Brie de Meaux Cheese vs Ricotta di Bufala Campana Cheese

Share:

Brie de Meaux Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Ricotta di Bufala Campana Cheese is soft, moist and made from buffalo milk.

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 Ricotta di Bufala Campana Cheese?

Ricotta di bufala campana is a fresh dairy product made by coagulating buffalo whey in parts of Campania, Lazio, Puglia and Molise. It is a protected designation of origin, known for its porcelain white paste and fresh, delicately sweet taste.

What's the Difference Between Brie de Meaux Cheese and Ricotta di Bufala Campana Cheese?

  • Milk type: Brie de Meaux Cheese (cow's milk), Ricotta di Bufala Campana Cheese (Buffalo's)
  • Milk treatment: Brie de Meaux Cheese (unpasteurized), Ricotta di Bufala Campana Cheese (Whey)
  • Texture: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Soft), Ricotta di Bufala Campana Cheese (Soft, moist)
  • Rind: Brie de Meaux Cheese (White mold), Ricotta di Bufala Campana Cheese (None)
  • Aging: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Minimum of 4 weeks), Ricotta di Bufala Campana Cheese (Fresh)
  • Taste: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Cream, butter, hazelnuts), Ricotta di Bufala Campana Cheese (Sweet, slightly creamy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Brie de Meaux Cheese Ricotta di Bufala Campana Cheese
Country of Origin France —
Specific Origin Meaux Campania
Milk Type Cow's milk Buffalo's
Milk Treatment Unpasteurized Whey
Texture Soft Soft, moist
Rind White mold None
Aging Minimum of 4 weeks Fresh
Taste Cream, butter, hazelnuts Sweet, slightly creamy

Taste Comparison: Does Brie de Meaux Cheese Taste Like Ricotta di Bufala Campana Cheese?

Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Ricotta di Bufala Campana Cheese brings sweet, slightly creamy character. On the nose, Brie de Meaux Cheese offers buttery, sweet, contrasted with Ricotta di Bufala Campana Cheese's mild. More specifically, Brie de Meaux Cheese shows delicate aromas of cream, butter, and hazelnuts, while Ricotta di Bufala Campana Cheese leans toward characteristic delicate and sweet flavor. Aging plays into this as well. Brie de Meaux Cheese at minimum of 4 weeks develops a different profile than Ricotta di Bufala Campana Cheese at fresh.

Can You Substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Ricotta di Bufala Campana Cheese?

Brie de Meaux Cheese can stand in for Ricotta di Bufala Campana 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, moist. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts while Ricotta di Bufala Campana Cheese brings sweet, slightly creamy notes.

Which Is Better, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Ricotta di Bufala Campana 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, moist profile, Ricotta di Bufala Campana Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese suits recipes that want cream, butter, hazelnuts notes, while Ricotta di Bufala Campana Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet, slightly creamy.

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brie de Meaux Cheese the same as Ricotta di Bufala Campana Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie de Meaux Cheese is made from cow milk; Ricotta di Bufala Campana Cheese uses buffalo. Aging also differs: Brie de Meaux Cheese is typically aged minimum of 4 weeks, Ricotta di Bufala Campana Cheese fresh.

Is Brie de Meaux Cheese similar to Ricotta di Bufala Campana Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Ricotta di Bufala Campana Cheese?

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

Does Brie de Meaux Cheese taste like Ricotta di Bufala Campana Cheese?

Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Ricotta di Bufala Campana Cheese is sweet, slightly creamy. Aromas also diverge. Brie de Meaux Cheese leans buttery, sweet, and Ricotta di Bufala Campana Cheese is closer to mild.

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 Ricotta di Bufala Campana Cheese made of?

Ricotta di Bufala Campana Cheese is made from buffalo milk (whey), using animal rennet. It's typically aged fresh.

Which should I choose, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Ricotta di Bufala Campana Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie de Meaux Cheese is soft, while Ricotta di Bufala Campana Cheese is soft, moist.