture: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Soft), Rabacal Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
• Rind: Brie de Meaux Cheese (White mold), Rabacal Cheese (smooth, dry to slightly oily)
• Taste: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Cream, butter, hazelnuts), Rabacal Cheese (smooth)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Rabacal Cheese brings smooth character. On the nose, Brie de Meaux Cheese offers buttery, sweet, contrasted with Rabacal Cheese's herbal, from the local pasture herbs. More specifically, Brie de Meaux Cheese shows delicate aromas of cream, butter, and hazelnuts, while Rabacal Cheese leans toward delicate and balanced, stronger and more aromatic with age.

Can You Substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Rabacal Cheese?

Brie de Meaux Cheese can stand in for Rabacal 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 semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts while Rabacal Cheese brings smooth notes.

Which Is Better, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Rabacal 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 semi-hard, artisan profile, Rabacal Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese suits recipes that want cream, butter, hazelnuts notes, while Rabacal Cheese fits dishes calling for smooth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brie de Meaux Cheese the same as Rabacal Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie de Meaux Cheese originates in France, while Rabacal Cheese comes from Portugal. Brie de Meaux Cheese is made from cow milk; Rabacal Cheese uses goat and sheep.

Is Brie de Meaux Cheese similar to Rabacal Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Rabacal Cheese?

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

Does Brie de Meaux Cheese taste like Rabacal Cheese?

Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Rabacal Cheese is smooth. Aromas also diverge. Brie de Meaux Cheese leans buttery, sweet, and Rabacal Cheese is closer to herbal, from the local pasture herbs.

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 Rabacal Cheese made of?

Rabacal Cheese is made from goat and sheep milk, using animal rennet. It originates in Portugal.

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

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