Brie de Melun Cheese vs Camembert Cheese
Brie de Melun Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Brie de Melun Cheese?
Brie de Melun is a traditional French cheese made from unpasteurized cow's milk, originating from the region of Melun. It has a soft texture and a creamy white color, covered with a bloomy rind. The flavor is notably salty, sharp, and strong, with a hint of sourness, creating a bold taste experience. Its aroma is grassy and musty, adding to its rustic character. This cheese is recognized as a PDO product, ensuring its authenticity and quality. Brie de Melun is also known by the synonym Brie Noir. It pairs well with rustic breads and robust red wines.
What Is Camembert Cheese?
Camembert is a famous French cheese with a soft, creamy interior and a bloomy rind. It's made from cow's milk and has a rich, buttery flavor with earthy undertones. True Camembert from Normandy has a slightly more intense flavor compared to other varieties and becomes runnier as it ages.
What's the Difference Between Brie de Melun Cheese and Camembert Cheese?
- Texture: Brie de Melun Cheese (Soft), Camembert Cheese (soft, artisan)
- Taste: Brie de Melun Cheese (salty, sharp, sour, strong), Camembert Cheese (sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brie de Melun Cheese | Camembert Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Melun | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Bloomy | Bloomy |
| Taste | Salty, sharp, sour, strong | Sweet |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Brie de Melun Cheese | Camembert Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | — | Beaujolais, Bordeaux, Burgundy Red, Gamay, Grüner Veltliner, Hard Cider, Viognier |
| Other Good Pairings | — | Cabernet Franc, Cava, Champagne, Crackers, Fig Jam, Fruit Compote, Grapes, Kolsch, Merlot, Raspberry, Sparkling Rosé, White Burgundy |
Which would you pick?
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Where to buy Brie de Melun Cheese and Camembert Cheese
Brie de Melun Cheese
Camembert Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Brie de Melun Cheese Taste Like Camembert Cheese?
Brie de Melun Cheese reads as salty, sharp, sour, strong, while Camembert Cheese brings sweet character. On the nose, Brie de Melun Cheese offers grassy, musty, contrasted with Camembert Cheese's buttery, rich.
Can You Substitute Brie de Melun Cheese for Camembert Cheese?
In most recipes, Brie de Melun Cheese and Camembert 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 soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Brie de Melun Cheese reads as salty, sharp, sour, strong while Camembert Cheese brings sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Brie de Melun Cheese or Camembert 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 Melun Cheese. For a soft, artisan profile, Camembert Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie de Melun Cheese suits recipes that want salty, sharp, sour, strong notes, while Camembert Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brie de Melun Cheese the same as Camembert Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Brie de Melun Cheese similar to Camembert Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Brie de Melun Cheese for Camembert Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Brie de Melun Cheese taste like Camembert Cheese?
Brie de Melun Cheese reads as salty, sharp, sour, strong, while Camembert Cheese is sweet. Aromas also diverge. Brie de Melun Cheese leans grassy, musty, and Camembert Cheese is closer to buttery, rich.
What is Brie de Melun Cheese made of?
Brie de Melun Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It originates in France.
What is Camembert Cheese made of?
Camembert Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Brie de Melun Cheese or Camembert Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie de Melun Cheese is soft, while Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan.
See full profiles: Brie de Melun Cheese and Camembert Cheese.