Brie de Meaux Cheese vs Reblochon Cheese

Brie de Meaux Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Reblochon Cheese is ivory-colored, creamy and supple and made from cow milk, originating in France.

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 Reblochon Cheese?

Reblochon is a soft washed-rind and smear-ripened French cheese from the Alps region of Savoy. The cheese has a creamy, nutty taste under its orange-colored rind. It was traditionally made using the second milking of cows, which produces a richer milk. Reblochon is famously used in the dish "tartiflette," a gratin made with potatoes, bacon, and onions.

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

• Milk treatment: Brie de Meaux Cheese (unpasteurized), Reblochon Cheese (Raw)
• Texture: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Soft), Reblochon Cheese (Ivory-colored, creamy and supple)
• Rind: Brie de Meaux Cheese (White mold), Reblochon Cheese (Yellow-orange covered with a thin white mold)
• Aging: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Minimum of 4 weeks), Reblochon Cheese (3 to 4 months)
• Taste: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Cream, butter, hazelnuts), Reblochon Cheese (creamy, nutty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Reblochon Cheese brings creamy, nutty character. Aging plays into this as well. Brie de Meaux Cheese at minimum of 4 weeks develops a different profile than Reblochon Cheese at 3 to 4 months.

Can You Substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Reblochon Cheese?

In most recipes, Brie de Meaux Cheese and Reblochon 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 ivory-colored, creamy and supple. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts while Reblochon Cheese brings creamy, nutty notes.

Which Is Better, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Reblochon 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 ivory-colored, creamy and supple profile, Reblochon Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese suits recipes that want cream, butter, hazelnuts notes, while Reblochon Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy, nutty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brie de Meaux Cheese the same as Reblochon Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Brie de Meaux Cheese is typically aged minimum of 4 weeks, Reblochon Cheese 3 to 4 months.

Is Brie de Meaux Cheese similar to Reblochon Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Reblochon Cheese?

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

Does Brie de Meaux Cheese taste like Reblochon Cheese?

Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Reblochon Cheese is creamy, nutty.

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 Reblochon Cheese made of?

Reblochon Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using natural rennet. It's typically aged 3 to 4 months. It originates in France.

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

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie de Meaux Cheese is soft, while Reblochon Cheese is ivory-colored, creamy and supple.