Brie de Melun Cheese vs Chèvre (Goat Cheese)

Brie de Melun Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is soft and made from goat milk, originating in France.

What Is Brie de Melun Cheese?

Brie de Melun is a soft unpasteurised cow's milk cheese from the Brie region of France, one of only two bries the French government certifies. It is smaller than Brie de Meaux, with a stronger flavour and a more pungent smell, and has held AOC status since 1980.

What Is Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

Chèvre is the French name for cheese made from goat's milk. The classic French style is soft and creamy under a light colored rind, tart from the fatty acids in goat milk, and is sometimes served hot as chèvre chaud.

What's the Difference Between Brie de Melun Cheese and Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

• Milk type: Brie de Melun Cheese (Cow's milk), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (Goat's milk)
• Milk treatment: Brie de Melun Cheese (unpasteurized), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
• Rind: Brie de Melun Cheese (Bloomy), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (light colored)
• Aging: Brie de Melun Cheese (at least four or five weeks), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (not aged for long)
• Taste: Brie de Melun Cheese (salty, sharp, sour, strong), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Brie de Melun Cheese Taste Like Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

Brie de Melun Cheese reads as salty, sharp, sour, strong, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) brings tangy character. On the nose, Brie de Melun Cheese offers grassy, musty, contrasted with Chèvre (Goat Cheese)'s goaty. More specifically, Brie de Melun Cheese shows creamy, nutty, mushroom-like, slightly acidic, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) leans toward mild, creamy, sometimes fruity. Aging plays into this as well. Brie de Melun Cheese at at least four or five weeks develops a different profile than Chèvre (Goat Cheese) at not aged for long.

Can You Substitute Brie de Melun Cheese for Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

Brie de Melun Cheese can stand in for Chèvre (Goat Cheese) in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Flavor-wise, Brie de Melun Cheese reads as salty, sharp, sour, strong while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) brings tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Brie de Melun Cheese or Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Brie de Melun Cheese suits recipes that want salty, sharp, sour, strong notes, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) fits dishes calling for tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brie de Melun Cheese the same as Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie de Melun Cheese is made from cow milk; Chèvre (Goat Cheese) uses goat. Aging also differs: Brie de Melun Cheese is typically aged at least four or five weeks, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) not aged for long.

Is Brie de Melun Cheese similar to Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

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

Can I substitute Brie de Melun Cheese for Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

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

Does Brie de Melun Cheese taste like Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

Brie de Melun Cheese reads as salty, sharp, sour, strong, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is tangy. Aromas also diverge. Brie de Melun Cheese leans grassy, musty, and Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is closer to goaty.

What is Brie de Melun Cheese made of?

Brie de Melun Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged at least four or five weeks. It originates in France.

What is Chèvre (Goat Cheese) made of?

Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is made from goat milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It's typically aged not aged for long. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Brie de Melun Cheese or Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.